An Internship Unlike Any Other

The AAF-Ad Club St. Louis Internship Hop

NOTE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Internship Hop is cancelled for 2023, but will return next year.

The Ad Club Internship Hop gives students a unique opportunity to learn about the St. Louis Advertising Community. Instead of just working for one agency this summer, our interns will be working for eight. They’ll learn about the industry by hopping around different St. Louis agencies, exposing themselves to different ideas, clients, and projects.

Why is this an important opportunity for your agency and our community?
This is an exciting low-stakes trial to strengthen our community and your brand – You might even find your next hire.

Agencies get exposure to great students for a limited engagement. (Social, PR exposure, plus recognition through our
growing Ad Club channels.) It’s a great recruitment tool both directly and indirectly. The student will show off your culture and influence positive impressions of your agency brand.

Agencies will also get a completed campaign if agencies put students on a real task.

This program is highlighting eight different agencies, allowing us to embrace the diversity of St. Louis shops and
demonstrate how we are a viable market for young talent.

We are the only Ad Club in the nation (that we know of) running this type of program. We are uniting our community
and showcasing this profession as a viable career path for the next generation of superstars.

Important dates:

The Internship period will run from June 5th – August 4th.

The deadline to apply is April 14, 2023.

After applications are received, an Ad Club panel will review the applicant’s information narrowing down the candidates and hosting an afternoon of interviews before selecting the final team.

Candidates will be chosen by April 28, 2023.


Do you have what it takes?

The Internship Hop is an intensive, fast-paced program. If accepted, you won’t be spending this summer fetching coffee or filing paperwork, you’ll be working on real projects.

Applicants have to be in good standing and will submit the following information:

• GPA
• Resume
• Work samples are required for Copywriters and Graphic Designers. Account managers and Digital strategists are required to submit an essay on how you are best suited for the role
• Statement of career aspirations, including why you’re interested in the Internship Hop

In return, you’ll get:

  • Important contacts in the St. Louis advertising community
  • Practical real-world problem solving
  • Leadership and team building
  • Internship Hop swag bag
  • A chance to showcase your talents
  • Exposure to different creative opportunities
  • A fully paid experience – $15/hr
  • Maybe a job
  • **Applicants must be available for ALL 8 weeks of the program

All candidates must:

 

  • Be enrolled in an accredited institution of higher education
  • Be a full-time student with a minimum of 12 credit hours
  • Have an academic standing of junior or senior status with a GPA of 3.0 or higher

Candidates will need to submit:

  • Resume and cover letter that establishes why they’re interested in the position
  • Copy of most recent transcript
  • Portfolio samples are required for creative interns (Writing or design samples required, portfolio or website link) Account manager and strategy positions should write an essay on how they best suit their role.
  • A signed letter of recommendation from a faculty member

Any student that does not submit ALL application requirements will be disqualified for Internship consideration.

    • All applications must be received by April 14, 2023
    • For additional questions, email director@aafstl.com

Roles:

Account Manager Do you have a keen sense of target audiences, a love of research and data, a meticulous eye for detail, and an upbeat, positive personality? If so, you may make a great Account Manager! The Account Manager serves as the team’s liaison and bodyguard between Hoppers and agency/client and is in charge of protecting and expounding upon the creative brief and strategy.

Specifically, desired skills include:

  • Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
  • Excellent time management and organization
  • Background in market research and brand strategy
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills
  • Ability to work well with others

 

Digital Strategist – Digital marketing has a role in nearly every project that walks through an agency’s doors. The Digital Strategist will guide the Hoppers toward the best mix of digital marketing tools for each project; from social media (both organic and paid strategies), landing pages, SEM and SEO strategies, email marketing, digital advertising (like Spotify, Hulu, banner ads, etc.) and more! Do you have what it takes to put together the strongest plan for a given assignment, and to work with the Copywriter and Graphic Designers to develop the necessary creative assets?

Specifically, desired skills include:

  • Basic knowledge of website content management systems (like WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, etc.)
  • Basic knowledge of SEM and SEO
  • Basic knowledge of email marketing platforms (like MailChimp, ConstantContact, HubSpot, etc.)
  • Understanding of key social media platforms and how they work
  • Background in putting together social calendars and content strategies

 

Copywriter* – The storyteller, tone keeper, and crafter of rhetoric for all projects taken on by the Hoppers. The copywriter’s role is to transform the brief and strategy into a voice, that can draw in a target audience, in an assortment of media and deliverables. The Copywriter will work closely with the Graphic Designers to develop and hone the creative output of the Hopper team.

Specifically, desired skills include:

  • A knack for storytelling and persuasive prose
  • Experience writing for a variety of media…from the teeniest tweet to lengthy Webpages
  • Excellent proofreading and copyediting skills
  • Ability to write in a variety of styles and voices

*A portfolio is required for Copywriter applicants

 

Graphic Designers* – Can you produce eye-catching visuals, informative infographics, click-worthy banner ads, and legendary logos? Are you more adapt to illustration, motion or UI/UX design? The internship Hop is calling for two Graphic Designers, who will cohesively lead the visual design/art direction for the Hoppers, while staying true to strategy, brand standards and elevating the content. Show us what unique experience YOU will bring to complement the other designer and round out the Hopper team.

Specifically, desired skills include:

  • Proficient knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (required)
  • Understanding of basic principles of art direction and design
  • Understanding of basic principles of typography
  • Experience in brand identity design

Additional experience in any of the below is also highly desired!

  • Motion/video
  • UI/UX design
  • Photography
  • Packaging design
  • Animation

*A portfolio is required for Graphic Designer applicants


Internship Hop Application 2023

Internship Hop Applications 2023

Step 1 of 4