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What colleges have the best marketing programs? US or International
I'm not sure what branch of marketing I will go into but I'm thinking about digital, social media, and/or content marketing. I also love the idea of becoming an entrepreneur, but I'm not sure if that should play a role in my college decisions. #general #social-media #college #university #major #minor #business #tips #highschool #entrepreneur #majors #entrepreneurship
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5 answers
Updated
Louise’s Answer
Hi Lainey,
It's great that you already know you want to go into marketing and have some idea of the areas. You seem to be particularly interested in content creation. I'm a copywriter, which means I write the words that go into ads, including website copy, TV and radio scripts, and billboards. I can recommend the Strategic Communications (Advertising) program at the Missouri School of Journalism, my alma mater. It's the top-rated journalism school in the world and the advertising program is top-notch.
It's great that you already know you want to go into marketing and have some idea of the areas. You seem to be particularly interested in content creation. I'm a copywriter, which means I write the words that go into ads, including website copy, TV and radio scripts, and billboards. I can recommend the Strategic Communications (Advertising) program at the Missouri School of Journalism, my alma mater. It's the top-rated journalism school in the world and the advertising program is top-notch.
Updated
Grace’s Answer
Hi Lainey, if you are interested in schools in the New York area, I am an Advertising and Integrated Marketing major at Pace University NYC! I have done some really informative group projects in marketing that will definitely prepare me for the job hunt. I've put together creative strategy briefs for a new brand, created an international advertising plan, and conducted consumer research for a real client. If you're not sure what you want to go into, the marketing program at the Lubin School of Business offers a wide array of electives, as well as a Digital Marketing minor! I have also joined an amazing organization called the American Marketing Association that extremely helpful helpful and has connected me with many peers. If you are a Marketing major, so I would look for schools with this organization, or a similar national marketing organization.
I can only speak to NYC colleges, but I've heard Baruch College and Fordham University have good programs as well. If you are looking for a SUNY or CUNY school, this article about 2021 universities has a few listed: https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/marketing/rankings/top-ranked/middle-atlantic/new-york/.
This article also has a wide variety of other universities across different states: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-marketing.
Best of luck on your search!
I can only speak to NYC colleges, but I've heard Baruch College and Fordham University have good programs as well. If you are looking for a SUNY or CUNY school, this article about 2021 universities has a few listed: https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/marketing/rankings/top-ranked/middle-atlantic/new-york/.
This article also has a wide variety of other universities across different states: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-marketing.
Best of luck on your search!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi Lainey!
It's so awesome that you have a direction and aspirations for your future career. Based on your interests in digital, social, and content marketing, you might want to look for programs that offer specialties in that area under the marketing major. You might also consider schools that have communications programs to provide an additional or minor course of study.
In terms of which schools are the "best"--that really depends on what is best for you! Something you may consider is identifying a company that you could see yourself working at and doing some research about where their marketers went to college. (This could include looking at their marketing communications leaders or searching that company on LinkedIn.) Obviously, most large companies have employees who graduated from many, many universities, but you may see certain colleges popping up repeatedly. As you begin to tour specific colleges, you should always, always ask the question: "What resources are available to help students land their dream job?" Look for something beyond the typical "career services" answer. Do any companies recruit for marketing on campus? Is there a strong alumni network that your school will put you in touch with? Can you work with a coach who gets to know you over the course of your college career? Stronger programs will likely have stronger pipelines to employers.
As a final note, you mention being interested in entrepreneurship but you're not sure if you should base your college decision on this. There are many paths to entrepreneurship, but since you've identified this interest I think you should absolutely weigh it in your decision about your future studies. Speaking from the US perspective, being an entrepreneur is easy, but being a successful entrepreneur is really hard! Only 25% of new companies are still in business at the 15 year mark! To give yourself the best advantage, maybe consider schools with a strong marketing communications program in addition to a strong business school. Take finance, accounting, business law, strategy, and economics. Identify industries you're interested in and learn everything you can about them. Learn how to raise capital and manage cash flow. Look for schools with programs that support young entrepreneurs. You never know what opportunities might pop up!
It's so awesome that you have a direction and aspirations for your future career. Based on your interests in digital, social, and content marketing, you might want to look for programs that offer specialties in that area under the marketing major. You might also consider schools that have communications programs to provide an additional or minor course of study.
In terms of which schools are the "best"--that really depends on what is best for you! Something you may consider is identifying a company that you could see yourself working at and doing some research about where their marketers went to college. (This could include looking at their marketing communications leaders or searching that company on LinkedIn.) Obviously, most large companies have employees who graduated from many, many universities, but you may see certain colleges popping up repeatedly. As you begin to tour specific colleges, you should always, always ask the question: "What resources are available to help students land their dream job?" Look for something beyond the typical "career services" answer. Do any companies recruit for marketing on campus? Is there a strong alumni network that your school will put you in touch with? Can you work with a coach who gets to know you over the course of your college career? Stronger programs will likely have stronger pipelines to employers.
As a final note, you mention being interested in entrepreneurship but you're not sure if you should base your college decision on this. There are many paths to entrepreneurship, but since you've identified this interest I think you should absolutely weigh it in your decision about your future studies. Speaking from the US perspective, being an entrepreneur is easy, but being a successful entrepreneur is really hard! Only 25% of new companies are still in business at the 15 year mark! To give yourself the best advantage, maybe consider schools with a strong marketing communications program in addition to a strong business school. Take finance, accounting, business law, strategy, and economics. Identify industries you're interested in and learn everything you can about them. Learn how to raise capital and manage cash flow. Look for schools with programs that support young entrepreneurs. You never know what opportunities might pop up!
