“Ten years ago, we would promote our internships with a single social post and be inundated with eager, ambitious college students pitching themselves for the role,” Emanuel said. “It was a truly competitive search.”
That’s no longer the case. Now, the public relations agency looks to bring in two people every time the program runs. While the part-time arrangement doesn’t provide financial compensation, it gives interns valuable experience working on real client projects, Emanuel said.
The decline in internships coincides with a dip in young workers. Figures from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show employees aged 20-24 held 10.5% of all jobs in advertising, public relations, and other related services in 2019. In 2024, the same group represented just 6.5% of the workforce.
During this same five-year period, the median age of people employed in the ad industry increased to 39.8 from 38.5.
Despite overall trends, internships aren’t vanishing everywhere. Ad holding company Stagwell, for instance, reports its internship program has been growing. So far this year, it’s taken in around 150 interns and apprentices across its network of U.S. agencies.
“Talent needs are more critical than ever as the landscape rapidly changes with shifting markets and advances in automation,” said Stephanie Howley, chief people officer at Stagwell.
Howley noted Stagwell plans to expand its relationships with universities and host more agency-specific events to continue building connections with young people interested in a career in advertising.
In a similar attempt to attract and nurture rising talent, Kepler runs a free eight-week training program called Kepler U, which offers aspiring digital marketers hands-on experience, one-on-one mentorship, and access to industry thought leaders through panel discussions. Since debuting in 2021, Kepler U has helped more than 300 people secure full-time roles in the industry, according to the company.
“Young professionals have been the backbone of our industry for decades,” said Roberts, the Kepler associate vice president. “My sincere hope is we don’t lose sight of the considerable need for their contributions in the years to come.”