Month: December 2024

MAIP AD-vice from Ad 2 MAIP alumni

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MAIP AD-vice from Ad 2 MAIP alumni: Tips from Ad 2 Orlando MAIP alumni on the 4A’s program

By: Haniff Murray

So, you want to apply to MAIP.

We’ll get straight to the point: you aren’t here because you want a long intro about what the 4A’s Multicultural Advertising Internship Program is. (There are other places you can do that). You aren’t here because you’re interested in learning about the tons of different advertising agencies around the nation that are MAIP hosts, or see the amazing success stories of program alumni. (You can browse those elsewhere, too). 

You’re here because you want the insider tips. 

That’s why you’re getting advice from an Ad 2 Orlando board member who happens to be a 2023 MAIP fellow: Haniff Murray.

Haniff’s Application Tips

  1. Research the different disciplines. Make sure you research the different disciplines MAIP is offering so you get a good idea of what you’re signing up for. Are you more of a creative? Look into copywriting and art direction. More so someone with great campaign ideas but not really artsy? Look into strategy.
  2. Connect with previous cohorts on LinkedIn.
  3. Be yourself in your video! You don’t have to be a master videographer and editor. I literally filmed my MAIP video on my iPhone and edited it in iMovie. 

Haniff’s Reasons to Apply

MAIP provides so many opportunities for growth and networking. Before applying to MAIP I didn’t really have a good understanding of the different types of advertising roles. I remember seeing the strategist, copywriter, accounts, and art director disciplines and being very confused. I wasn’t even aware that my advertising degree could provide me with a window into working in the music industry. I applied to MAIP on a whim because of my roommate’s recommendation and a few months later I was in Los Angeles interning at RCA Records.

I also gained real friends in my cohort. I found a community with MAIP that I wouldn’t have found otherwise. And the people I met had cultural overlap with me because we were all minorities. I truly have not experienced anything like it to this day. MAIP definitely shifted the trajectory of my life and propelled me forward a hundred steps in my career aspirations. 

Additional Links and Resources 

Note: This blog is not an official post in partnership of the 4A’s foundation, but rather personal advice for potential applicants/interested students.