Advertising Copywriting
Program Overview
So, you want to work in advertising … as an art director, copywriter, or account manager. Where can you learn what you need to know to get into the game?
At Humber, we offer one-year Ontario Graduate Certificate programs in Advertising Copywriting, Advertising - Account Management and Advertising - Art Direction. Here you can learn the necessary skills in a new, innovative format that replicates the business you are about to enter.
Students from these three advertising disciplines take classes and work together in teams to learn every aspect of the industry. Your networking begins day one.
Just like in the real world.
The Advertising Copywriting Ontario Graduate Certificate gives you the specialized skills to develop creative solutions to real business problems. Over two intense semesters, you will develop a variety of strategic, conceptual and practical skills. You’ll learn how to write powerful, effective, engaging copy for all media. As well, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of advertising art direction, marketing, branding and strategic development. This unique combination of skills will enable you to build a comprehensive portfolio of creative work that reflects the industry standards required for field placement and entry-level copywriting positions.
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
- Resolve advertising and marketing communications* challenges by developing creative copywriting solutions.
- Conceive, write, edit and defend advertising and promotional materials in compliance with Canadian legislation, industry standards and accepted business practices.
- Identify and select creative writing techniques relevant and applicable to various media
- Implement creative advertising and marketing communications* initiatives to support the proposed communications strategy.
- Analyze historical and current issues and emerging trends affecting advertising and marketing communications* to design effective creative campaigns and advertising and marketing communications* plans.
- Complete all work in a professional, ethical and timely manner.
Work Placement
Students will gain practical, hands-on experience in the industry by completing a mandatory work placement in their final semester of study.
After completing a work placement preparation course, students will be supported in marketing themselves to prospective employers in order to find a work placement that aligns with their personal career goals.
The Humber Advantage
BuildingF (formerly the AdCentre) brings marketers and agencies together with advanced students from virtually any Humber program to produce strategic creative content and technology solutions.
Instead of just being given a grade for assignments, students are provided with a chance to work with real clients, on actual accounts, receiving first-hand experience in the field.
The disciplines that can be accessed through BuildingF include anything found in a modern advertising, design or PR agency, including brand experience design, communications marketing, advertising design, writing, production, and much more.
"Humber gave me a great foundation for copywriting and what a creative idea looks like. The attention I got from instructors really helped me build my portfolio. If you're looking to get into the creative industry, the Ad Copy program is the right place to start."
Sucheta Shankar, Associate Creative Director, Wunderman Thompson, Graduated 2014
"The Humber Advertising Copywriting program was the perfect training ground. There, I learned how to ideate, write headlines, evaluate layouts, and more. After I had all the building blocks down, I was able to create a strong student portfolio which led to my first internship, first job, and the career I have today. I would absolutely recommend this program to all aspiring copywriters!"
Morgan Starr, Associate Creative Director, Ogilvy Canada, Graduated 2015
"This program is about so much more than a piece of paper. The instructors help you discover what makes your writing style unique and guide you as you use that to build a killer portfolio. Along the way, they also introduce you to dozens of industry professionals and do everything they can to set you up for success. Anyone interested in turning a passion for writing and big ideas into a career should apply."
Ethan MacDonald, Copywriter at McCann Canada, Graduated 2021
"I enrolled in Humber’s Advertising Copywriting program after a former student recommended it to me – and I’d gladly pass that recommendation along to anyone looking to get into the industry. The entire program is centred on preparing students for real-life applications of what is being taught. I still use techniques I learned in school daily. My favourite textbook lives on my work desk. During my time as a student, I got to visit agencies, work on live briefs, meet industry professionals, and create a portfolio. And once I was ready to shop my portfolio around, I gained access to a huge network of alumni who were eager to help a fellow Humber grad. I learned about an internship opportunity through the school which has since become my permanent, full-time position. I’m glad I took the leap and enrolled at Humber."
Justina Elias, Copywriter at Target Marketing and Communications, Graduated 2020
"I adored my time in the Humber College Advertising program because it opened my eyes to how an incredible idea in advertising can change the world. I learned how to create integrated campaigns and build a portfolio for myself, which helped me get hired within a year of graduating. The connections I made and the concepts I learned continue to help me immensely in the industry. I recommend this program to anyone interested in writing professionally."
Wendy Fox, Sr. Copywriter at Junction59, Graduated 2017
"The Advertising-Copywriting course at Humber is as rewarding as it is challenging. It pushes you to be creative beyond your boundaries and equips you with all the necessary skills that are needed to excel in the advertising industry. When I graduated, I had all the tools under my belt that readied me to take on the challenges of the advertising world. I had some of the most inspiring instructors who I revert to for advice, even to this day. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to channel their creativity straight into a career and learn how to do it great."
Karishma Wadia, Copywriter at Zulu Alpha Kilo, Graduated 2021
"Coming into Humber, my goal was to just land a job where I could sit down. I didn’t know a thing about advertising, how the industry worked, and had no idea how it was possible to break in. This program gave me all that and more. The instructors didn’t just help me build a portfolio to get my foot in the door or give my what I needed for once I was in, they showed me I could build a career far beyond anything I’d ever imagined for myself. All by learning a skill that doesn’t even really feel like work - being creative."
Kohl Forsberg, Creative Director, Leo Burnett, Graduated 2013
"Humber’s Ad Copywriting program did an amazing job preparing me to work as a copywriter in an advertising agency. I believe that the best way to learn is by doing. And at Humber, I got to work on projects that are directly applicable to what I’m doing today. The program constantly encouraged and supported me to think of big ideas, hone my skills, build a portfolio and evolve it into something I’m truly proud of. It was such a privilege to be taught by instructors who have had a tenured career in the industry. Their insightful guidance paired with learning alongside my über-talented classmates was truly a blast and pushed me to do my best work. I’m really grateful to have been surrounded by so many like-minded, inspiring and creative people."
Emma Lorenzi, Junior Copywriter, John St, Graduated 2021
"I walked into Humber knowing little about advertising. A year later, I left with the tools and a portfolio to break in and stay in."
Jordan Darnbrough, Associate Creative Director, Rethink, Graduated 2015
Want a career in advertising AND free tuition?
Looking to get your foot in the door at one of Canada’s top creative companies? Zulu Alpha Kilo founder Zak Mroueh created the 20Doors Scholarship Fund to open doors for new voices to enter the advertising industry. This scholarship is open to BIPOC students and covers the tuition for a one-year post-graduate program in copywriting or art direction. Zulu Alpha Kilo will provide mentorship to kickstart a successful career in advertising.
To apply, send us an email at 20Doors@zulualphakilo.com with:
- A video about yourself. In 2 minutes, introduce yourself and tell us why you think you’d be great for the ad industry.
- An example of your creativity. Never made an ad? No problem! Send us anything from a video to music to something you wrote. We’re looking for your creative potential.
Be part of the next generation of great creative thinkers. Apply today at 20Doors.ca.
Your Career
Graduates are prepared to work as copywriters in advertising agencies, marketing communications agencies, digital agencies, in-house creative departments and other businesses that provide creative solutions to business challenges.
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How Humber Advertising Programs Get You Industry-Ready
Watch the video to learn more about Humber's Advertising programs.
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