Promotions

Looking for a class that combines creativity with research, strategy, and analytics? How would you like to build an integrated marketing campaign for a real client? Promotions (a.k.a. "Promo"), part of the Strategic Brand Consulting & Communications Track, is a yearlong, nine-credit-hour program that brings the art and science of marketing, branding and advertising to the classroom. Using the American Advertising Federation (AAF) National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) as the catalyst for hands-on learning, Promotions covers advanced topics in the areas of market research, brand strategy, communication and media strategy, and integrated marketing campaigns.

Fall Semester

Small teams participate in experiential learning.

Winter Break

Agency visits (NY, DC, Richmond)

Spring Semester

Class forms a “mock agency” to develop a campaign that tackles the client brief.

April

NSAC District Competition
(Raleigh, NC)

May

NSAC Semifinals
(virtual)

June

NSAC Nationals
(Final eight schools compete for the national title in rotating locations.)

Program and Learning Highlights

Work in a “mock agency” with a real client brief and company executives.
Conduct qualitative and quantitative research that leads to consumer insights.
Hone your skills in teamwork, “pitching” ideas, writing, presenting, and problem-solving.
Learn the fundamentals of branding, communication strategy, and media planning.
Develop award-winning integrated campaigns that meet client objectives.
Become proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., PhotoShop, InDesign).
Learn the fundamentals of video production and editing.
Become proficient using real marketing, advertising, and media databases (e.g., Simmons, Nielsen, comScore, AdMall, Brandwatch, SRDS).

"Promotions was one of my best experiences at UVA. It made me more than prepared to work full time, and it also helped me grow both personally and professionally."

Sydney Peoples (McIntire ’20)

Senior Analyst, Xandr

“Promotions is special because everyone who comes to the class is incredibly passionate, talented, and creative; the most rewarding part was having worked with such a diverse group of students who not only cared so much about this project, but also each other.”

Susana Juarez Rodriguez (McIntire '21)

Global Transaction Services Analyst, Bank of America

"Promotions had a profound impact on me. It taught me incredible lessons of leadership, how to work on a team, and the importance of being passionate about the work you do. 'Promotions' made me a lover of advertising and has completely changed my professional trajectory, in a great way. It is the best thing I did at UVA."

Ana Stanisavljev (McIntire '21)

Management Rotation Program Associate, Capital One

"Promotions taught me invaluable skills that cannot be taught in the classroom. It’s the closest you can get to real-world experience in school. I learned how to work together in professional teams to produce a deliverable that everyone was proud of."

Caroline Kehoe (A&S ’21)

Growth Analyst, Chief Detective

"Promotions is the reason I landed my dream job!"

Emily Angelotti (A&S ’20)

Strategist, Sullivan

Where Are Our Alumni Now?

Want to Get Involved?

All UVA students are eligible to apply in the spring of their third year. Learn more about how Promotions can be integrated into your fourth-year schedule.

Explore Our Socials

To see what the current Promotions class is currently doing, check out our Instagram and Facebook below. Alumni, connect with classmates, students, and other Promotions colleagues in our LinkedIn portal.

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Faculty & Research

It's more than an education.