MFA launches tool to connect uni students with media agencies
The Media Federation of Australia has launched its new Internship Hub, an online resource for university students and their lecturers to find and apply for internships within media agencies.
The MFA said the tool was launched in response to calls from students and lecturers who were finding it difficult to find media agency internships and graduate programs, with the aim of attracting more graduates to pursue media agency careers.
“Over 50% of media agency employees got their start in the industry as interns, so internships are an important way in which media agencies source and develop the right talent. The MFA Internship Hub makes it a lot easier to access available intern programs, helping students to clearly see what is on offer in each program, what programs are available, when and where they are being offered, and where to send their applications,” MFA head of people Linda Wong said.
“We expect this to become the number one resource for students seeking to enter the industry and encourage all MFA agency members to ensure their internship programs are listed on the hub.”
Some of the resources available to students and lecturers include how to create an effective CV, job interview tips and FAQs about the value of internships and the diversity of roles available in media agencies.
MFA Internship Hub is part of MFA’s Tertiary program of work, which includes annual student visits at member agencies, guest lectures and its Lecture the Lecturers series.
Western Sydney University advertising and creative industries lecturer Jacki Montgomery said: “At Western Sydney University, Advertising students must undertake an internship in their final year. The new MFA platform will make securing an internship so much less daunting, while the links to agencies on the hub will make the application process so much easier.”
“I’m a strong advocate for students doing as many internships throughout their course as possible, so as to build confidence and open their eyes to different roles in this industry. I know from experience that these placements can often lead to an entry-level role, or at least plant the seed for a media career perhaps a little further down the track. It’s a terrific initiative from the MFA.”
Last year, the MFA launched a new recruitment and training program in response to the ongoing talent shortage, aimed at bringing in employees with experience from outside the media agency industry.
Talent pressures have subsided somewhat post-Covid, with the most recent MFA census reporting vacancy rates now at 8.5%, with total staffing up 6.5% year-on-year. The total industry population is also at a five-year high.
Current role tenure has dropped from 3.6 years to 2.5 years in one year across 2021 to 2022 however, with an average industry age of 32.1.
Have your say