Whether it\u2019s part of your coursework or something you\u2019re doing during your study break, an internship can be a wonderful opportunity to get the first-hand experience on the job. There\u2019s no hiding behind a screen, dreaming about what it will be like when you\u2019re eventually released into the world.<\/p>\n
Rather, it\u2019s a real-world experience in your chosen field. And for those studying advertising, an internship can mean working on real campaigns, an experience that can lead to full-time jobs in the very near future. It\u2019s a cutthroat world out there and landing that dream internship may seem impossible. Not so. Especially if you utilize some tips and tricks.<\/p>\n
The advertising world is fast-paced, varied, and covers everything from television, print materials, social media advertising, and even public relations. It takes varying skills including discipline, creativity, teamwork, and organization.<\/p>\n
But it also takes a bit of empathy. How else will you understand how to appeal to specific audiences? Getting on-the-job experience while you\u2019re still studying will definitely help you stand out from the crowd. And there are a number of other things you can do to seal the deal.<\/p>\n
1. Showcase your skills<\/strong><\/p>\n Right from the get-go, you need to be displaying your skills. If you\u2019re a writer, make sure this is reflected in your cover letter. Or if you\u2019re in graphic design, create a resume that actually uses your graphic skills, creating something professional that\u2019s still eye-catching and visually appealing. Give the advertising agency an immediate insight into what you\u2019re capable of.<\/p>\n 2. Tell a story<\/strong><\/p>\n Advertising is telling a story and relating that story to possible consumers. Do the same. In your cover letter, tell a story of why you\u2019re the perfect match for the company, what you can contribute, and how you can make them better. But also include what they can provide for you.<\/p>\n 3. Do your research\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Remember, you may be sending out a dozen emails, cover letters, and resumes. Personalize these. Show the companies that you want them<\/em> specifically. Look at their website, the clients they work with, and their previous work examples. Address these and reflect the priorities of the company in your cover letter.<\/p>\n 4. Learn more than what you\u2019re being taught<\/strong><\/p>\n There\u2019s more to life than what you learn in a classroom. Remember, you want to stand out from the rest, so if you\u2019re already upskilling in your own time, you\u2019re going to look a whole lot more desirable than someone who is simply following what the books say. If you hear about a specific skill or program in-class conversations or in internship applications, take the initiative and start to investigate it. Every new experience may set you apart, so be open to them.<\/p>\n 5. Build your portfolio<\/strong><\/p>\n Generally speaking, part of an advertising agency<\/strong> internship will be creative work, whether that\u2019s writing or design. Even before you apply for internships, it\u2019s a good idea to start building a portfolio so you have something to display. Even if it\u2019s a collection of your class assignments, having them all together in one place shows you\u2019re organized and makes it much easier for prospective agencies to see everything.<\/p>\n 6. Network<\/strong><\/p>\n Chances are you have a connection in an agency somewhere. It may not be a direct connection, there may be someone in between, but there\u2019ll be someone in your network who knows someone, who knows someone. Use this. Tell people in your network that you\u2019re looking for an internship and do they know of anyone who may be able to help you. You never know who can help.<\/p>\n 7. Reach out to companies<\/strong><\/p>\n Just because they\u2019re not advertising a position, doesn\u2019t mean companies will say no to an internship. Perhaps they don\u2019t have time to build an employment ad or perhaps it had never crossed their minds to have someone come in. Reaching out to individual companies never hurts. The worst they can say is no. In the best-case scenario, you\u2019ve shown them that you\u2019re prepared to take the initiative and work for what you want.<\/p>\n