Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations, Branding

The advertising industry encompasses a range of key roles, including new business development, account services, account planning, creative, media, and production. Within the marketing sector, professionals utilize research data and consumer feedback to evaluate demand and identify potential markets for products and services. Prominent areas of specialization include product management, brand management, marketing analytics, digital marketing, and content marketing. Public relations, by contrast, is concerned with managing the image and reputation of an organization or individual. It focuses on securing unpaid or “earned” media through strategic initiatives such as relationship-building, media pitching, and the dissemination of press releases.

Finding Internships

Landing an advertising, marketing, or public relations internship can be a competitive process. The more you know about the field, network, and follow up after applying, the better your chances will be. Though you may submit a formal application online, knowing someone on the inside will generally get you in the door faster. Conduct informational interviews with alumni or peers who work in marketing as a way of learning more about the role and getting referrals to HR contacts. Meet professionals at career fairs or industry events and follow-up after you apply to reiterate your interest.

Finding Jobs

Formal internships are the best way to build the direct skills needed to be a competitive applicant. You can build experience in creative ways, for example volunteering to create a comprehensive marketing and social media strategy for a local restaurant, or drafting a press release for a large student–run event. For some positions, such as brand strategy, both quantitative and qualitative backgrounds provide a solid foundation. Most applicants start with entry-level positions to gain experience, then work their way up. Connect with employers through events hosted by student organizations, our office, or other Harvard institutes.

Graduate and Professional Programs

In many cases, an MBA is required for brand management tracks and is considered a pre-requisite for management positions in many industries. A master’s degree in Digital Marketing or Marketing Analytics, for example, may not be required, but it may still be helpful to develop the technical skills necessary to be a competitive applicant. Conduct informational interviews of people working in the position you hope to obtain to ensure you’re spending your time and tuition dollars wisely.

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