Justin Ruehs '00
As a transfer student from Grand Rapids Community College and a commuter, I was so proud to have been elected to lead as the President of GVSU's chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).
Advertising/Public Relations Career Guide
Explore Options: A Menu of Major-Specific Experiences and Sampling of Related Career Paths
Academic Resources
Explore our Ad and PR resources, designed to support your academic aspirations.
Advertising and Public Relations Department
What Can I Do With This Major?
Feeling like you don't know what to do with all of this great information? We highly encourage to make an appointment with your academic advisor and career advisor. Another great starting point is the Self-Guided Career Exploration Tool.
Career Resources
Unlock your career potential in Advertising and Public Relations! Discover resources to maximize your professional trajectory.
Menu of Experiences
Sample Ad/PR Internship Sites
Internships provide a way for you to get hands-on, supervised experience in the world of work. You are able to apply the concepts you are learning in the classroom to a work environment.
Join A Student Organization
Get involved with a student organization related to your major. Student orgs are a great way to get connected and explore career options!
Relevant Courses and Certificates for Building Skills
Developing the relevant skills that employers seek is an essential component of a student's education. GVSU students should consider strategic elective courses and certificates to pair with their major in order to gain additional skills.
Community Service Opportunities
Seek volunteer opportunities related to the field you're exploring as a way of testing out future careers.
The Civic Engagement Center keeps a list of current volunteer opportunities updated on their website. There are ongoing opportunities on a continuous basis, as well as on-campus and off-campus opportunities posted as they become available.
Civic Engagement Center
Ad/PR Study Abroad Options
Through study abroad you’ll also set yourself apart from other job-seekers and graduate-school applicants in an increasingly competitive market.
Expand your knowledge of advertising and public relations on a global scale by participating in a study abroad experience. You will gain unique skills and learn about diverse perspectives that will serve you as you move into your career.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Pursuing academic, creative, and research experiences and projects outside the classroom is an excellent way to learn new skills and build a body of work in your field.
Fellowship Opportunities
Fellowships are high-impact, potentially life-changing opportunities for students and alumni, opening doors to careers in public service, advanced academic study, foreign service, international teaching, and other career and service pathways into meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Ad/PR Career Spotlights
Ad/PR spotlights
Amanda Hume '19
My favorite Grand Valley memory is attending Toast with T.Haas. This experience was something I was looking forward to since my involvement with Laker Traditions my freshman year.
Hannah Pier-Herendeen '12
My capstone class with Professor Bulson was such a great class to culminate my experience in health communications. He was very knowledgeable and an overall great professor to have before graduation.
- Assistant Account Executive – Seyferth PR
- Marketing Lead – Trotec Laser, Inc.
- Public Relations Associate - Rock Ventures, LLC
- Search Specialist - Evolvics
- Public Relations and Social Media Coordinator - SpartanNash
- Content Manager - BlackTruck Marketing and Media
- Communications Coordinator - Holland Engineering, Inc.
- Retail Marketing Coordinator - Wolverine Worldwide
- Media Management & Marketing – Alive Media, LLC
- Freelance Graphic Designer – New York City, New York
- Digital Advertising Specialist – Deksia
- Customer Success Manager – DealerOn
- Sales Executive– Zillow Group
- Media Buyer/CRM Planner – Lake Michigan Credit Union
Attend Events
Career Community- Communication & the Arts
Employer of the Day: Deloitte
January 29, 2026 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Stop by the Seidman Lobby anytime between 9:30am and 2pm to meet representatives from Deloitte! Each semester, we bring top companies right to you on campus! Stop by our casual informational...
JCPenney Suit Up - Winter 2026
February 1, 2026 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
All Grand Valley students and alumni are invited to attend a GVSU/JCPenney Suit-Up Event! This event will include options to participate virtually or in-person. In-person: Come to JCPenney at RiverTown...
Prepare for the Career Fair (City)
February 9, 2026 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Are you preparing for the upcoming Fall GVSU Career and Internship Fair, but not quite sure where to start? The Career Center will be hosting a drop-in event to help you refine your resume, formulate...
Prepare for the Career Fair (Valley)
February 11, 2026 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Are you preparing for the upcoming Fall GVSU Career and Internship Fair, but not quite sure where to start? The Career Center will be hosting a drop-in event to help you refine your resume, formulate...
Employer of the Day: Mercantile Bank
February 12, 2026 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Stop by the Seidman 2nd Floor Lobby anytime between 9:30am and 2pm to meet representatives from Mercantile Bank! Want to learn about exciting career opportunities and meet potential employers?...
Consider joining the Communication and the Arts Career Community or any other Career Community you are interested in!
Beyond Undergraduate: Graduate or Professional Programs
Students with an Ad/PR degree may continue on to a graduate program. Here are some examples of programs students have pursued:
- Master of Arts in Advertising
- Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Arts in Public Relations
Discover More
Join a career community
Watch videos of professionals in this field
Check out our podcast
Career Center Resources
Looking for other career resources? The Career Center Resources page contains resources related to careers, resumes, internships, job search, interviewing, networking, and more.