Program Details

COLABORATORY takes place over 6 weeks in Portland, Oregon. 10 participants are selected and individually paired with 3 of the 10 agencies based on their strengths and interests. Interns spend 2 intensely focused weeks at each agency learning from all disciplines.

During the 6 weeks working at agencies across Portland, Interns also form 2 competing teams to develop a campaign pitch for local (and we think pretty friggin’ cool) client. All we’ll say is it’s not Nike. There are other cool businesses in Portland, you know.

The 2 sides of COLABORATORY give Interns a broad view of how agencies work, and at the same time let them learn how to collaborate. Innovative marketing comes from people working together to synthesize new ideas and test them out. COLABORATORY is where that happens.

WE WANT ROCKSTARS. That is, students with exceptional skills and interests in writing, design, interactive, multimedia, account management, production, strategy, public relations and … kicking ass.

Find out more about specific intern roles.

To build out the teams, we’re looking for people to fill roles loosely based on those described below. All Interns need a drive to work hard and take full advantage of the immense learning opportunity COLABORATORY provides. We’re not just looking for the best – we’re looking for people who want to be better. And we’re recruiting nationally, so competition will be steep.

Project Manager/Account Manager

You steer the ship without getting big-headed about it. You’ve got what they call “people skills.” You can handle the responsibility of being the final decision maker. You can bounce between being the point of contact between your team and your client. You understand that creativity doesn’t get far in marketing without understanding business.

Copywriter

You’re the big idea person. You’ve got a way with words no matter where they need to go. You don’t just think of the coolest idea – you find a way to make it meet your client’s goals. After you write the word – you know how to get it out to the world.

Designer/Developer

You bring visual ideas to the group. You have shortcuts to all the Adobe programs on your desktop. You point out fonts to your friends in casual conversation. You can design for both print and interactive and implement both. You’ve played around with flash. You know that great design is as much a product of hard work as it is artistic vision.

Public Relations

You know how to get people talking. You bring a strategic approach to sparking communication in all media from newspapers to new media.

While housing is not provided as part of the COLABORATORY program, below are some options and other resources.

PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY: SUMMER HOUSING

This housing is granted on a first come, first serve basis.

Ondine Building

$20.00 per night
Shared bathroom and kitchen w/ room next door

Broadway Building

$25.00 per night
Private bathroom and kitchen

Amenities include:

• Weekly Linen Service
• Alarm Clock
• Phone
• Coffee Pot
• Kitchen OR Shared kitchen depending on room choice and availability

You may opt to share a room together. The rate will be divided by two.

Craigslist

portland.craigslist.org is the “go to” resource in Portland for everything from used paper clips to sublet housing.

The PAF (Portland Advertising Federation) has a long history of innovation and forward thinking in advertising and commerce. Founded in 1906, it was the first advertising club in the United States. As it enters the 21st century, PAF is expanding its base to include not just ad agency members, but also professionals in media, interactive communication and client-side marketing. By constantly refreshing its role, PAF lives up to its mission to keep PortlandŐs creative community relevant and vigorous.

Find out more about PAF at portlandadfed.com