Design Your Story
Our program is geared towards using hands-on learning and real-world projects in the classroom to ensure students are fully equipped to enter the workforce and pursue their dreams upon graduation.
What can you do with an Advertising or Public Relations degree?
You can have an amazing career in advertising and public relations, just like so many of our successful alumni. Some of the places our alumni have worked at include: Google, Nike, Hulu, Disney, Build-a-Bear, Coca-Cola, Dollywood, St. Jude’s, Boeing, Regal Entertainment, and the Country Music Association. Here’s just a few examples of what ADPR alumni are doing today:
Build-a-Bear, Inc.
Sharon Price John, president and CEO
“My experience and education at CCI, as well as my internship at Tombras, provided a great foundation for me to start my career. UT’s Ad Club trip to New York City was the catalyst for me to move to Manhattan and secure a position at a global advertising agency, which became a critical stepping stone to my subsequent roles in marketing and brand divisions of multibillion dollar companies. And, those experiences provide a direct link to my current position at Build-A-Bear Workshop. In fact, I still refer to some of the writing stills that I learned on Circle Park Drive all those years ago.”
Escalent
Kea Wheeler, Senior Director for the Human Experience Center of Excellence
“I loved advertising but would always wonder why they would make ads that didn’t make any sense….to me. At ADPR, I realized it was because they made it for someone else. And the research told them who they should make the ad for. I then realized that is what I wanted to do, find out more about the people the ad was made for and why.
Now as as a qualitative researcher, I am the voice of the customer, providing customer input into the development of ads, products, and services, for a variety of industries. And my job has taken me across the U.S., and into South Africa, Indonesia, and Malaysia, all in the pursuit to learn more about the people brands are hoping to connect with and engage.”
Centerstone
Robert Lambert (’03), Director of Corporate Communications
“I am honored to be a part of the Alumni Advisory Board at the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations. The time I spent there provided me with invaluable experiences that I have used to grow my skillset and advance my career. I want to ensure that every student coming out of the school is set-up for success and is well-equipped to have a positive impact, and I think participation in the board will afford that.”
SSG Consulting/Rural Voter Institute
Isaac Wright (’03), Founding Partner
“The ADPR program at UT teaches more than just creative communications strategies and cutting edge tactics. Our program instills the kind of strategic thinking that sets our alumni apart from others across the country. The faculty and staff here, the best and brightest in the country, invest individually in their students in a way that builds networks and national careers. The UT ADPR program opened doors and provided opportunities for me I could have never had otherwise.”
Working in Advertising or Public Relations
While our alumni are the best examples of what you can do with a career in advertising or public relations, there are so many career options in the field. Here’s just a few of the areas our graduates have gone on to work in:
- Industry
- Social media
- Agency
- Nonprofit organizations
- Public policy
- Public affairs
- Corporate brands
- Integrated marketing
- Strategic communication
- Healthcare
- Sports
- Entertainment
- Media Relations
Where the Real World is Your Classroom
Advertising and Public Relations Internships
Whether you are searching for an internship in Knoxville or across the world, we can help! Our vast global connections help us pair students with organizations where they can thrive.
How do I find an internship?
One of the best ways to get connected with these opportunities is through Handshake. Handshake is the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s networking platform that connects students and grads to organizations seeking employees. It is a great way for students to search for career opportunities and utilize the UT network to find the perfect job.
Does the Tombras School have partnerships with organizations that provide internships?
We have direct connections with many great organizations across our region. Some the organizations that frequently hire our students as interns are Bohan, Regal Entertainment, Pyxl, Discovery, FletCHER, Moxley Carmichael, DesignSensory, MP&F, Smarter Searches, Parachute Media, Country Music Association, Tombras, American Heart Association, Ackerman PR, DVL Nashville, VMLY&R, and Remote Area Medical.
This is just the beginning of the opportunities available to our students! Each year our student connections are growing and we are developing new partnerships.
We’re Here to Help!
ADPR Job & Internship Listings
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Specialist, Social Media Marketing at StriveTogether
Employer: StriveTogether Expires: 12/08/2024 About StriveTogetherStriveTogether is a national movement with a clear purpose: helping every child succeed in school and in life from cradle to career, regardless of race, ethnicity, zip code or circumstance. We refuse to settle for a world where a child’s potential is dictated by the conditions into which they are born. We work to break... Read more
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Philanthropy Specialist - Full Time - San Diego Zoo at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Employer: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Expires: 11/21/2024 YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSIONThe Philanthropy Specialist is responsible for building and fostering the organization's relationship with assigned members, donors, and/or constituents.WHAT YOU WILL DOStrategizes and oversees programming for defined audience, including qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding giftsServes as the central point of contact for assigned audience, stewarding and building relationships through... Read more
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Events Internship - Summer 2025 at Principal Financial Group- Corporate Headquarters
Employer: Principal Financial Group- Corporate Headquarters Expires: 11/29/2024 What You'll DoAs an Events Intern, you will work closely with our Event Experience team to manage our event asset program and support various marketing initiatives. This role is perfect for ambitious individuals looking to kickstart their careers in marketing and event management.Key Responsibilities:Event Asset Management: Oversee the inventory and tracking of... Read more
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Listings Compiled by ADPR