MAIP Questions: Carmonize is here to help

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.

MAIP 2009 Application: A Reflection

Friday December 5th, 2008 - 5PM EST.

For students applying to AAAA's Multicultural Advertising Internship Program, this marked the first deadline that would determine their acceptance into the most prestigious network of diverse advertising professionals.

After completing the 2008 MAIP program I returned to San Jose State University's Advertising department determined to inspire other multicultural students to apply for the program (as diverse as the SF Bay area itself). What initially began as a few informational presentations about my experiences as a MAIP intern at Campbell Mithun and a previous internship at BBH NY, evolved into something much more complex than what I had originally anticipated.

During the four presentations, I was inspired by several students who weren't afraid to seek me out afterwards and ask for advice about how to strategically pursue their MAIP applications. That's when it hit me - Why couldn't I offer some of my time to help mentor these students?

To be honest with you, I wasn't prepared for the level of commitment that was entailed with guiding the 16 MAIP hopefuls who sought out my assistance. There were countless 1-on-1's, endless revisions, some nagging, and up-to-the-deadline miracles throughout the process. However, we ALL managed to get through it and I wanted to thank all the students who allowed me to help them.

I've emailed the students who were on my MAIPtern (yes, I know it's corny - but it works) contact list to tell a little about what the first part of the application process was like in the comments section in hopes that future MAIPers will be able to use some of their wise words.

Here's to the next class of MAIPers!

Future MAIPterns

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
  

I want to encourage you to continue to seek me out for any guidance in the process. In case I didn't mention it, SJSU's ad program has some very qualified students who would be terrific MAIP candidates.

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!