So you want to work in advertising, huh? The intern process is definitely a great career move, but getting said internship, and more importantly what you do once you have it, is what really matters. Every Spring at Connelly, we get hundreds of resumes of aspiring copywriters, designers, brand managers and all the creative sort, but the majority of the cover letters and resumes are just, well, the same. Plain Jane. Here at Connelly we are far from plain. With the loud music bumping everyday, the ping pong, the Summer softball team and well, the bar in the middle of the office, we like to think we know how to have some fun.
So if you want to be plain on paper, it makes no sense that you want to go into advertising. Think about what makes the best ads? Originality and understanding your audience. This goes for internship applications as well.
While reading through a stack of these cover letters, I was waiting to laugh. I was waiting for someone to take a risk or make me want to meet them. If you want to be a copywriter, prove it! If you think your college courses and your experience in ad club were invaluable, tell us how.
What about the interview? Stand out! Show your quirkiness, tell us what unique ideas you have and don’t be afraid to lay it all out there.
Want to know more? Two of our current interns Sadie and Abby weigh in on their experiences here:
Sadie Bagdon
Emerson College/ Major: Marketing Communications and Writing, Lit. & Publishing
Department at Connelly: Social Media/PR
Abby Pender
Bentley University/ Major: Marketing
Department at Connelly: Brand
1. Why were you looking for in an internship?
Abby: I wanted an internship where I would be exposed to various disciplines in an advertising agency and gain hands-on experience with real-time projects. As soon as I interviewed at Connelly, it was a no brainer; I knew this opportunity was exactly what I was looking for.
2. Why Connelly Partners?
Sadie: I chose Connelly because I previously worked at MOTT (Mass. Office of Travel and Tourism), which is one of Connelly’s biggest clients, and I liked the work Connelly did for them.
Abby: I originally heard about Connelly’s unique culture and atmosphere from a Bentley alumnus, and my interest only grew from there. I was familiar with their work for clients such as Tufts Health Plan, Babson College, and New England Aquarium, and I was extremely interested in learning more about the process behind developing and creating campaigns such as these. When I came in to interview I was immediately impressed by everything Connelly had to offer.
3. What type of role do you hope to have in the advertising world in the future?
Abby: When I first began at Connelly, I was pretty confident that I wanted a career in advertising, and this internship definitely confirmed that in my mind. I hope to obtain a position on the Brand team of an agency that will allow me to leverage what I have learned here. Working at Connelly Partners has set the bar high for what I hope to get out of future positions, and I’m certain this experience will help me achieve my future career goals.
Sadie: Ideally, I would like to be a copywriter, but really anything in the advertising side of things would be fine with me. For the time being, though, social is pretty fun.
4. What are some interesting things you have learned?
Abby: One of my biggest takeaways from this experience has been learning about the internal processes at an ad agency. While working with the Brand Team to launch an SMS campaign for a key client, I was able to gain hands-on experience in what goes behind creating a text campaign. I was also able to hone my analysis and research skills through various competitive review projects.
Sadie: I have learned a lot about social media analysis, and I have gotten a lot of practice in more commercial writing than I’m used to doing, as well as more efficient ways to research and build lists.
5. What is one piece of advice you would give to a new intern at CP?
Sadie: Do every company activity you have the chance to, and make sure you know when the fruit gets in.
Abby: Break out of your comfort zone! There are so many great opportunities to take advantage of during an internship at Connelly; if there is a project you find interesting and want to be involved in – ask! If there is a company event or an activity that you think would be fun – do it! The people here are great, and the culture will be unlike any company you’ve previously worked for.
We welcome anyone to apply for an internship at CP. We just hope your cover letter and resume stands out the way you do.