Updated
Brittany’s Answer
Hi Lainey!
Congratulations on following your passions and interests! That is the first step. Marketing is a unique field where you are able to go in many directions with your major, i.e. English, Business Administration, Communication. I even know people who majored in Economics and Theatre who are now marketers! There are so many transferable skills that can be applied to marketing as a whole, so I would say follow your interests. Take classes in multiple areas and see what peaks your interest. I majored in Communications in college and loved that the major taught me how people process messages and information, which helps me now as a storyteller and a marketer.
Understanding a business at it's core is also a great skill, so like others mentioned, attending a business professional school in undergrad ( ex USC Marshall, UC Berkeley Haas) can be a great path forward, especially if you are interested in becoming an entrepreneur. There you will have exposure to marketing classes. I would look up business schools for undergraduate programs in locations that you would want to go to school and reach out to students to speak through their experience. Go visit the schools if you can as well!
As a final note, you seem to be very interested in content creation and social media! Use the tools around you and play around with them and become a content creator yourself to learn the platform. You will learn so much my getting real experience. Some of my best learning environments have been work settings and internships where I was able to learn from products itself and others around me. Try reaching out to people on Linkedin at brands that you admire and ask for informational interviews. Tell them your goals and why you interested in speaking with them. You never know where it can lead.
Best of luck and reach out if you have any more questions!
Best,
Brittany
Best,
Brittany
Congratulations on following your passions and interests! That is the first step. Marketing is a unique field where you are able to go in many directions with your major, i.e. English, Business Administration, Communication. I even know people who majored in Economics and Theatre who are now marketers! There are so many transferable skills that can be applied to marketing as a whole, so I would say follow your interests. Take classes in multiple areas and see what peaks your interest. I majored in Communications in college and loved that the major taught me how people process messages and information, which helps me now as a storyteller and a marketer.
Understanding a business at it's core is also a great skill, so like others mentioned, attending a business professional school in undergrad ( ex USC Marshall, UC Berkeley Haas) can be a great path forward, especially if you are interested in becoming an entrepreneur. There you will have exposure to marketing classes. I would look up business schools for undergraduate programs in locations that you would want to go to school and reach out to students to speak through their experience. Go visit the schools if you can as well!
As a final note, you seem to be very interested in content creation and social media! Use the tools around you and play around with them and become a content creator yourself to learn the platform. You will learn so much my getting real experience. Some of my best learning environments have been work settings and internships where I was able to learn from products itself and others around me. Try reaching out to people on Linkedin at brands that you admire and ask for informational interviews. Tell them your goals and why you interested in speaking with them. You never know where it can lead.
Best of luck and reach out if you have any more questions!
Best,
Brittany
Best,
Brittany
Updated
RAVI’s Answer
Lainey,
Good to see you are focused on marketing, because this indicates that you already have done some research into what your future is!
Selecting a specific aspect of marketing, as well as a specific college, would involve some more research on your part! I do not have a lot of knowledge on international schools, but here is something about US Schools and business education.
There are many business schools like NYU (New York), UPENN-Wharton School of Business (Philadelphia), Kellogg's School of Business in the mid-west, Stanford in California, etc., just to name a few. A lot more information processing needs to take place on your end before you decide on the right school for you, but here are a few things to consider!
1. How far are you ready to go for college? You may want to stay close or go far based on your preference and plans.
2. What are your chances of getting into these schools (GPA, and SAT)? You should apply to something that you have a high probability of getting into looking at the university web site on their admission criteria. You should also apply to schools that are harder to get into. You never know! Just make sure you also have backup plans.
3. Climate conditions - if you like warm weather look for universities in the warmer regions.
4. Affordability - look at your financial options and see the universities fit your affordability. In-state schools are much cheaper and probably provide comparable quality.
5. See the schools that support your program using Naviance in your high-school. Contact your guidance counselor.
At the end of the day, it is all up to you, not the college itself, that will ensure your success in a specific marketing program. Pick the place that you feel like you will fit well in and be able to succeed in. In regards to business, rather than the prestige of the school, it is often the activities you partake in, such as internships and corporate partnerships with the school, that will help you better prepare for success.
Good luck!
Good to see you are focused on marketing, because this indicates that you already have done some research into what your future is!
Selecting a specific aspect of marketing, as well as a specific college, would involve some more research on your part! I do not have a lot of knowledge on international schools, but here is something about US Schools and business education.
There are many business schools like NYU (New York), UPENN-Wharton School of Business (Philadelphia), Kellogg's School of Business in the mid-west, Stanford in California, etc., just to name a few. A lot more information processing needs to take place on your end before you decide on the right school for you, but here are a few things to consider!
1. How far are you ready to go for college? You may want to stay close or go far based on your preference and plans.
2. What are your chances of getting into these schools (GPA, and SAT)? You should apply to something that you have a high probability of getting into looking at the university web site on their admission criteria. You should also apply to schools that are harder to get into. You never know! Just make sure you also have backup plans.
3. Climate conditions - if you like warm weather look for universities in the warmer regions.
4. Affordability - look at your financial options and see the universities fit your affordability. In-state schools are much cheaper and probably provide comparable quality.
5. See the schools that support your program using Naviance in your high-school. Contact your guidance counselor.
At the end of the day, it is all up to you, not the college itself, that will ensure your success in a specific marketing program. Pick the place that you feel like you will fit well in and be able to succeed in. In regards to business, rather than the prestige of the school, it is often the activities you partake in, such as internships and corporate partnerships with the school, that will help you better prepare for success.
Good luck!