If I jumped in a time machine & went back to school…

Last week I was asked, “I’m hoping to pursue a career in advertising/marketing. What advice would you give to me as I pursue my education & career?” Here’s what I shared; it’s just my two cents.

Even though I studied public relations and journalism in college, very little of that formal education makes me more effective in my current role. If I had the chance to go back and do it all over again, I would concentrate in psychology and sociology. And, here’s why. Culture moves and the methods (and technologies) for design, marketing, advertising, etc., change rapidly and frequently. For all of that stuff… you keep up, learn on the job, read blogs, watch real life wins and misses on the go. It’s just in time, all the time. However, people are the same despite where culture moves. I believe, the more you learn about and understand the human condition—the more successful you’ll be in any communications role.

Comments

[Brannon Hancock]

I share the sentiment, Kem, that the most obvious degree might not necessarily be the most beneficial to one's formation. Additional thoughts (not talking about "degrees" but just areas of study/coursework): some theology/religious studies wouldn't hurt...especially for those wanting to serve the church. and study some literature, too. I took some psychology but I venture to say I learned more about the human condition reading contemporary fiction and by learning to think theologically. Of course this is coming from a worship pastor who has a BA in English and two graduate degrees in "literature, theology and the arts" (and only a minor in music). So I'm a little weird.

[Kelley]

Kem, you have no idea how validating this post was for me. I call myself the "accidental communications director" because my degrees are in psych and counseling. Thank you for the microburst of confidence this brought my way!

[Ryan Ricketts]

This is an interesting point, but allow me to counter: I would argue that a degree in psychology or sociology will not afford you the same job opportunities coming out of school than if you majored in something more marketable. My friends who majored in those areas are having difficulty just getting interviews, while the business-related fields have less of a problem.

Just a thought.

[Edgar Diaz]

Good point! Looking back, one thing that surprises me about college was that they taught us a lot of technical and theoretical knowledge - but very little about how to communicate and interact successfully with people.

[Jen Armstrong]

There should be a university that lets real world professionals design the degree programs based on the actual skills needed to do the job.

Great, now I want to start a university...