Staying Local with MOD Worldwide
One of the best parts about interning at MOD Worldwide is its location and the many local clients they have. Being able to walk down the block to take pictures of a new property for a realty company’s website, or hand delivering a proposal is surprisingly satisfying. Not only is it gratifying for being so hands-on, but you also get a sense of being a part of the Philly business community. MOD works largely with local upscale realty properties, like 10 Rittenhouse and The Ayer Condominiums. With clients literally blocks away, MOD is able to accomplish a lot of things, including maintaining a close and open relationship with their clients, the ability to address any issues promptly and efficiently,and to deliver work at a faster rate. Not many agencies would make use of their location in terms of client-agency relations, but MOD does, and I believe the benefits of doing so are clear considering their success.
This kind of dynamic environment had been very exciting and rewarding to be a part of. Prior to this semester, I had been set on looking outside of Philly (way outside, like California outside) for a post-graduation job. I felt like the west coast or a bigger city like Minneapolis would have more to offer me not only in the advertising art direction field, but in graphic design as well, something I have teetered on entering for a while now. After only being at MOD for month, I am already falling more and more in love with the city and working in it. For any ad student out there set on running to NYC or LA after they graduate, I highly recommend giving Philly a chance first.
Having a lot of local clients that are literally around the corner as you described sounds great. I am also interning at a relatively new ad agency in Old City. They established in New Jersey and have only been in Philadelphia since the summer. Their clients vary in locations but they have recently acquire several local clients. I agree with you that I think it can only be an advantage to the business to have local clients. It makes it convenient and really shows a lot about the business. After all, if they had no local clients wouldn’t it give off the impression of “why are you located here if you don’t do business here?” I also agree with you about spending some time in the Philly ad scene. Since we attend Temple, I think if we move away right after graduation, we are only letting the great opportunity of having a degree from a school in Philadelphia slip away.