Disguised by its lush green surroundings in the North Shore of Massachusetts, Mullen is a bustling place. It will continue to be on the go – literally – at it moves to Boston’s financial district in June 2009.
The agency of about 420 people is constantly putting out funny, intelligent work (you can check it out at www.mullen.com). Interning here has given me insight into how an agency functions and how teams of people - who genuinely like each other - can enjoy their work while still being efficient.
Each intern in Mullen’s 10-week program is assigned to a department (Account Services, Interactive Studio, General Studio, Broadcast, Media, Brand Planning, and PR this year) and has a mentor. Not only have we, the eighteen interns, had real, meaningful projects to do this summer, but we also have been treated like Mullen employees – with respect and as friends and colleagues. Each of our mentors helped us learn about potential careers at Mullen and the responsibilities of our departments/roles here. Mentors will help you get to where you want to go – whether it’s the bathroom or, eventually, the boardroom. My mentor is now one of my role models, a good friend, and a woman who I look forward to learning from in the future.
Interns also have Lunch and Learns, a tasty weekly lunch with an even tastier presentation that department heads give. Their topics range from “what does PR do” to “creativity at Mullen” to career advice. These lunches were a great way of seeing the broad scope of agency life and of connecting with more senior employees (who really are willing to chat with interns), showing how Mullen really does believe in its mantra of “honest engagement.” Joe Grimaldi, President and CEO of Mullen, led our first Lunch and Learn, and also replied to my thank-you email wishing me luck in my internship.
People here care.
As far as the interns, our group bonded this summer. We played softball against other agencies’ interns (and won), had multiple parties, and generally hung out together. At Mullen, we worked together on a research project about emerging media/marketing; we also researched, came up with strategy/deliverables, and presented a mock new business pitch to the CCO, CEO/President, and EVP of New Business Development. This summer not only let me work with a lot of different people, but it also taught me the value of thinking in new ways – listening to and spending time with interns like this will help your flexibility and creativity, if you let it.
You will get as much out of this internship as you try to get. People at Mullen are willing to talk to you, but you need to approach them. I met a lot of great people by reaching out, and I learned a great deal in the process. Advertising is a busy and demanding industry, though full of compelling people who, at least as I’ve found at Mullen, will find time to share with you.
So go find them. And good luck.
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Be different - in an intelligent way. A lot of people apply to this internship, so you not only have to be smart, well-rounded, and interesting, but you also have to stand out. I had fun with my application and have had fun with my internship, since I let my personality shine through the words.
Also, BE PERSISTENT. Follow up your application with a thank-you note, and another email (a few months after your application, give or take depending on the time frame). You need to show the recruiter that you're engaged in the company and the internship. Still, don't be annoying - people in advertising are busy. Please don't waste time stuffing their email inboxes.
Summer 2008
Paid
Wenham, MA
Reviewed on 08/06/2008