IMC

[eliam]

I'm going to be a Freshman in the fall in the Exploratory program - but I've been looking at the Integrated Marketing Communications major. Can anyone tell me about it? I've looked at what the Ithaca Website is but it doesn't say much. What can someone do with an IMC Degree? Is it along the lines of Public Relations?

Comments

[hslowe]

I didn't go to Ithaca, but I do have a master's in IMC. (My undergrad is in broadcast journalism and I've worked in PR for 15 years). You can do a lot with an IMC degree, and yes, it is similar to public relations, but wider in scope. IMC ties together all of a company's message flows, from marketing to customer service to communications and PR, etc. The goal is to help a company or organization present a unified face to its internal and external audiences.

As for what you can do with an IMC degree, currently I'm a communications supervisor at Corning Inc. My former classmates work in marketing, PR, advertising, consulting agencies, etc.

[shelikespie]

The IMC degree at IC is essentially a split degree between the school of communications and the school of business.

You can go into advertising, PR, marketing . . . almost anything. It's an extremely useful degree that doesn't tie up your possibilities.

I know a couple IMC grads who have even gone onto law school . . .

Personally, I love the degree. One more year and I have it!

Let me know if you need more detailed questions answered.

[burning_wreck]

I just graduated with the IMC degree, and it's definitely an amazing degree. You get a bit of public relations, a bit of advertising, a bit of media, a but of business -- a whole mix of everything. I'm going on to my Master's degree in September in International Public Relations, but have had job offers already from a marketing firm, a new media firm, a pr agency, and an event planning agency. I'm spending my summer doing temp work split between the event planning agency and doing PR for a beverage company.

People from my year have gotten jobs doing everything from graphic design to ad sales. A bunch have gone onto law school. I can't speak too highly of the degree -- every single person I've spoken to about my educational background has been ridiculously impressed at the various components of my degree. Add in the encouragement to spend a semester in LA taking a Writing for PR class from a press agent at NBC and a business law focused course from a lawyer, and your future bosses will be sufficiently impressed :)

[eliam]

First of all, Congratulations on graduating! This was extremely helpful, thank you. From what you've said, I definitely think it's something I'm going to pursue. Do they require students to get the MacBook Pro like in the other Depts of the Park school?

[burning_wreck]

I'm pretty sure they do, but I would email Scott Hamula (shamula@ithaca.edu) to double check. He's the head of IMC and just an all around amazing guy. They started requiring that after my freshman year, so the rule didn't apply to me.

laptop

[burning_wreck]

Yes, a laptop is required for all Park students -- read here for more info.

https://www.ithaca.edu/rhp/laptops/index.php

IMC

[skiangel127]

I just graduated as well and I'm currently working as a marketing assistant at a museum (exactly what I wanted to do!). IMC is a great mix between advertising, PR, and marketing - you really get into the creative and business parts of it. The best opportunities are those you're going to have to take advantage of yourself - internships, traveling abroad (I studied in London), and mini-courses - it is what you make it!

[anonymous]

Hi Eliam,

I also just graduated with an IMC degree and got a job in a media agency in NYC. To add to what the others have said, you can also enrich you degree by adding a minor or another major. I had a double major in IMC and Applied Psychology, which really go well together. I know that other people have done minors in Legal Studies or Women Studies. It depends on what your interests are but adding one more specialty to your resume can only do you good. There is a lot that you can do with an IMC degree and if you are passionate about advertising I strongly encourage you to pursue it. Also, the professors in the Park School are extremely knowledgeable and down-to-earth. Everyone knows your name and wants to help you achieve your goals.