Why Study Marketing at Columbia
Why study Marketing Communication at Columbia College Chicago?
As a student majoring in Marketing Communication at Columbia College, you will be “cross-trained” in the basics of Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations. We have found that this cross-training will make you more desirable as a "hire" in the marketing communications field, where professionals want well-rounded students who have integrated knowledge as well as the skills in their specialized concentrations.
Unlike most post-secondary institutions, it is normal to begin taking these classes your freshmen year. By the end of sophomore year, students have a good idea of which marketing communication concentration they would like to focus on; marketing, public relations, advertising, sports marketing.
What are some classes the Marketing Communication Department at Columbia College offers?
Global Marketing
A course that investigates the ways marketers adapt or redesign their product, packaging, price determination, and distribution for diverse markets throughout the world. Students will explore the local differences, including culture, economy, politics, and geography, that must be factored into any global marketing initiative.
Copywriter/Art Director Team
Offered jointly by the Art & Design Department and the Marketing Communication Department, this course teaches students to work in copywriter/art director teams to develop advertising campaigns. Reflecting standard advertising agency practice, this course sensitizes students to the interdisciplinary nature of the creative process.
Special Events and Promotions
This course focuses is on the public relations techniques of special events, including event planning, management, and production. Students learn to create, plan, budget, implement, and evaluate events, ranging from parades and marathons and road race events to product launches and theme parties. Students participate in at least three special events during the semester and complete a final exam where they plan, promote, create, and orchestrate a silent auction fundraiser for a nonprofit organization.
What do companies think about their Columbia College interns compared to other colleges and universities?
Based on the intern evaluations the Internship Coordinator has collected from the companies that have hired our students, Columbia College Marketing Communication interns are rated above average and excel in performance compared to interns from other schools.
What’s Students are Saying on RateMyProfessor.com
• Sandra Allen, Director of Public Relation Studies is an incredible professor. She's challenging, interesting, and very clear. If you prove yourself worthy, she has no problem opening doors for you!
• Herb Allen, Associate Professor is an amazing teacher. He makes you think outside the box. His teachings spur a lot of thinking and he makes you look at things from a marketer’s point of view. Very, very satisfied.
• Shanita Akintonde, Associate Professor Culture, Race and Media with this Instructor is incredible. She creates an atmosphere that makes you interested. She is fair with all topics discussed. There's a lot of reading, but it's all worth it. I'd take her class again.
What will I be able to show to potential employers when I graduate if I am not a graphic designer?
In several Marketing Communication classes, students work in teams taking on different tasks of a marketing challenge. If graphic design is not one student’s strength, there are many other aspects of marketing that can be shown in a portfolio such as multimedia presentations, writing samples (very important in the PR world), and other materials from presentations. By the end of freshmen year, it is likely you will already have the beginnings of a portfolio, at least one you can use to snag internships!
How soon should I get an internship, and why should I get an internship?
The marketing communications department suggests students get their first for-credit internship their sophomore year of college. An internship will help you gain experience and determine if your interest in a particular career matches your abilities. More and more employers are seeking students who have taken internships because they believe those students will not only have experience but also a better understanding of the workplace environment.
What can I expect during finals week?
Course finals are normally made up of a test and/or a project. Projects usually include portfolio pieces, group or individual presentations, campaign presentations, a paper etc.
When / How long are classes?
Classes are normally 3 hours long… ONCE a week. This allows for a 2-3 day school week and plenty of time to load your resume up with work and/or dream internship experiences!
How can I use the information I learn in my Marketing classes in my future career even if I don’t end up in a marketing role?
The skills you acquire at Columbia are sought after by most business and companies. Every class you take here is a chance to hone your critical thinking, problem solving, organizational and communication abilities. With most instructors still working in the marketing field, concepts and technologies are taught in real time. When you graduate with a degree in Marketing Communication you are taking away, not just a piece of paper, but also a set of skills that will benefit you for a lifetime.