Advertising vs. public relations: The differences and similarities, and how to choose between the two

Jillian Gray wears yellow and green striped overalls at Autzen Stadium during a UO football game
Jillian Gray ’25 enjoys her time focusing on her studies in the SOJC and supporting Ducks in all their various activities. Photo courtesy of Jillian Gray.

If you’re anything like me, you love the UO School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC) because of the projects you build and the (hopefully) lifelong connections you make. Of course, all the creative communication opportunities can make it hard to pick a major.

I originally came to the J-school as a media studies major because I was interested in studying a variety of media and their impact on our culture. However, two weeks after starting J-350: Principles of Public Relations with Associate Professor Dean Mundy, I was filling out my major change request form. Public relations (PR) felt perfect for me! It played to my writing and communication strengths while challenging me to quickly create clever solutions to difficult problems.

As soon as I reached full PR major status, I threw myself into the program. I joined the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) as the membership and finance director and have loved the experience. This student-run club has helped me with my career development and networking skills. I also recently joined Allen Hall Public Relations (AHPR) as an account executive, working with a team of fellow students on real client accounts.

However, as I work through the major, I’ve discovered another field that seems equally, if not more, intriguing: advertising.

Jillian Gray wears a red sweater and gestures while presenting in front of a screen that says UO PRSSA Spring Term Meeting #1
In her role as membership and finance director for the Public Relations Student Society of America, Jillian Gray welcome members to the first meeting of spring term. Photo courtesy of Whitney Conaghan.

Did I choose the right major?

I’m not sure if it’s a “grass is greener” situation, but recently I’ve been afraid I’m studying within the wrong field. What if advertising would be a better fit? What if PR ends up feeling “too corporate” and advertising would feel freer? What if my perfect path is filled with art direction and selling experiences, and I just don’t know it yet?

Clearly, I’ve been feeling totally conflicted and confused. So I reached out to my advisor in SOJC Student Services, Sam Nussbaum, who gave me some much-needed insight. After talking with her, I sat down and made a list comparing the two majors so I could make the best choice possible. Here’s my list:

Public relations

  • PR’s focus is relationships. This usually centers around a client’s relationship with their stakeholders (employees, consumers, investors, etc.).
  • Those majoring in PR tend to be strong communicators and skilled planners who are adept with navigating complex situations with creative solutions.
  • Some job titles for this career include account executive, publicist, brand specialist, communications director and digital content director.

Advertising

  • Advertising’s focus is the creation of paid promotional content for an organization, brand, person, etc.
  • The workload for this major typically includes researching target audiences and designing/creating advertisements in a range of different media.
  • Those majoring in advertising tend to be creative and curious people who like to think outside the box.
  • Some job titles for this career include copywriter, graphic designer, strategist and account manager.

My takeaways from comparing advertising vs. PR

several people are gathered around a conference room table holding cupcakes with green icing and small yellow ducks on top
Members of the Public Relations Student Society of America traveled to Seattle for a networking and learning event. The Fearey Group, a public relations agency in Seattle, welcomed students with duck-decorated cupcakes. Photo courtesy of Jessica Graber.

I’ve loved my two years in the SOJC, and a lot of that is thanks to the public relations program. I’ve enjoyed the projects I’ve worked on in AHPR, especially curating a PR-focused newsletter for students and faculty. I’ve also been lucky enough to build a close community with PRSSA, including taking a professional development trip with the group to Seattle.

However, as much as I’ve loved it, I’ve also had my doubts about PR. I haven’t liked working on press releases as much as some of my peers, and I fear a career in public relations might be more business focused than I’d like. Also, I worry I won’t be able to express myself creatively every day in my future career if I pursue PR. I don’t want to limit myself while I’m here. I only have two more years to explore!

So I recently declared a double-major in both public relations and advertising. This choice will allow me to enroll in J-342: The Creative Strategist, a class that functions as an introduction to a career in advertising. I’m hoping I’ll be able to compare this course to my experience in J-350: Principles of Public Relations to narrow my focus down to one major. I’m going to contrast the assignments given in each course, the types of teams I collaborate with during the term and what work excites me the most overall.

two people wearing the same shirt that says Ball In pose for a studio portrait
Allen Hall Advertising students coordinated a photo shoot for client Women in Flight. The photos were used for an ad campaign. Photo courtesy of Chloe Montague.

I plan on making an informed decision this summer, including writing a pros/cons list for each path. It’s important to me that I leave the UO fulfilled by the classes I took and looking forward to the work I’m going to do.

If you’re struggling to choose between the two majors like I am, I recommend trying anything and everything that interests you. Take classes with descriptions that excite you and that are taught by instructors who inspire you. Get involved with clubs and student organizations that will give you insight into each major's career trajectory so you can test out each environment for yourself.

Student-led opportunities like Allen Hall Advertising and AHPR allow you to gain hands-on experience by working with real clients on accounts and campaigns, and they’re a great way to picture yourself in the field post-grad.

In the end, a major in either program will guarantee you learn skills, like creative problem-solving and strong communication, that are applicable to both disciplines. So invest your time and energy into something that excites you. In the end, you’re walking away with a four-year, hard-earned degree, so why not enjoy the classes, courses and materials that got you there?

—By Jillian Gray, class of ’25

Jillian Gray, class of ’25, is a public relations and advertising major with a minor in multimedia. Outside of Allen Hall Jillian is a chai tea enthusiast and will always say yes to exploring a new bookshop.