Where do you see yourself in 8 months and 3 days? Starting your 2014 Summer internship is the correct answer.It may seem far away, especially since you're probably just now getting settled into the start of Fall semester, but trust me, the older you get, the faster time goes. May 2014 will be here in 9 weeks and you will be walking around like George Michael Bluth.
Things to think about:
1. What do I want to be doing this time next year?
2. Where do I want to be?
3. What do I need to do to get there?
Things to do:
1. Research internship programs, agencies and all of the options out there.
2. Start gathering materials you'll need to apply. If you don't have them yet, figure out how to get them. And then get them.
3. Solidify relationships with people you're going to ask to write you recommendations or to connect you to people that can help get your foot in the door
Don't wait until next March when everybody else realises that summer is creeping up on them and they need to do something with their lives. And definitely don't wait until May. All the good internships will be taken and you'll be left working at somebody's uncle's towing company making flyers in Powerpoint.There are sooooo many internship opportunities out there:
Multicultural Advertising Internship Program (MAIP)
This internship is for all departments - creative, account, media etc.
Apply here: MAIP 2014 Application It's due OCTOBER 24th. So get on it!
(Full disclosure: I'm biased to this one since I'm an alum, but it really is a great program and fantastic opportunity to get to do real work at great agencies. And the network of other interns and past interns is ridic. Here are two related posts about MAIP from 2011 and 2012. Make 2013 the year you apply and get in. Maybe I'll see you in New York and we can have lunch.)
American Advertising Federation (AAF) Internships
They have three programs, but not enough updated info right now (aka I'm too lazy to do more digging)
Become a member and apply here
The Advertising Club of New York
This past summer's deadline was extended to February, so you may have some time. Start doing your research now anyway. More info here.
Almost every agency has a program:
From Ogilvy, McCann, JWT, BBDO, Rosetta to Crispin Porter and their cousin.
Check out Digiday's Advertising's Hottest Internships , Business Insider's Top 20 Advertising Internships and Internship King's Top Internships in 2013.
