5 Actionable Tips to Find Advertising Internships

Published on 1 August 2023 6 min read

Tap into your network
Optimize your online presence
Attend advertising career fairs
Apply to ad agencies directly
Pursue advertising clubs and associations

Looking for advice on how to find advertising internships? You've come to the right place. Breaking into the advertising industry can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and a touch of diligence, you can land an internship that sets you up for success. Here are five actionable tips to help you navigate the process effectively.

Tap into your network

They say it's not what you know, but who you know. And when it comes to finding an advertising internship, your network can be a powerful tool. Let's explore how you can leverage it.

Connect with classmates and teachers

Remember those group projects in your advertising classes? Those classmates are now potential contacts who could have information about internship opportunities. Reach out to them, catch up, and casually mention your search for an advertising internship. Teachers are also a great resource. They often have industry connections and can give you leads or even recommendations.

Platforms like LinkedIn can be a goldmine for internship opportunities. Here's how you can use it:

Update your profile: Ensure your profile is up-to-date and clearly states that you're seeking an advertising internship.
Join groups: There are plenty of advertising groups where members post internship opportunities. Join these groups and keep an eye out for these posts.
Network: Connect with advertising professionals, engage with their posts, and don't shy away from reaching out to them directly.

Attend networking events

Many universities and organizations host networking events. These can be a great place to meet industry professionals and other students who are also looking for internships. Have your elevator pitch ready and don't forget to follow up after the event.

So, there you have it—a few ways to tap into your network when looking for an advertising internship. It might seem a bit daunting at first, but remember: everyone starts somewhere. These connections could lead to your big break in the advertising world. Next up, we'll explore how to optimize your online presence to attract more opportunities. Stay tuned!

Optimize your online presence

When you're hunting for advertising internships, it's crucial that you put your best digital foot forward. Now that we've tapped into our network, let's focus on polishing our online presence, making it internship-search-ready!

Build a professional LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn is the go-to platform for professionals, and it should be yours too when seeking an advertising internship. Here's how you can improve your LinkedIn profile:

Professional photo: First impressions count! Use a clear, professional photo as your profile picture.
Compelling headline: A catchy headline can make a difference. Make sure it mentions you're seeking an advertising internship.
Relevant Skills: Highlight your skills related to advertising. This helps recruiters find you.

Create a digital portfolio

A portfolio showcasing your work can set you apart from other candidates. Include class projects, personal projects, or any work you've done that shows your skills and creativity in advertising. If you don't have a website, platforms like Behance or Dribbble are great places to start.

Recruiters often check social media profiles of potential candidates. Make sure your profiles—whether Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook—reflect you in a positive, professional light. If you have posts that you wouldn't want a potential employer to see, now is the time to clean it up.

With a polished online presence, you're one step closer to landing that dream advertising internship. But hold on, we're not finished yet. Next, we'll talk about the value of attending advertising career fairs. Stay tuned for more tips on how to find advertising internships!

Attend advertising career fairs

With your network expanded and your online presence sparkling clean, it's time to step out into the real world. Advertising career fairs are excellent platforms to meet potential employers and industry professionals. These events are like a gold mine for anyone wondering how to find advertising internships. Let's explore how to make the most of them.

Prepare in advance

With so many potential opportunities, it's best to come prepared. Here's how:

Research the companies: Find out which companies are attending the fair. Research about them, their culture, and the kind of internships they offer. This will help you ask insightful questions and leave a lasting impression.
Update your resume: Make sure your resume is up-to-date and tailored to the advertising industry. And don't forget to carry multiple copies!

Make a strong impression

Remember, every interaction at a career fair can be a step closer to your dream internship. Here's how to stand out:

Professional attire: Dress the part. A neat, professional attire can make a positive difference.
Effective communication: Be clear and concise in your conversations. Present your skills and experiences effectively.

Follow-up

Meeting potential employers is great, but maintaining contact after the fair can set you apart. Send a simple thank-you email or LinkedIn message to the people you met. This shows your interest and can help you stand out from other candidates.

Attending career fairs and networking effectively can bring you closer to securing an advertising internship. But don't stop there! In the next section, we'll discuss the benefits of applying to ad agencies directly. So, stay tuned!

Apply to ad agencies directly

So, you've networked, attended career fairs, and still need more ways on how to find advertising internships? Don't worry, there are always more avenues to explore. One such method is applying directly to ad agencies. Let's take a look at how to do this effectively.

Identify Your Preferred Ad Agencies

The advertising industry is vast, with a plethora of agencies specializing in different areas. To narrow down your search, decide the kind of agency you'd like to intern at. It could be a global agency like Ogilvy & Mather, a creative hotshop like Wieden+Kennedy, or a digital agency like 360i. Here's how to choose:

Agency's specialty: If you're interested in digital marketing, apply to agencies known for their digital campaigns. If you love creative writing, seek out agencies that excel in copywriting.
Clients they handle: Agencies often specialize in certain industries. If you're passionate about fashion, consider agencies that handle fashion brands.

Research And Tailor Your Application

Once you've identified your target agencies, it's time to tailor your application. Here's how:

Know the agency: Understanding the agency's mission, work culture, and recent campaigns can help tailor your application and demonstrate your interest.
Highlight relevant skills: Emphasize your skills and experiences that align with the agency's specialty. For instance, if you're applying to a digital agency, highlight your digital marketing skills.

Follow Up

Don't be disheartened if you don't hear back immediately. Agencies receive a lot of applications, and it might take time for them to respond. A polite follow-up email after a week or two can show your genuine interest in the role.

Direct application is a proactive way to find advertising internships. But remember, ad agencies are active in various industry associations and clubs, which can be another great way to find opportunities. We'll delve into this in the next section. Stick around!

Pursue advertising clubs and associations

If you're still wondering how to find advertising internships, joining advertising clubs or associations could be a game-changer. These groups offer a wealth of resources, networking opportunities, and even exclusive internships. Let's break it down:

Join Local Advertising Clubs

Local advertising clubs are a great way to meet industry professionals in your area. These groups often hold events, workshops, and networking sessions. For example, the American Advertising Federation has local chapters all over the country. Here's how to leverage these clubs:

Attend events: These can be a goldmine for learning industry insights and meeting potential employers.
Participate actively: Don't just attend — participate. Volunteer for events, contribute ideas, or take on leadership roles. This can make you stand out when internship opportunities arise.

Become a Member of Professional Associations

Professional associations like the Advertising Club of New York or the Association of National Advertisers offer resources, training, and events that can boost your career prospects. Here's how to get the most out of association memberships:

Utilize resources: These associations often have resources like job boards, industry reports, and webinars. Make use of them to stay updated on industry trends.
Network: Associations host networking events and conferences. These can connect you with industry professionals, potential mentors, and internship opportunities.

In conclusion, being actively involved in advertising clubs and associations can open doors to internships you might not find elsewhere. Plus, it's a great way to immerse yourself in the advertising world and make valuable connections. So, are you ready to take the plunge and start your journey towards landing that dream advertising internship?

If you found these tips for finding advertising internships helpful and want to learn more about finding paid work in the creative industry, check out Jasmine MacPhee's workshop, 'How to Find Freelance Clients and Paid Work.' This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and strategies to expand your opportunities and kickstart your career in advertising and beyond.