Students will be immersed in the brand and then use this expertise in an internship designed to help units maintain brand consistency.
Brand Internship Program
The Brand Internship Program is a unique opportunity that allows College of Media/Fine and Applied Arts students to immerse themselves in the university’s brand guidelines and strategy, equipping them with the skills to become adept brand ambassadors and communications and marketing professionals. The interns are then introduced to opportunities on campus to work in MarCom teams across the university. This program was created to help campus units source trained interns to ensure brand consistency and leverage the Illinois brand.
Program Structure
The Brand Internship Program offers a blend of asynchronous and live trainings to ensure a flexible and thorough learning experience:
- Brand Experts Training Program: Students will complete a series of asynchronous Canvas workshops covering foundational aspects of the Illinois brand.
- Brand Ambassador Workshop: This 90-minute live session teaches students how to live out the brand pillars in their work while equipping them to share the power of a unified brand with their colleagues. The workshop is engaging, interactive and a fun way to meet marketing and communications peers across the university. It is also a requirement for the Brand Experts program.
- Best Practices Guide: Produced by StratCom, this guide covers essential topics such as proper usage of the university’s name, how to represent the university effectively, communication best practices and an overview of the university’s organizational structure.
Training Modules
Students will complete the following training modules:
- Brand Essentials: Covers the foundational elements of the Illinois brand, including the brand promise, pillars, personality, voice and tone. Students will learn to craft messages that align with these elements.
- Specialized Tracks: Students can choose to delve deeper into areas of interest, including:
- Design
- Web
- Content Creation
- Social Media and Ads
- Video and Photography
- Email Marketing
These tracks provide specialized skills, tailoring the learning experience to career goals.
Program Commitment
Participants are expected to dedicate 5-10 hours to complete the program, including both asynchronous workshops and the live Brand Ambassador Workshop. The flexible nature allows students to manage their time effectively while gaining valuable skills.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, students will:
- Understand the Illinois brand and its key components.
- Apply communications and marketing principles that leverage the Illinois brand through messaging, visual and strategic elements.
- Earn Accredible badges showcasing their expertise in brand strategies.
- Be prepared to assist campus units with marketing and communications efforts, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
Hiring Trained Interns
Campus units can hire students who have completed the Brand Internship Program to enhance their marketing and communication strategies. These interns bring a strong understanding of the Illinois brand, ensuring all efforts align with the university’s goals and values. For more information, please contact stratcomanalytics@illinois.edu.