I’ll Take the Small Agency Roll Please
This past week I completed my first week of my second internship at Maiden Media. Three words: I Love It! It’s a small shop tucked away in the chic-ness of Olde City but once you step inside you quickly realize there is nothing small about Maiden Media. A creative agency that focuses on digital media (websites, social media, and creative) Maiden Media is for those who thrive on hash tags, gifs,apps, trending topics and javascript. Initially, I was worried about how I would fit, but that quickly faded after the first few days.
I stated earlier that this is my second internship. My first internship just so happened to be in a big city at a big agency ie. New York City and Ogilvy & Mather. I wasted no time and cannon balled right into the ad industry, which I recommend everyone should try. I received the opportunity to do this through the 4As MAIP (Minority Advertising Internship Program). Coming from a huge internship so early, I learned a lot about myself and what I want for my career. Having the opportunity to intern at a small agency is big for me, because I am all about choices and finding the right fit for me. There is no one size fits all agency in advertising, think of it as a sushi bar.
My role among the Digital Natives is that of social media. I will be tweeting and facebooking my little heart out (not that I don’t already do that) for two of our clients. Being a social media intern is exciting for me because no one can truly say they are an expert in social media. Social media is a fickle creature, so I will be learning mostly as I go. This aspect is exciting for me.
For those who haven’t yet begun to intern and even those who have pay close attention to the different types of ad agencies out there. Also pay close attention to yourself (what you like, your work style etc.). It’s ok to want to work on Madison Avenue, but it’s also ok if you don’t. We are in a creative industry, that demands creative thinking at all times. If your work place stifles your creativity, because it doesn’t fit you, you’ve lost your greatest asset already. Try a few different agency roles then, go where you feel the most creative!
My name is Alex and I am a graduating Senior majoring in Advertising (Copywriting track). I will be posting weekly updates of my internship life with a little advice for you guys as well! Feel free to ask me questions alexandria.brown@temple.edu and follow my daily adventures in this adworld on Twitter @ad_lexx.
Alex, that sounds awesome! To be surrounded by social media is definitely the right direction advertisers are aiming for. Though they’re are people still trying to avoid social media, it’s a huge mistake because it’s become so ubiquitous. Diving into an ad agency dealing with apps is definitely where I would like to be in the future.
You are definitely right. I will say it is a little scary since social media isn’t as predictable as traditional media and it’s still growing! But that’s the best part too. We’re learning and finding new cool ways to use social media as we go. I wish you the best of luck!
That’s so great that you love Maiden Media. I’ve heard really great things about this agency. I think it’s important to explore the different types of agencies while you are still in school; it helps you figure out who you are, what you want to do and where you want to end up. I agree with you when you said “there is no one size fits all agency in advertising”. I think it’s important to try out different agencies and see what you like, which is what you are doing. You learn so much more that way. So congrats and enjoy the rest of your internship!
I am enjoying it, it’s a great place! Thanks so much!
I know this is a little late but I just came across this post now. I love what you had to say about Maiden Media and its definitely on my top agencies to look into. I was wondering if you got to experience any web design or any other digital aspect aside from social media? I would like to learn a little more about those areas of Maiden Media and was thinking about applying for an internship there but I don’t have any prior experience with web design etc. Any advice?