Build a Career in USA Advertising: How a Pace University Communications Graduate Reached The Clio Awards

Study Communications in the USA to Access Top Industry Networks

Breaking into the competitive fields of advertising and communications in the USA requires more than just theoretical knowledge. It demands practical experience, strong professional networks, and a deep understanding of how brands connect with modern audiences. For international and domestic students alike, choosing to study in a major media hub provides a distinct professional advantage. New York City, in particular, stands as a global epicenter for advertising, broadcasting, and brand management. By immersing oneself in this environment, students gain direct exposure to industry leaders, fast-paced agency dynamics, and high-stakes creative campaigns.

The story of Amanda DeSarno, a recent graduate who transitioned directly from a university classroom to a role at one of the most prestigious institutions in advertising, illustrates exactly how strategic educational choices lead to tangible career outcomes. Her path from a undergraduate student to a client relations coordinator at The Clio Awards highlights the critical components of a successful education in communications. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how a strategically located education can accelerate your career trajectory in the USA.

The Pace University Academic Experience in Communications

Selecting the right academic program is the foundational step in building a successful career in media and advertising. Pace University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Communications through its Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, a program specifically designed to blend theoretical frameworks with hands-on application. The curriculum requires students to engage with various facets of media, from broadcast production to digital brand strategy, ensuring graduates possess a versatile skill set.

During her time at Pace University, DeSarno leveraged specific coursework to hone her professional capabilities. Classes such as Writing for the Electronic Media proved instrumental in developing her ability to craft compelling narratives tailored for television and digital platforms. In the advertising world, the ability to tell a cohesive and engaging story is what separates successful campaigns from overlooked ones. Additionally, her enrollment in a Sports Media course provided a specialized understanding of how broadcasters engage live audiences in real time—a skill that translates directly to managing live events and real-time client needs in the advertising sector.

These academic choices were not accidental. They represent a deliberate strategy of aligning coursework with long-term career goals. Aspiring professionals must evaluate university curricula not just by their titles, but by the practical skills those courses yield. Does a class teach you how to write a pitch? Does it require you to produce actual media content? Programs that prioritize these outputs effectively prepare students for the realities of the advertising industry. Submit your application today to pursue a communications degree that emphasizes practical, results-focused academics.

Gain Practical Advertising Experience Through NYC Internships

While rigorous academics provide the necessary foundation, internships serve as the critical bridge between university life and full-time employment. Employers in the USA advertising market consistently prioritize candidates with demonstrated field experience. Securing an internship in a relevant industry—particularly in a fast-moving market like New York City—allows students to test their academic knowledge against real-world variables such as tight deadlines, client revisions, and cross-functional team collaboration.

DeSarno’s internship with SpoiledChild, a modern wellness and beauty brand based in SoHo, exemplifies the type of hands-on experience that captures an employer’s attention. Rather than performing administrative tasks in the background, she was integrated into the team to support a major product launch and a high-profile collaboration with the renowned fashion designer Jeremy Scott. This environment required her to adapt quickly, communicate effectively across different creative disciplines, and understand the logistical demands of a major advertising and marketing event.

Working on a collaboration with a high-fashion designer requires an acute awareness of brand alignment, visual aesthetics, and target demographic nuances. For a communications student, this type of internship validates classroom learning and builds a robust professional portfolio. It also clarifies career preferences, helping students identify whether they thrive in agile, creative startup environments or prefer the structured processes of larger agencies. Explore our related articles for further reading on how to secure and maximize high-value internships during your degree.

Transition from University to The Clio Awards

The ultimate measure of a successful educational path is the quality of the initial post-graduation role. For graduates in communications and advertising, few starting positions carry the prestige and industry exposure of working at The Clio Awards. Established in 1959, The Clio Awards are an internationally recognized program that honors creative excellence and innovation in advertising, marketing, and communications. Winning a Clio is a career-defining milestone for agencies and brands worldwide; working for the organization provides an unparalleled vantage point of the entire industry.

As a client relations coordinator, DeSarno’s responsibilities directly utilize the skills cultivated during her time at Pace University. Her role involves supporting award entry submissions, which requires a strong grasp of what constitutes exceptional advertising. She advises agencies and global brands on appropriate submission categories, a task demanding sharp analytical skills and comprehensive industry knowledge. Furthermore, reviewing creative assets allows her to continuously analyze top-tier advertising work, while overseeing administrative logistics ensures the massive awards apparatus functions smoothly. Attending The Clio Awards events rounds out the role, providing ongoing networking opportunities with the elite of the advertising world.

This transition from a student analyzing case studies to a professional evaluating actual award submissions demonstrates the efficacy of a well-rounded education. The combination of narrative skills from electronic media courses, audience engagement tactics from sports media, and the operational agility learned during the SpoiledChild internship perfectly aligned with the demands of The Clio Awards.

Actionable Steps for Aspiring Advertising and Communications Professionals

Students aiming to replicate this level of success in the USA advertising market must take a proactive approach to their education and career development. Relying solely on degree completion is no longer sufficient. The following strategies can help aspiring professionals maximize their university experience and stand out to top-tier employers:

• Select a geographically strategic university: Location matters. Studying in cities with robust advertising, media, and tech sectors provides immediate access to internships, guest lectures, and industry events that are unavailable in isolated college towns.
• Prioritize skill-building coursework: Choose classes that require tangible outputs. Writing-intensive courses, media production classes, and strategic communications seminars build a portfolio that proves your capabilities to future employers.
• Target high-impact internships: Seek out internships at companies launching visible campaigns. Even if the company is smaller, working on a specific product launch or collaboration provides concrete talking points for future interviews.
• Develop cross-functional communication skills: Advertising requires collaborating with designers, copywriters, account managers, and clients. Take courses or join extracurricular activities that force you to work outside your immediate comfort zone.
• Understand the awards and industry landscape: Familiarize yourself with major industry benchmarks like The Clio Awards, Cannes Lions, and the Effies. Understanding what makes winning work helps you elevate your own creative and strategic thinking.

Have questions? Write to us! Our academic advisors can help you map out a strategic course plan tailored to the advertising industry.

Choose the Right Program for Your Advertising Career

Building a career in the highly competitive USA advertising market requires a deliberate and structured approach to higher education. The progression from a dedicated communications student to a professional at The Clio Awards does not happen by chance. It is the result of selecting a university that integrates academic rigor with resume-building experiences, personalized mentorship, and direct access to industry epicenters like New York City.

Pace University’s approach to education emphasizes this exact formula. By combining Dyson College’s specialized communications curriculum with the inherent networking and internship advantages of its NYC campus, the university provides a clear pathway for students intent on making their mark in media and advertising. Students learn to craft compelling stories, manage complex projects, and navigate the professional dynamics of creative industries.

If your goal is to work at the intersection of branding, media, and creative excellence, evaluating the practical outcomes of a university program is essential. Look beyond the course catalog to examine where graduates are working, what kind of internships they secure, and how the university actively facilitates connections with major industry players. Schedule a campus visit to see the facilities and meet the faculty who will help guide your professional development in communications and advertising.