AAF of The Midlands Seeks Applications for the Minority Internship Program

January 16, 2009

Hands-on experience allows students a look at real life career possibilities

COLUMBIA, SC January 16, 2009  The American Advertising Federation of The Midlands is giving one student the opportunity to spend valuable time learning about the field of advertising and mass communications through their annual Minority Internship Program.

Designed for 10th-12th graders, the two week shadowing and internship experience, allows a student, chosen from a Midlands area high school, the chance to explore the many opportunities available within the advertising and mass communications industry.

The student, who will also be rewarded a $500 scholarship, will choose from a number of participating companies and businesses in the areas of advertising, marketing, sales promotions, public relations, broadcast, account management and web development and experience what working in this industry is really like.

Last year’s internship recipient, Kain Robinson, a rising 10th grader at Irmo High School, spent time at several businesses before deciding to spend his second week in the marketing department at the Colonial Life Arena. “Having the opportunity to go behind the scenes and see what goes into making a sporting event or program happen was very interesting and different from what I thought,” said Robinson. “I’m glad I got to do this.”

AAF of The Midlands President, Shelley Nazarenko, believes that this internship program piques the interest of young people and gets them thinking about their future careers. “This internship program puts the decision making into the hands of the student,” says Nazarenko. “It gives them the opportunity to have a hands-on experience with a number of areas in the advertising and communications industry that they might not ever see.”

Interested applicants in the Minority Internship Program and experience are encouraged to visit the American Advertising Federation of The Midlands Web site at www.AAFMidlands.com. All applications must be received on or before March 16, 2009.

About AAF of The Midlands
The Columbia Ad Club was founded in 1955 and is affiliated with the American Advertising Federation (AAF), which is the oldest national advertising trade association, representing 50,000 professionals in the advertising industry worldwide. By vote of the local organization’s Board of Directors, the affiliate’s name was changed in 2007 to AAF of The Midlands in order to enhance branding on a local, regional and national level. AAF of The Midlands is a member of the Third District of the AAF, which represents South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. Membership is open to any individual or company involved in any way in advertising, communications or marketing.

For more information on AAF of The Midlands, visit www.AAFMidlands.com