5 Ways to Help You Start Looking for an Internship.

Well, college is great, advertising classes are fun and projects are getting creative, but let’s get down to business. Things can get a little bit overwhelming when it comes to start looking for an internship in the advertising field. Just want to say that the real world outside can be a little bit hard on you, but I am not saying that this is a problem! NO!
I believe that if you really want to find an Ad agency that is willing to give you the experience that you are looking for, everything is possible. And that was what happened to me and that is why I am here to help you in this challenging process of your life that seems to be far, far away to happen… but it can actually be closer than you think. Take a look at it.

1) The job will not knock on your door.

I am sorry if I just ruined your expectations but… I had to find out for myself that in order to get an internship in an Ad Agency you have to put yourself out there and be ready to knock on some doors.
Start by looking at the companies’ social medias and other outlets and then, look for the positions and internships opportunities that they are offering. I can say that LinkedIn, Instagram and their own websites are the best sources to start scratching the surface of a prospective job.

2) Get to know more about the Agency/Company.

Advertisers love to have their work recognized. Once you have chosen the agencies that are offering an internship program or position, start looking through some of their jobs (every agency has a “Work” tab on their website) to get more acquainted with their work and SPECIALLY with their clients. PLEASE, do your research on the agency/company so then you can have some knowledge on their work!
Search it, read it, and hold on to the next tip….

3) Show some Interest.

GREAT! Now that you have gotten all information about the agency and became familiar with their work and clients, it is time to take the next step and SPEAK OUT. Some agencies will post an online application or just ask you to sent out your resume to them, which are the easiest ways to show interest to the position, BUT, however, therefore… most of the agencies in this real-great world will not reply to you or even inform you if they have looked over your resume, and that might sucks. It sucks to not have an update or a feedback about your application, but unfortunately this is how it works most of the time. But this is not the end…

4) Approach is Key.

Do you want to know a way that I have figured out to get rid of my anxiety of waiting for a response? I SHOWED UP AT AGENCIES’ DOORS. I literally wrote down all the addresses of the local agencies that I have applied to and knocked at their doors.
“WOW Luisa, how could you do that? Just showing up without announcing?” Guys, advertisers have no time to read through every e-mail from a person that they never had heard before (believe me). So, showing up at the agency and introducing myself was the best decision that I could have made.
I will not be hypocrite and say that all of the agencies were welcoming and happy to have me, but I can definitely say that I met many great professionals and got their business card personally (networking is everything). I also looked into their eyes and said the truth: “I am Luisa. A junior advertising student that is looking for an experience to learn. I know that your agency is looking for interns because I checked it out, and I would love to have a chance to have more time to talk to you about me and about your work.” Easy, hun?

5) The Real Conversation.

From my personal experience I can say that out of the 5 agencies that I visited just one of them sit down with me and had a real conversation. And guess what? This is the agency that I current work as an Account Services Intern!!!
And in here I want to share with you what a Real Conversation means. A Real Conversation is the chance that you have to show your prospective boss how much you want it. You have to have desire for it. Advertisers are always in full pace with their hands on board so being straight forward is the best way to get their attention. Tell the truth! Tell how much you wanted it and why you wanted it. Even though you might do not have any experience in the area yet, show the cool and creative things you have done for academic purpose. SHOW INTEREST, but only if you truly have it.


Well, even though these advices were truly taken from personal experiences, I do believe that these 5 tips are a great help to those who are feeling lost like I felt it too one day. However, after putting these five steps in practice my effort was finally recognized by an amazing team that welcomed at their Ad agency,so it does not hurt to try it too!
And last but not least, professionals in the advertising field love to find students with initiative and students who are opened to the new experiences ahead in this incredible industry. So, just do it.

Good Luck !!!

but, Why Advertising?

Because everyone had to start from somewhere, but, Why? Here you’ll find why advertising is so interesting through my own-personal-student-intern perspective.

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