This post features Mark Morgan, a December 2008 graduate. Mark graduated from South Dakota State University with Honors College Distinction and a double major in Journalism with an Advertising Specialization and Economics with a Business Specialization. He interned for Lawrence and Schiller in Sioux Falls, SD, during the summer and continues to do freelance work in research. Following are Mark's words of wisdom for internship seekers.
Last summer, I had the opportunity to intern with Lawrence & Schiller. I was a part of the Strategic Planning and Research Knowledge Team or SPARK. On SPARK a majority of my work focused on competitive research, electronic surveys, focus groups, and presentations. L&S granted me the ability to work independently and bring my creative touch to research.
When hunting for an internship (and you need to hunt aggressively, none of this “looking”) I believe it’s about 50/50 what you know and who you know. Earlier in the semester, I was able to meet with an employee of L&S to chat about advertising. He later served as my connection to the agency when I was looking for an interview. Make sure you’re utilizing everyone you know in the field to get your foot in the door. Also, don’t underestimate the power of an informational interview.
Don’t be afraid to take risks too. If you want to work in account planning and the agency doesn’t have that listed as an internship possibility, apply in that specialization anyway—you’ll stand out. My resume landed on Scott Lawrence’s desk because I explained my interest in account planning.
My other advice to students currently looking for an internship is surround yourself with advertising. Understand and use blogs, podcasts, social media, RSS, etc. While you may take those technologies for granted, a deep understanding of new media will be greatly appreciated by your employer.
Agency life is fun and hectic. It’s an atmosphere I will be looking to find again. Speaking of graduation, anyone have job-hunting advice?
Best of luck to everyone on their own internship hunt,
Mark
Links: Mark's LinkedIn Profile