Look: JWT's internship programme for a creative career

Students in Hong Kong have a new way to express their creativity with this internship programme.

J. Walter Thompson (JWT) has announced the launch of a new global talent development programme called Jump/Start, aimed at giving young, creative thinkers a break into the advertising industry.

The global, 12-week paid, quarterly programme is open to students, graduates and young professionals from all backgrounds, not just advertising - with JWT explaining that "innovative ideas increasingly come from outside traditional agency confines."

"Anyone can have great creative ideas, but Jump/Start will teach you how to apply your creativity to real clients and real situations.

"We're pushing the boundaries of the typical advertising internship programme by arming you with: the best briefs of the agency, a one-on-one mentor, and real production experience," states the website.

The internship is designed to bridge the gap between classroom education and hands-on application. Participants will work in an active agency setting, while collaborating with teams of experienced professionals.

They will also have the chance to work on live briefs and enhance their portfolios with real client work.

Participating students will receive a monthly stipend through the three-month internship.

The programme has kicked off in Beirut, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Melbourne, New York, São Paulo and Sydney. It is inclusive of disciplines spanning theater, film, creative writing, technology, product design, innovation and more.

The programme will be led by Britt Hayes, worldwide head of creative talent, and by the respective chief creative officers in the participating offices.

JWT's worldwide chief creative officer, Matt Eastwood, said: "Across the board, one of the biggest trends we’re seeing in our industry is the convergence of traditional categories."

"With Jump/Start, we’ve designed a programme that supports creative talent from beyond these traditional confines. Growing a diverse talent pool is essential to our ability to deliver better and more innovative ideas to our clients."

"I owe great thanks to the many people and agencies that helped me throughout my career, and especially as a young university graduate. That’s the sort of support we want to replicate for the next generation of great creative minds," he added.

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Images: Shutterstock and Jump/Start website