Just a re-cap of the MAIP component of the presentations given over the past week:
- Applications are available now. If you didn't pick one up in class, you can visit the MAIP website and download one
- The Deadline for all materials is December 5th, 2008
- You'll need two letters of recommendation (preferably from a professor and an employer). The key to getting a good LOR is giving your reference plenty of time.
- An unofficial transcript is required with the application. If you are a semifinalist, an official transcript will need to be submitted by January 12th. For SJSU students, this means you should be aware of the procedures of the Office of the Registrar. There are no rush requests. EVER!
- For those of you in Lilly's Adv 121 Course - I will be coming in on Monday, Nov. 3rd to help you with essay writing & resume building. For those students not eligible for MAIP, I will focus on helping you build a spreadsheet of potential agencies.
- Get connected with MAIP on their Facebook fan page
One story I didn't share, but think is a testament to how great you are occurred during my in-person interview for MAIP 2008. The HR rep who interviewed me noted that she was consistently impressed with all five of the SJSU semi-finalists. I'm convinced that this year we'll see even more of our students accepted into the program!
12 comments:
Hey NY rat-hotel mate, it's great to see you're spreading the word about MAIP. I'm doing presentations as well, and I'm hoping to get a great 2009 class. How are YOU doing?
Hey John,
I'm a student at SJSU currently applying for the MAIP. After having a discussion with Professor Hendrick, he and I were wondering if a photo was needed alongside the application. He also mentioned that there was a second interview with the ad agencies themselves if you're chosen as a finalist. How did that interview flow? What kinds of questions did they ask you?
If you can :) email me back at joannalin86@yahoo.com. Thanks!
--Joanna
Joanna -
Glad to hear that you are applying for MAIP. It's a fantastic program!
There is no photo that needs to be submitted with the application, however, you will need to provide one if you are chosen as a finalist.
There is only one interview required of MAIP Semi-Finalist's. These are typically conducted at host agencies with the information then being relayed to the MAIP selection committee.
The interview that Tim mentioned was done on the part of Campbell Mithun, the agency I was selected by. The reason why they interviewed me was to ensure that I would be the best person for the General Mills account. I wouldn't worry too much about having to do an interview in addition to the one required by MAIP.
If you are selected as a MAIP semi-finalist, I'd be happy to share what kinds of questions that they asked (if I can remember them).
Best of luck!
Hi my name is Tina and I just came across your lovely website! Thanks so much--everything is so informational! I myself have applied to the MAIP 2009 Program and am SO nervous about results....
Do you know what the statistics are by any chance of people who get in? Do they look at very strong GPAs or do they focus a lot on the essay questions?
AHH I'm so nervous! I go to a prestigious university but have so-so grades (a reason for that) but I worked hard on my essays.. Thanks for your website!
Tina -
I remember that feeling so vividly. Anxiously checking my email every 10 minutes, asking the other MAIP applicants at SJSU if they had heard anything back, daydreaming of big cities, champagne wishes & caviar dreams. Ok, maybe not the later, but you get the gist.
I've had the same question about how many students get in. Personally - I don't know. However, I know the competition is fierce but the application is just the tip of the iceberg. What really sells a MAIP applicant is the interview.
Put it this way - anyone can sound good on paper. A resume, to some people, is like a work of fiction. You can elaborate and cock your feathers as much as you'd like, but what really sells a person is how they act in the flesh.
The GPA requirement is simply a way to reduce the number of applicants. Advertising, is not (I must emphasize - NOT) an academic profession. It is extremely intuitive and takes someone with great passion for the work. I've often heard the best people who work in advertising were not the best students academically. There is so much more to ones worth than a GPA - and MAIP really emphasizes that. Think about it - college definitely about developing your intellect, but it's also about developing your social skills, building your network, and enjoying a really beautiful time in your life. So don't sweat your not-so-stellar GPA (I had a 2.8 GPA when I applied and I think I did pretty well at my internship with Campbell Mithun).
