APPLYING TO MAIP
July 15, 2022
How does one go from service jobs to an agency role? Everyone’s journey is different, but mine starts with MAIP. From the start of my academic career at The City College of New York, I’ve heard of the legend of MAIP among my Ad/ PR cohort and the success it’s brought them. I didn’t think much of MAIP, until a senior shared that she never had any industry experience, but MAIP helped to open that door for her. It gave her an opportunity to stand with the other players and really show the world what she can do. That resonated with me.
I filled out the application and made my video. Being a film major, I knew I needed to make my video stand out. I wrote a script highlighting the three big pillars of my life. Film, advertising, and my family. I made a film that was authentically me. And I guess MAIP saw something in that.
I was pushed to the next round. It’s interview time. I was nervous, but I told myself “just be yourself”, that’s all you can offer. The interview was sweet and short. I was honest and genuinely proud of my accomplishments. I felt prepared. I work so hard to make it to that interview, the years of effort- juggling two majors, extracurriculars, part-time jobs, volunteering my time- it was all so I can confidently say, “I deserve to be here”.
I had done it. I became a MAIP fellow. All that was left was to see if I’d be recruited by a host organization. I had heard stories of MAIP fellows not being recruited by host organizations. I hoped that wouldn’t happen to me. I was to be a recent college graduate by the start of the summer, I needed this.
The day of recruitment came. The whole process felt a bit odd to me. It was basically first come first serve, but for the organizations. The MAIP fellows had no say in who recruited them, either accept or decline. Even if by some luck, your dream organization wanted you, if another organization got to you first, you were theirs. For that reason, I had no expectations, no top choices. I simply waited to see if I’d get selected, and by who.
I was in the middle of class- I got a text from a MAIP fellow telling me to check my 4A’s account, “Organizations have already started selecting fellows!”. I casually login onto my account, and right there in the box, in green letters read, “The Walt Disney Company”. Everything froze, I got an offer from THE Walt Disney Company, the Mouse himself.
In the middle of this college classroom, while my professor was quietly lecturing- I screamed. I told my friend next to me the news. We were all giddy with screams. I awkwardly apologized to my professor for disturbing his lecture and I sat there processing- out of all the fellows, out of all the host organizations. Disney chose me. And it may never have happened without MAIP.
WORKING FOR THE MOUSE
July 30, 2022
I was selected as a Production Intern for The Walt Disney Company, but prior to the start of the internship, I had no idea what that would entail. So, here’s what I actually do- I am a Production Intern for The Walt Disney Studios in-house marketing agency, The Hive, specializing in creative content. It is a world of trailers, TV Spots, and content.
I had no idea this realm of the marketing/ advertising industry existed. It turned out to be the perfect role for me. It utilized a ton of the film elements I adapted from my film major while operating in the marketing aspects I had expected. Surprisingly, my film knowledge gave me a bit of an advantage. Producing will naturally entail film knowledge but some of my responsibilities involved writing scripts, shot lists, sound bites, and directing creative cuts. I’m not sure how well I would’ve thrived in those responsibilities without that upper hand.
I’m fortunate enough that it’s not the kind of internship where I “fetch coffee” or in this case virtual coffee. I am completely hands on, and I actually have the opportunity to produce a couple of spots. For confidentiality reasons, I can’t share too much information, but I’m legit producing! With some guidance of course. It feels thrilling to work with a team, give my feedback, and see my vision take shape. Producing is something that you can’t learn by shadowing, you learn the best by actually doing- and I think my supervisors understand this. My hard work definitely paid off when an editor complimented me saying, " I feel like you are already a seasoned producer. The notes you give and the care and detail you take is awesome, you bring a lot to the projects we've worked on. I can definitely see how your film making background has helped in this position!"
Outside of the actual responsibilities, navigating post-graduation and a full-time internship for a big company like Disney was a journey. Right after graduation I moved out of Harlem, New York and back into my family home in Queens. Fresh from my college days, I was still processing the feeling of entering the working world and never again being a student (it still feels weird). Starting the internship, I was incredibly anxious. I was starting in a career that I love but had never done professionally before. It was like I was learning how to do the job that I was hired for. I suppose that’s what an internship is. It also wasn’t how I would’ve imagined starting a position post-grad. Working remotely is still a bit of a new dynamic but at this point, it is definitely the new normal. It has its pros and cons. But the thing that really shook me up was working that time difference!
I feel like this is something not often talked about, but it is tough. I was working remotely at the studios which operates from Burbank, CA. Meaning, I was working PST hours in the east coast. MEANING, my workdays are from 1:00-9:00 PM. At The Hive that’s not such a crazy situation, lots of other employees operate like that. But everyone else I told shared with me their shock and concern. Now, I’m used to it and have built a nice routine out of it, and just like anything, it has its pros and cons.
Working for the mouse has been such an incredible opportunity, and throughout my internship, I’ve taken advantage to learn as much as I can about the field and role I love. I’m in an underrated position where I get to “trial” the industry and role, and really see if it's the best fit for me. I find myself asking if I want to work for big companies or smaller ones, what kind of work-life balance I need, what communication style and working environment I like, whether in-house or agency life, or if I truly want to be a producer or explore other agency roles. I love the space to truly explore these questions. Working for Disney has been a dream and it’s allowed me access to explore a world I may not have had access to without programs like MAIP. With Disney as an experience, I’ve taken a huge step up towards the career I want to have.