Internship Program

Interns in the McKinney Internship Program will take on a variety of responsibilities tailored to their selected department, including managing projects in Account Management, brainstorming ideas in Creative, collaborating on data-driven strategies in Data & Analytics, engaging in marketing practices, and supporting Project Managers in efficiently managing client projects. Each intern will gain valuable experience that enriches their understanding of the advertising and marketing landscape.

To qualify for the McKinney Internship Program, applicants must be graduating between December 2025 and May 2027. Although a major in advertising, marketing, business, or management is preferred, we encourage all enthusiastic individuals who resonate with our mission to apply, regardless of their major. The most essential requirement is a passion for learning and a desire to contribute to our creative processes.

The McKinney Internship Program is a hybrid internship, meaning that interns are required to work from an office location at least three days a week. Specifically, interns are expected to work in the office Tuesday through Thursday, allowing you to engage closely with your teams and contribute meaningfully to innovative projects.

Interns at McKinney will receive a competitive compensation of $18 per hour. This position is designed to offer you not only financial support but also a plethora of learning experiences that serve as a solid foundation for your future career in advertising and marketing.

At McKinney, we believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation. We actively encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including women, LGBTQ+, and people of color, to apply for our Internship Program. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered and excited to contribute their unique perspectives.

When answering this question, share your passion for advertising and marketing, and how McKinney's innovative projects align with your career goals. Mention specific aspects of the internship that excite you, such as collaborating with creative teams or working on impactful marketing campaigns.

Discuss your strategies for effective time management, such as breaking tasks into smaller, manageable pieces, setting priorities based on deadlines, and utilizing tools like to-do lists or project management software. Give an example of how you successfully handled multiple responsibilities in the past.

Select a specific group project you've worked on, explaining your role, how you communicated with team members, and what challenges you faced. Focus on the outcome, emphasizing how the collaborative effort led to a successful conclusion and any skills you gained through the experience.

Express your enthusiasm for gaining hands-on experience in the advertising and marketing industry. Highlight specific skills you want to develop, such as creative thinking or project management, and explain how these learnings will benefit your future career.

Demonstrate your commitment to the field by mentioning resources you regularly engage with, such as industry news websites, podcasts, webinars, or networking events. Mention specific trends or topics that interest you and how they apply to McKinney's work.

Share a specific instance where you received feedback, focusing on your initial reaction, how you processed the critique, and the actions you took to improve. This shows your ability to accept feedback positively and use it for personal growth.

Discuss how creativity drives engagement and connects consumers with brands. Provide examples of creative campaigns that stood out to you and explain why they were effective. Show your understanding of how creativity can influence consumer behavior and brand perception.

Highlight skills like effective communication, time management, adaptability, and problem-solving. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in past experiences and explain how they can contribute to successful project outcomes in the McKinney internship.

Outline a methodical approach to addressing marketing challenges, such as conducting thorough research, brainstorming solutions with the team, testing various strategies, and continually analyzing results. Emphasize the importance of a data-driven approach and flexibility in adapting strategies.

Research and mention unique aspects of McKinney’s culture, innovative projects, or client partnerships. Express your admiration for their creative vision and how you see yourself contributing to that vision as an intern.