Remember, if you don't get in there are many MANY internships out there. Continue to work on securing them NOW and by this summer, you'll be sipping a skinny-no foam-extra dry cappuccino with the CD of your dreams.
Best of Luck!
OMG JONATHAN!!!
THANKS SOOO MUCH FOR RESPONDING BACK! YOU DON'T KNOW HOW EXCITED YOU GOT ME!!
I have a 2.9 GPA and am really really worried about getting in, since there is supposed to be more applicants this year than last year's. Thanks for responding so promptly. I'm actually really worried about looking for internships and jobs. Any tips?
I want to work at a larger company . So far, I'm interning at a small start-up but I'm worried that it'll be extremely difficult to get a job at a big prestigious company since it seems they look at the creme of the crop. What's your take on that? (You seem to know a LOT about internships in the ad industry)
Hi, I came across this site after trying to research more about MAIP. I made it to the semi's and I am wicked nervous about the interview and looking everywhere for some info about how that process is. I know every interview experience is different but if you could maybe post tips or example questions it would be much appreciated.
Tina -
I wouldn't worry about the size of the agency you work at. You know the old saying.
What is important is what you learned while interning. The experiences you gain will be what sets you apart from other job-applicants (lets face it, you became a MAIP semi-finalist because of those experiences at the start-up, so give credit where credit is due).
You have the right mind frame though - that the best agencies hire people who come from other agencies they consider their peers. So if you want to work for Crispin or TBWA or Goodby, then work for Crispin or TBWA or Goodby.
Best of luck on your MAIP interview!
Thanks! Any tips for the interview? Is it intense? Should I prepare like crazy on what I would do in certain scenarios (i.e. case studies, etc?)
P.S. Did you have any say in what city you got to work in? Did anyone you know get a job out of MAIP?
Shannon -
Congrats on making it to the Semi-finals of MAIP. This year was probably tougher than ever to get a spot, but you obviously have something that the MAIP committee wants in an alum.
My #1 tip for nailing your MAIP interview is to let your personality shine. Agencies are looking for people who fit into their culture. How you come across in your interview counts for so much. Reading your blog, I can tell you have a really distinct style (yes, an obvious pun). Let that shine through. Wear something amazing - feel good about yourself and leave your interviewer feeling breathless when you walk away.
Tip #2: Know your role inside and out. Understanding what an account manager, planner, media planner, etc. is shows that you've done your research.
Tip # 3: Be prepared for the "expected" questions. Such as - Why would you be a good (fill in your position? What is your favorite campaign? What is/are your strengths & weaknesses? Describe your leadership positions? What do you do to unwind?
Tip # 4: Come prepared with questions. Unless you're interviewing with the MAIP coordinator (which you may because you live relatively close to AAAA's headquarters) don't ask questions about MAIP. Ask about the individual agency you'll be interviewing at. My favorite question: So tell me about how (Agency name) is addressing diversity? It's a tough question - but it opens up so many opportunities for discussion and shows that you are definitely aware of the lack of minorities in the agency world.
I'll be writing a post in the next few days about this, so check back.
- Jonathan
Thank you!
Tina -
Read the comment I left about the interview process that I wrote for Shannon. There are some good tips in there. I say definitely prepare for the interview, but not to the point where you loose your personality. There should be nothing forced about your interview - you'll just come across as nervous, and nervous is a BAD thing.
I worked in Minneapolis @ Campbell Mithun as an account management intern. Great agency, great city. During the interview, you'll be asked where you would like to start your career. MAIP and the participating agencies really try to accommodate where you see yourself working (for many people that's NYC). My answer was a little unusual. Since I had interned in NYC the previous summer, I said "anywhere but NYC."
Don't get me wrong, I love New York City. I simply wanted to spend some time in a different part of the country. Remember, that if you are selected as a finalist, you either accept your position (where ever it is) or you forfeit the position - there is no negotiation.
Yes - many people in the program got job offers. If you are graduating this Spring & you impress your agency, be prepared to accept a job offer. However, if you don't get one, there is a fantastic job fair that is hosted by MAIP and all the participating agencies that is held at graduation.
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