Got Internships? Pt. 2

“Go out and get a job. You sound like my parents.”

I’m sure that’s the knee-jerk reaction to “Got Internships? Pt. 1.” It’s probably followed up with, “Where are the internships? Agencies aren’t hiring.”

Maybe not. But I never said you had to go to an ad agency to get experience. Did you notice my internship resume? Only two are ad agencies. I wrote print ads promoting Michigan tourism for AAA Michigan and pizza coupons for Little Caesar’s (yes, somebody actually writes the coupons). Not award-winning stuff, but it’s experience.

For various reasons, many companies do their own promotions internally. For example, Purina in St. Louis had a recent posting for a marketing intern. (Note the emphasis on the word "had." You gotta be on your toes, people.) They have an internal agency – CheckMark. Looks like a cool place to work. (You can even bring your dog.) So look at businesses in your area and check out their corporate communications structure. There may be a marketing department inside.

Non-profit organizations. They are gold mines for getting experience. Many aren’t allowed to pay for advertising. So people and agencies volunteer to do the work for the prestige and as a goodwill gesture (and the tax write-offs don’t hurt). Some non-profits offer paid positions, if not, there’s no reason why you can’t offer to create a PSA or design the promotional materials for their next fundraiser. Unless you give off some incompetent vibe, I’d be surprised if they turned you away. In the end, they “pay” you with produced samples of your work and maybe a college credit. Non-profits may also have you working with many influential board members, who might know of a job perfect for a hard-working individual like you — it pays to have connections.

So look for work in unexpected places. More opportunities. Less competition. Christine K. sent an email suggesting InterninMichigan.com (Thanks for looking out.) If anyone else has any notices or suggestions, I’d be happy to post them.

Now go out and get a job.