MAIP Spotlight: Hector De Leon

MAIP Spotlight: Hector De Leon

1. What’s your major, classification, and hometown?

Bachelor of Science in Advertising. Junior. Houston, TX.

2. What made you apply for Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP)?

I've known about MAIP since my first year at The University of Texas at Austin (UT). My freshman interest group (FIG) mentor at the time, Amy Tingle, was applying to the program and she encouraged me to apply when I became eligible. So I have been preparing since freshman year and doing research about the program to become a perfect candidate.

3. What was the most difficult part of the application process for you?

The MAIP application is very extensive, but most of the pieces in the application are very straightforward. For me, the most difficult part was waiting. Due to the high level of interest in this national program, many students apply but only a few get selected. So with each round of cuts, you have to wait for the selection committee to review all of the applications which can take awhile.

4. Where will you be interning this summer, and in what discipline?

I will be interning at McCann Worldgroup in New York as a Strategist.

5. What interests you most about the company you’ll be working for?

McCann is one of the top ad agencies in the world. Last year it was ranked number 2 in Advertising Age's 2017 Agency A-List. I'm excited to work for McCann because they've been around for a long time and they still challenge creative in new interesting ways. Most recently, McCann swept award shows with their "Fearless Girl" campaign.

6. What’s something you’ve always wanted to see in the city you’re interning in?

Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. This will be my first time in New York, and it's a very special accomplishment for me because it represents a new chapter in my life. New York is a place where many immigrants entered this country to fulfill their dreams, so it's almost poetic that I'll be there to start my career. As a first generation college student and Mexican immigrant, this opportunity is important to me because it demonstrates that it's still possible to accomplish your goals in this country no matter who you are or where you come from.

7. What advice do you have for students thinking about applying to MAIP in the future?

Do it. Start early. Do your research. Ask questions. Prepare. And when the time comes, you'll knock it out of the park.

 

MAIP (Multicultural Advertising Intern Program) aims to increase diversity in the advertising industry by giving talented students professional development opportunities and summer internships in their respective disciplines. Check out the MAIP website for more information if you’re interested in applying next fall!

Doan Nguyen
Original Content Team