My dream of working in the advertising agency industry started at an early age, so I went to college determined to eventually work at a big agency in NYC. I had no idea how I was going to make that dream come true, but my first internship in the Display Advertising department at the The Daily Iowan newspaper in Iowa City, IA proved extremely valuable. When I graduated in the late nineties, the job market was fierce, and I credit my internships for giving me an advantage during my job hunt.
Flash forward to 2024 and to the outside observer, the world of advertising can seem closed off and inaccessible. The job market is more competitive than ever, so how can young professionals enter this exciting field?
Looking for a foot in the door? An internship might just be the thing. A study conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found that 66% of employers believe that internship experience is an important factor in their hiring decisions, and interns who convert to full-time positions within the same company tend to stay longer, fostering a strong foundation for career growth.
Young professionals brimming with ideas and a passion for building brands can particularly benefit from an internship in marketing, which can provide hands-on experience in core marketing functions, where they can learn to develop essential entry-level skills, including basic social media strategies, how to create campaigns, and even beginner analytics. However, having a successful internship isn’t just about what you’ll learn, it’s also about who you’ll meet. Many of the interns that have worked at E29, have actually returned to work for E29 after graduating college.
Internships also provide young professionals with a launchpad for building a strong professional network. As they work alongside other industry professionals, interns can learn more about the industry they hope to work in and get valuable career advice from people that have already been in their shoes.
However, beyond friendly advice, internships allow young people with a passion for marketing to build connections that can be leveraged in the future, not only at the company they are interning at, but also at industry events as well, helping them to position themselves for full-time employment opportunities after the internship concludes.
Today the world of marketing is highly specialized, and it might be hard for young professionals to know exactly what niche they fit into. However, through an internship, early-career individuals can gain hands-on projects and exposure to various marketing functions, gaining a practical window into their own strengths and interests.
Do they thrive in the dynamic, real-time environment of social media engagement? Or perhaps their passion lies in crafting compelling narratives and developing strategic content calendars. By participating in various marketing initiatives, interns can identify which areas resonate most with them, paving the way for a more focused and fulfilling career path.
Are you a young person ready to conquer the exciting world of marketing and advertising? Don’t be intimidated by the seemingly closed doors. An internship can be the key that unlocks a rewarding career. Take that first step and start making connections today. Don’t be afraid to reach out directly to a company you aspire to work for. I’m very impressed when I receive an email or direct message from someone eager to learn and be a part of our team. Make sure to be persistent and follow-up too! Remember, the marketing industry thrives on fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. With dedication, passion, and the experience gained through an internship, you can become a force to be reckoned with.
The future of marketing is bright, and it’s waiting for you to leave your mark!
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