I've been getting a lot of questions from students who are applying for MAIP 2009. I wanted to provide a forum for you so that you can ask anything that your burning hearts desire. Just know, I in no way represent MAIP or AAAA, but am a 2008 MAIP alum. My responses are purely from my perspective as a student trying to make it into the ad industry.
My background is in account management (with a not-so-secret penchant for planning), so do keep that in mind. If you have questions about any of the other departments, I'll be happy to answer them, but naturally, they will be skewed. In addition to my internship at Campbell Mithun (Minneapolis) through MAIP I have also done an internship at BBH NY in 2007. So feel free to ask some hard hitting questions. I'll do my best to get back to you within a few hours.
22 comments:
Hey Jonathan,
Thanks so much for your willingness to answer any of our questions regarding MAIP 2009. What advice would you give to someone regarding the semi-finalist interview process?
Oh one more question...sorry...
Are the agencies themselves the ones that make the final decision? Are they looking for experience or are they looking for how well you did on your interview? I have a lower GPA and not as much experience in the advertising industry so I'm worried about not being chosen..
Hey Jonathan,
Just wondering..is this going to be a behavioral interview?
Also, I know this is thinking way ahead with high hopes, but how does the whole being placed in an agency go? Do you decide where you want to be and they find an agency? Do you have ANY preference as to the state at least??
Thanks!
Hi everyone!
I read somewhere that how they choose you is that after your interview, your transcript, application, essays and interview evaluation get put into a book of semifinalists and then an advertising agency selects their interns that way.
I'm worried! My GPA is really low but I wrote some killer essays :) Will an agency like Ogilvy or McCann still want an intern like myself? How much does the interview process matter? I don't have any real big impressive internship experiences before that..didn't you say you had experience Jonathan? Wouldn't that have overriden your GPA?
crzybeautiful -
Currently I'm a senior at San Jose State University completing my B.S in advertising with a minor in psychology. I'm also a community manager for a Web 2.0 venture located in the Silicon Valley.
While I was at Campbell Mithun, I worked on the General Mills account under the Nature Valley brand (snacks). My primary goal was to assist the Assistant Account Executive. Some of my objectives were to create competitive flash reports, prepare a visual brand architecture, attend status meetings and to shadow the AAE at all client meetings (at times, asked to provide my feedback - you'll learn that there are some meetings where an intern should speak and some where the account director/creative directors do the speaking).
Account management is strongly rooted in sales. Your ability to communicate is vital to the position - via phone calls, emails and in meetings. Keep in mind that the account team helps generate revenue for agencies when they propose new services for the client, so having a strong sales background can only help you.
Anonymous -
Here's a response I wrote to another MAIP semifinalist that I posted in another thread that deals with some tips about the interview process (some of the responses are tailored to her, but the tips remain the same):
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
Tina -
I'm not really sure about who makes the final decision. I've heard that the agencies are given all the semi-finalists application packets and interview responses and then allowed to pick their choices on a given day. Naturally, there are more applicants than positions, so unfortunately there are some semi-finalists who do not become finalists.
About your GPA - remember, the GPA is really just a qualifier. In my opinion, GPA's are only good for the following: Getting into competitive internship programs (like MAIP), receiving scholarships and getting into grad school.
Your aptitude is not a reflection of your GPA - remember, you are more than just a number. You are an individual with great potential and everyone brings their own life experiences to the table.
Anonymous -
I'm not sure what you mean by a behavioral interview. Please explain.
About placement, I can tell you that during my interview I was asked where I see myself working after graduation. My response: Anywhere but NYC. This response was based solely off the fact that I had done an internship in NYC the previous summer and really wanted to see other parts of the country.
When agencies review the applicants responses, they do pay attention to your preferences. However, you should remember that if you are a finalist, you either accept the position you've been given (wherever it may be) or you forfeit the position.
If you have any concerns with that you should definitely speak with the MAIP coordinator.
Tina -
You've done your research on the application process! I think you nailed it.
I personally think that my interview solidified my position. It's true, my previous internship helped me have a better understanding of how agencies work and I was able to communicate that, but honestly, I had an amazing interview (and I'm still in contact with the interviewer to this day).
