We’d love to extend an offer to you for a summer internship at Arc Worldwide (Chicago) as a designer/art director working on the Dunkin’ team!
The journey leading up to this moment had been nothing short of exhilarating. From completing the application to participating in the informational MAIP workshops, everything had been building up to this thrilling selection day when ad agencies from across the nation extend their offers to MAIPers all over the US.
During the application process, I had the opportunity to choose the locations I preferred, and without knowing exactly how it would unfold, I found myself hoping to be placed in vibrant cities like Washington DC or even New Orleans. Though I knew that I would likely be working remote, if I were placed in those cities and was extended an offer after the fact, I would love to move or visit. As the list of possible agencies were revealed, I couldn't help but dive into research about some of the renowned names such as Dentsu, Digitas, Formerly Known As, and so many more. While several agencies caught my eye, my heart was set on working at places like The MILL, Leo Burnett, Ogilvy, Arc Worldand some others.
We were told that the offers we received would determine our final placement. However, there was still hope for those who initially received no offers, as opportunities could arise when others declined offers from agencies and made their choices. With fingers crossed, I eagerly checked the portal to see what awaited me in the form of offer letters. Initially, my heart sank as I discovered that only one agency had extended an offer. It was a bit disheartening considering the extensive effort I put into curating my portfolio. But fortunately, it turned out to be one of my top choices— a blessing in disguise! I carefully read through the offer letter and conducted thorough research on the agency and its parent company, which pleasantly surprised me as I discovered that Arc Worldwide is a subsidiary of the esteemed Leo Burnett which was one of my top choices. Their unwavering focus on diversity and their expertise in the QSR and shopper marketing space truly impressed me.
Driven by curiosity, I found myself browsing the profiles of the ARC team on LinkedIn, and I was absolutely amazed by the abundance of women and femme-presenting individuals within the organization. Especially within the Dunkin' team, the majority of members were non-men. It was inspiring to witness such diversity woven into the fabric of the Arc organization, even though there weren't many Black creatives in general. This realization sparked a fire within me and made me realize that during my time there, I could make a meaningful impact and contribute to positive change.
Right from my first day, I had the pleasure of meeting my fellow interns, and it was an incredibly diverse group. While I happened to be the only Black intern, I was surrounded by peers of West and South Asian descent, nonbinary individuals, Jewish colleagues, and the most surprising part was that we were all either women, AFAB, or femme-presenting. This stark contrast shattered the stereotype I had previously heard about the ad world being a "good ol' boys club." It further reinforced my belief that both Arc and MAIP are genuinely committed to advancing diversity within the industry. Together, we are rewriting the narrative of the ad world, breaking free from the confines of the Mad Men era, and shaping a new reality—one that embraces inclusivity, representation, and a fresh perspective.
I am filled with anticipation for the remarkable journey ahead, where I will have the opportunity to leave my mark and help pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive advertising industry at Arc Worldwide.