With all this chatter about graduates getting jobs at the moment. I thought I would throw my two cents in about how to land an internship.
1. Know where you want to go
I think the first thing to do is suss out the situation and find out who is doing kick arse work in the area you are interested in. Make a list and go for the top of the pile.
2. Volunteering is not enough
Having an intern is a lot hassle for employees these days. You have to always find them small tasks to do. So instead of just asking for an internship find something that you can do for the company that can add value. Social Media offers a great opportunity for Gen Y looking to get an internship. A number of marketers don’t get it and want someone young to explain it for them. If I was looking for an internship at the moment in a marketing organisation, I would tell them that I would like to compile a report for them, on what people are saying about their brand online and what are competitor brands doing in social media?
3. Something different
Have a talking point. My next door neighbour, Josh Clement sent me this great video he created to help him find an internship. Awesome.
4. Contacts
When I was at University, my mum knew a lot of people in advertising so she kept on trying to introduce me to people working in Advertising. It shitted me to tears, I wanted to make it on my own. That was until she helped me get my first break with Sputnik. Do not be stubborn like I was, take all the help you can get. Most people in this world will try to help you out and will enjoy seeing someone succeed.
What other tips do you have for graduates looking for jobs/internships?
Thursday, November 05, 2009
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4 comments:
Also, the boys at AdGrads have some awesome tips.
Sam's post on filling out forms is here:
http://adgrads.blogspot.com/2007/10/this-mad-season.html
Great thoughts, Jules - definitely agree re doing your research and knowing who to approach.
My two cents is 'be proactive'. So many graduates leave it until the last minute and then get caught in the rush when everyone else also starts looking for industry experience. Stand out from the pack and start making approaches now. Enthusiasm is a big tick for any company so make sure any potential employers recognise your willingness to get involved as this will distinguish you from other candidates.
initiative and drive are two things i think serve anyone well.
people like helping those people who show these qualities. they also feel relatively confident that once given the opportunity they will succeed.
i never did an internship ... i sort of fell into advertising ... but i'd like to think my initiative and drive inspired some confidence in the people who helped me break in.
i think all the people who help you out want as a sign of thanks is to see you do well.
I think the number one thing most grads forget is this:
If you are a marketing graduate, use those marketing skills to market yourself.
If you do not use a bit of strategic thinking, create some differentiation and show how you can benefit me, then how can you do it to my brand's consumers.
Given 3-4 years of uni, this at a basic level should be realistic.
Also, I love Josh's video. I saw it on Junior last week. He GETS IT.
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