Also keep in mind that MAIP is trying to give underrepresented students an opportunity to gain some real life experiences with some of the best agencies. They don't necessarily expect everyone to come in with internship experience, however, you should be able to relate your coursework, group projects, and life experiences into the interview if you don't.
Also remember that internships are a two-way deal. Yes, the agencies are "testing" you out to see if you would make a great addition to their organization. However, you as the intern are also "testing" your host agency to see if you can see yourself working for them. You'd be surprised what you'll learn about yourself and the agency you worked at after the 10-weeks are up.
Hey Jonathan,
I found the exact excerpt from the MAIP website regarding ad agency applications:
"Student applications are reviewd by AAAA member agency representatives, the AAAA Diversity Committee and the AAAA MAIP Alumni Association to determine semifinalists. All semi-finalists are interviewed by AAAA member agency representatives in February. A selectino database of finalists' applications and interview evaluations is provided to participating agencies in March. After reviewing the selection database, all participating agencies indicate their intern choices. The AAAA then assigns interns to participating agencies based on the agencies' preferences "
It suggests that whomever interviews you makes the final decision of whether you make it or not to the final round. So all in all, your interview makes it or breaks it.
Then if you're chosen to be in the final round, your application packet including interview EVALS are put into a big book of finalists for agencies to choose from. It sounds right since then if you're chosen as a finalist, then you'd know your agency right away.
What do you think Jonathan? :)
Tina -
That sums the process up nicely. MAIP will contact those finalists who are placed with agencies via telephone. I believe the convo goes something like this:
"Hi (insert name), I wanted to congratulate you on becoming a MAIP finalist. You have been invited to intern with (insert agency name) as an (insert title). Would you like to accept this offer?"
I still remember getting the call and the HUGE sigh of relief that followed.
I'm a finalist. Thanks for the interview tips (what feels like ages ago).
Do you know the likelihood of being a finalist and not getting a spot because that would seriously suck.
thanks,
Shannon
Hey Jonathan,
Just wanted to thank you for making this website. I think it's great, not only for the tips but also provides the opportunity for those young people interested in advertising to do a little networking. I just found this blog after I found out I was a finalist and I actually wish I checked your website out earlier. Good Work.
Shannon -
So glad you're a Finalist! I'm glad the interview tips were useful.
That limbo between finalist and actual MAIP intern is such a weird feeling. I remember being really helpful - but feeling frightened that an agency wouldn't pick me.
It's hard to say what the odds are of getting picked by an agency without knowing the ratio of Finalists: Agency.
However, if you put as much time and energy into your application as you've put into your blog - you should be selected.
I'll be sending a lot of good thoughts your way on the 25th!
Reggie -
Thanks for the compliment! Check back often - now that intern "season" is winding down I'll be writing about what to do leading up to your internship and sharing some stories from my internships at BBH and Campbell Mithun.
Hey Jonathan! I just came across your site and you seem to have a lot of knowledge about MAIP. I was selected as a Finalist which was absolutely amazing, but have yet to get an agency offer. I know the selection process was delayed and it ended up starting on Monday, but I have to tell you I have been sitting by the phone just waiting for it to ring and I am going insane! I know it's only been 2 days, but I am starting to get a little worried. This is a horrible feeling, and I'm sure you know what I'm talking about! Do you remember how long it took for you before you received an agency offer?
I'm applying for Creative which I know is pretty competitive, but I have a good portfolio and very high grades so I'm not sure why I haven't been picked yet :( Anyway, if you have any information about the final agency selection process hopefully it would ease my suffering just a little bit lol. Thanks!
Kristen - sorry for getting back to you so late! I've been taking care of some personal matters.
Hopefully, you've heard back from MAIP. The selection process is grueling - however, it does take time for agencies to review all the applicants.
For anyone who stumbles across the blog next year, applicants are notified in the order in which agencies notify MAIP. Sometimes agencies can't get around to reviewing all the apps in one day - so be patient. It's not unheard of to wait up to 3 days after the selection process begins (this happened to me).
I'm crossing my fingers that you heard some good news Kristen!
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