Know-How Exchange : Career/Training

Kieran, what's your opinion about other Univs. Such as Medill School at Northwestern, Florida State U, Golden Gate U., Roosevelt U., Illinois Insti. Stuart B-School, Michigan State U. and Emerson College? Do you have any idea about any of this univ. since these are my shortlisted univ. for MS Program? or Suggest me any other Advertising School if you know.

are you an alumni of Brandcentre? Are the VCU Brandcentre's Programs Expensive?

To be honest I am bit worried about job opportunities in USA after my MS Program. Courses related to Advertising and Mass Communication are expensive compared to engineering courses, am I right? In India people whom I have met (my seniors at office, my professors, clients etc.) have little knowledge about MS programs (in advertising) in USA and the opportunities. It's only because of my research through internet and advertising magazines I came to know about MS Programs and then I decided to apply for fall 2009. However after economy recession in USA I started questioning myself again and again about my decision.

My friends and relatives who are in USA have different opinions. Some say, its good time to go and study since job market at this moment is tougher, there are many layoffs everyday. After two years the situation may change there will be many job vacancies (good opportunities) as the economy will be stable. Where as my friends who are pursuing their Grad. (MS) are advising me to wait till the economy retrieves from depression. Two of my friends came back to India due to the recession. One had MS in engineering from TEXAS TECH Univ. and other had MBA from BU. They say percentage of Unemployed Grads. is huge currently. In India they are experiencing- job market is good compared to USA but they are not getting paid much. Company offers good salary package to MS Grad’s, if you have worked at least for 2 years in USA.

Your inputs will be appreciated and can help me in making good decision. :) thanks a lot! waiting for reply.

Hello Isaac, thanks for the "Culture fit" point you mentioned here. You know my background I want to become Marketing Communications Manager in future and that's why I am finding the best way to reach my goal. I have handled few national and international clients in my 2.5 years experience of ad agency. Client servicing and Account management are crucial departments of an ad agency. Though I feel account managers can not concentrate on brands as they always have loads of work. I doesn't mean they can not enjoy advertising field. At client side you can concentrate on your brand and formulate good strategies. I talked with few clients who hold Marcomm Manager Post. All of them have worked in ad agencies for some 5 to 10 years and then they have jumped to client side and now earning good amount.

While working in ad agency I found that in MBA program concept of advertising was covered in a brief chapter. However it was enough to whet my appetite for advertising and finally I got job in ad agency. Now I feel I should learn in Advertising school which will help me not only gain mastery of advertising but also in getting better job and soon I can switch to client side. Do you think this path will work?

If I do not get admission in a reputed university in USA, I will cancel or postpone the decision. Thanks for your advice in terms of finance, time and efforts. Now I have also started thinking of advertising institutes in India. At least I will save that big amount (20-25 lakh) for my future. 

What is your opinion about:
1) "Northpoint Centre of learning" which is at Khandala, started by Lintas India and IPG, USA.
2) IIMC, Delhi. (Indian Institute of Mass Communication)
3) Amity School of Communication

Any input will be appreciated and can help me in making good decision. :) thanks a lot! waiting for reply.

Hello Isaac, thanks for the "Culture fit" point you mentioned here. You know my background I want to become Marketing Communications Manager in future and that's why I am finding the best way to reach my goal. I have handled few national and international clients in my 2.5 years experience of ad agency. Client servicing and Account management are crucial departments of an ad agency. Though I feel account managers can not concentrate on brands as they always have loads of work. I doesn't mean they can not enjoy advertising field. At client side you can concentrate on your brand and formulate good strategies. I talked with few clients who hold Marcomm Manager Post. All of them have worked in ad agencies for some 5 to 10 years and then they have jumped to client side and now earning good amount. So the benefits are twofold - 1) you are happy for penchant job profile and 2) satisfied by better pay.

While working in ad agency I found that in MBA program concept of advertising was covered in a brief chapter. However it was enough to whet my appetite for advertising and finally I got job in ad agency. Now I feel I should learn in Advertising school which will help me not only gain mastery of advertising but also in getting better job and soon I can switch to client side. Do you think this path will work?

If I do not get admission in a reputed university in USA, I will cancel or postpone the decision. Thanks for your advice in terms of finance, time and efforts. Now I have also started thinking of advertising institutes in India. At least I will save that big amount (20-25 lakh) for my future. :)
What is your opinion about:
1) "Northpoint Centre of learning" which is at Khandala, started by Lintas India and IPG, USA.
2) IIMC, Delhi. (Indian Institute of Mass Communication)
3) Amity School of Communication

Your inputs will be appreciated and can help me in making good decision. :) thanks a lot! waiting for reply.

Hey Isaac, sorry by mistake I posted the same comment twice :-/ some browser problem!

thanks matthewanxa, what is your comment on my reply to Kieran and Isaac?

waiting for reply from Isaac and Kieran.