Sarah Mosseller ’10 is an associate creative director at David&Goliath, a Los Angeles creative agency named Ad Age Small Agency of Year. She began her postgraduate career at Mullen Advertising in Winston-Salem before being hired as a senior copywriter at Crispin Porter Bogusky.

While at Appalachian, Mosseller was a triple major in the Department of Communication, earning degrees in advertising, journalism and public relations. Her cocurricular activities included Student Government Association, The Peel literary arts magazine and women’s rugby club sport.

What do you love best about advertising?

Advertising poses new creative challenges almost daily. I love getting to help challenger brands solve their toughest business problems while helping shape culture.

What aspects of your Appalachian education best prepared you for your career?

Being able to chase my passions at Appalachian while having supportive, engaged faculty to help me along the way. Whether through athletics with Appalachian’s women’s rugby team or getting involved with campus organizations like Student Government Association and The Peel literary arts magazine, I learned the importance of chasing your authentic passions, leadership and time management skills, as well as how to find support when you need it.

Why did you choose Appalachian as a prospective student?

I chose Appalachian because I knew I could get a quality education without taking on the undue student loan debt it would require to attend an out-of-state school. I enjoyed the mountains, the Mountaineer spirit and the ability to work so closely with my professors thanks to the smaller class sizes.

Describe your experiences in Appalachian’s Department of Communication.

I stumbled upon my career in advertising while taking a graphic design course in the Department of Communication. My professor reviewed my work and suggested that I look into advertising. This changed the trajectory of my career, ultimately leading to me adding advertising as a major. They introduced me to the Ad Club and encouraged my subsequent work, and helped me submit my ideas to advertising award shows that set me apart when applying for my first internship in the industry.

Professors at Appalachian take a great interest in their students’ futures. They don’t just care about you passing their course; they care about you thriving in life after Appalachian, too.

Why should today’s students interested in advertising choose Appalachian?

I’ve learned that you get out what you put in. If you’re an engaged, passionate, proactive student who sees college as a time to build the foundation for the rest of your life, you’ll get a lot out of Appalachian State University.

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Communication, Advertising (BS)

Communication, Advertising (BS) degree at Appalachian State University teaches both the creative and business aspects of the advertising profession. It prepares students for careers in advertising agencies, media, marketing or in-house advertising departments of non-profit or political organizations.

Learn more

About the Department of Communication

One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University focuses on preparing students to succeed in the varied fields within the communication industry. The department offers five majors – advertising, communication studies, electronic media/broadcasting, journalism and public relations – and a minor in communication studies. Graduates work in a wide range of positions in media, corporate, agency, government and nonprofit organizations. Learn more at https://communication.appstate.edu.

About the College of Fine and Applied Arts

Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at https://cfaa.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.