Integrated Advertising & Public Relations College to Career Major Map
The integrated advertising and public relations college to career major map gives options so you can select what best matches your interests and goals. Start thinking about your future now and build a path throughout your MSUM career that will prepare you for success.
Printable version of Integrated Advertising & Public Relations College to Career Major Map [PDF]
Academics
- Start taking LASC courses as well as foundational and core Integrated Advertising & Public Relations courses.
- Need a little help in your classes? Look into tutoring with the Academic Success Center.
On-Campus Experience
- Join a major specific student organization such as Public Relations Student Society of American (PRSSA).
- Participate in Student Life Pathways to continue growing your skills/knowledge outside of the classroom. We recommend starting with the Community Life Pathway.
Connect to the Community
- Start building your professional network by attending community events such as StartUp Brew Fargo, ND Professional Communicators, and MN PRSA.
- Participate in PR North with the MSUM Chapter of PRSSA.
Understand Your Career
- Explore your interests, skills, and values and learn about the career readiness competencies by taking the FOCUS 2, an online assessment free for all MSUM students.
- Schedule an appointment with the Career Development Center to review your FOCUS 2 results and to begin building your resume.
Academics
- Take a deeper dive into the discipline of Integrated Advertising & Public Relations. Begin considering a minor in Mass Communications, Media Analysis or Sports Communication.
On-Campus Experience
- Find an on-campus job or part-time position in the community. Visit Dragon Jobs powered by Handshake, or one of the many other online job boards to find opportunities.
- Continue your involvement in PRSSA and consider joining Flypaper. Make progress on the Student Life Pathways. Try working your way through the Personal Wellness and the Equity and Inclusion paths.
Connect to the Community
- Join LinkedIn to begin building your professional network and online presence. Think of your profile as a virtual resume and make sure to update it regularly to reflect new jobs, research, coursework, volunteering, involvement, and skills.
- Develop on online portfolio to showcase your work and participate in PR North or the Student Advertising Summit.
Understand Your Career
- Start researching potential career paths on O*Net or the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Here, you will be able to find valuable information such as typical tasks associated with the profession, skills, and knowledge needed, education and licensures needed, wages and employment trends, professional organizations, and related occupations. We suggest you search for careers such as Advertising, Promotions & Marketing Manager.
Academics
- In addition to getting your access code, schedule an appointment with your Academic Advisor to ensure you're on track for graduation.
- Take inventory of your professional goals and decide if your future will need to include graduate school. Take the necessary exams and begin submitting applications to programs that will help you achieve your goals.
On-Campus Experience
- Begin your leadership journey by running for a leadership position in your student organization. Find other available leadership positions on Dragon Jobs in early spring.
- During your third year, we suggest focusing on the Professional Success and Contribution and Influence Student Life Pathways. These will help connect you to potential employers and develop skills for success post graduation.
Connect to the Community
- Continue your involvement with on and off-campus events and organizations. Check out events hosted by the FMWF Chamber of Commerce, Emerging Prairie, and the Economic Development Corporation.
- Participate in PR North or the Student Advertising Summit and the Executive Mentorship Program to get connected with a local professional.
Understand Your Career
- Attend professional development related events on-campus, and connect with faculty to learn more about the field and gain insights on how to be successful in your job search.
- Find an internship or part-time job with a local or regional firm to learn the ins and outs of your chosen career. Before applying, schedule an appointment with the Career Development Center to help you prepare.
Academics
- Participate in the Marcil Center for Innovative Journalism. This program gives students the opportunity for scholarships, apprenticeships, and enrichment programs, including conferences and professional collaboration.
- Ensure you submit your application for graduation on time.
On-Campus Experience
- Assess what experiences or skills are areas of growth for you and fill in gaps with volunteering, organizations, or part-time employment.
- Finish up your pathways and be sure to add your accomplishments to your LinkedIn and resume.
Connect to the Community
- Join professional organizations such as MN PRSA or AdFed to gain access to research, continuing education opportunities, job boards, and message boards.
- Get involved in a community organization such as the Young Professionals Network to continue building your professional network.
Understand Your Career
- Network relentlessly! Attend the spring Career Fairs to get connected to employers looking to hire soon-to-be grads. Check Dragon Central for more information.
- Schedule appointments with a Career Coach to go over your professional documents and to prepare for upcoming interviews. And remember, once a dragon always a dragon. You have access to these services for life.
What skills do I need to be successful in Integrated Advertising & Public Relations?
- analytics
- communication
- creativity
- decision making
- interpersonal
- organizational
- teamwork
Thankfully, through coursework, on-campus involvement, part-time employment, and internships, you will be prepared for life post-graduation.
What can I do with an Integrated Advertising & Public Relations degree?
A degree in integrated advertising and public relations can take your career in many directions. Most students choose to enter the workforce right after graduation while others continue their education after a few years in the workforce. Our students are equipped with a strong foundation for their career. Check out the Integrated Advertising & Public Relations Careers & Outcomes page to learn more about what careers you can have with an integrated advertising and public relations degree.