Manas Paradkar

Manas interned at Hill Holliday in the fall of 2017. Read more about his experience here.

My day-to-day:

Initially, we were assigned a client called Ahold, which is the holding company for big supermarket names like BFresh, Stop and Shop, Giant, etc. As soon as we started, we were brought into a fall creative brief meeting and given a low-down. We started off by helping the main creative team on this one project; we did social posts and banner ads, online promotions, emailers, etc. We were later pulled into meetings for other clients and we went on to work on campaigns for brands like Party City and Bank of America.

I have a 16-hour a week commitment at Hill, so I go in all day Wednesday and Friday. On Wednesdays, we usually have what they call an “Aducation,” which is a sneak peek into every department’s work at the agency. So every Wednesday, one department introduces us to their work, explains to us the process, and gives us snippets of how campaigns were developed. It’s really a fun way of learning about the real workings of a big size ad agency.

What’s it like to work in a real agency:

It is an irreplaceable experience. It’s the opportunity to put everything we study at school to practice. It’s also where a major chunk of my learning has happened— just by interacting with more people. I have learned the most by meeting new people, creatives and non-creatives, being curious about their journeys, and talking about their work. And of course it helps in networking.

What I love about my job:

Sometimes, there are also sessions where outside companies like production houses, marketing firms, etc. come in to do presentations with the intent of future collaborations. These meetings are interesting because here I get to learn about all the new trends and technology that’s emerging in the advertising world. And free food, did I say there is free food during these meetings?

I also love the office space at Hill. My partner and I concept on the 35^th floor, sitting at an elongated wood panel that’s right next to the glass windows that overlook the city. It’s inspiring to come up with ideas when you’re sometimes literally among the clouds. And, needless to say, the view is to die for!

What I don’t love about it:

Sometimes things can get a little languid. Since it’s a big agency, there are many checks and balances and numerous processes in place. Sometimes, as a creative, it can feel a bit overwhelming and extraneous. But that’s the way the cookie crumbles!

How I found my internship:

At the end of my summer 2017 internship, I started interviewing at other agencies to look for a fall internship. Nothing seemed to work out. Then I went back home to India for the last three weeks of the summer break. I’m a copywriter and I usually work with an art director. My best friend who is also my art director partner got in touch with the recruiters at Hill Holliday and secured us an interview. They looked at our portfolios, did telephone interviews with us, and we were brought on board as a creative team for the fall.

What should you do to get that dream internship?

Be brave and be patient. Brave because you are going to have to step out of your comfort zone and interact and network with people. Get in touch with professionals, professors, other contacts that you make and ask them about opportunities. Everyone is willing to help as long as we are willing to ask for it. Go to networking events and always keep in touch with people you meet via email. Start applying early for both summer and fall. Don’t wait until the deadline as many of these positions are filled before the deadline approaches. Patient because most times it takes longer than you expect and there is disappointment. But have faith and keep working at it and know that hard work pays off.