From Spark to Strategy: How Our Internship Program Built the Agency We Are Today

When we launched Ideas Collide, we were fueled by the belief that creativity, when connected to purpose, could change everything. That belief continues to be our guiding principle—it’s foundational to who we are and what sets us apart. It’s why, from the very beginning, we’ve invested in building the next generation of marketers and brand strategist through our internship program.   

Over the years, the Ideas Collide Internship Program has become more than a starting point for young professionals. It’s become central to our agency’s culture and story. We’ve seen interns grow into directors, entrepreneurs, and leaders—not only within our agency but across the industries and communities we serve.   

And truthfully, we’ve grown just as much because of them.

Not Just Contributors—Co-Creators  

Some of the most meaningful innovations in our agency’s history started with an intern’s idea. A summer brainstorm became a new service line. A class-for-credit project turned into a breakthrough campaign. That’s the spirit of the Ideas Collide Internship Program.  

From day one, interns are welcomed into the fold—not to observe, but to contribute. They bring fresh thinking, bold perspectives, and contagious energy that pushes our work forward. They join client meetings, shape real campaigns, and participate fully in the creative process.   

This is more than hands-on experience. It’s a chance to be part of something real, collaborative, and purpose-driven—inside a culture that values people as much as ideas.  

A Launchpad with Real Lift  

We’ve proudly seen dozens of interns go on to earn national awards, lead teams, and create impact far beyond their original roles. Amy Frost, now a Managing Director for Creative Development at the agency used her internship with Ideas Collide to jump start her career and drive for innovation. James West, now a Director of our Creative Video Studio and IC Streaming, started as one of our earliest interns. Their ambition vision and paths, like so many others, speaks to what’s possible here.  

“From the beginning, I felt like a contributor, not just a student. That experience gave me the confidence and clarity to grow into a leadership role—and to pay it forward by mentoring the next generation of creatives.”
— James West, Director, Video Studio and IC Streaming – Joined 2010, 15 years of service  

And every year, new voices add their stories to this legacy.  

“Throughout the length of my internship, I consistently felt that my ideas and contributions were genuinely welcomed and valued. I was trusted with meaningful, real-world work—not just tasks to fill time—which made the experience incredibly rewarding.” – Qwynn Massie, Social Media Content and Communications Coordinator – Joined 2023, 1.5 years of service 

What Makes the IC Internship Program Different  

• It’s Proven. We’ve launched dozens of careers, and our alumni now shape industries.  

• It’s Personal. Biweekly mentorship and career coaching are built in from the start.  

• It’s Real. You’ll contribute to national campaigns, pitch fresh ideas, and see your work go live.  

• It’s Collaborative. Interns join client meetings, agency stand-ups, and strategic brainstorms—just like full-time team members.  

• It’s Flexible. With in-person and hybrid options, we meet you where you are.  

Through our Blue Sky Thinking Project, interns pitch original, purpose-driven ideas to agency leadership, many of which have directly influenced agency work and service offerings.  

Choose Your Path: Internship Tracks Include:

• Media Strategist + Content Development  

• Creative + Design  

• Video Production + Animation  

• Web Development  

• Digital Strategy + Analytics  

• Account + Project Management  

Program Details

Duration: 3–6 months (Summer, Fall, Spring)  

Weekly Hours: 20–35 hours  

Who Can Apply: College juniors, seniors, recent grads, or those exploring a new career path 

Locations: Phoenix, AZ | Portland, OR   

Academic Credit: Yes — we work with institutions like ASU, U of A and others  

Compensation: All Internships are paid based on experience and the focus of your internship   

Apply Year-Round

We’re always looking for the next great mind to join our community. If you’re driven by curiosity, collaboration, and creative purpose, let’s connect.  

Submit your resume, a short cover letter, and a portfolio (if applicable) at www.ideascollide.com/careers.  

The next chapter of your career could start here, just like it has for so many others.

Curious about a day in the life of an intern. Watch this and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok to see how we create, grow, and lead together. 

Through our Blue Sky Thinking Project, interns pitch original, purpose-driven ideas to agency leadership, many of which have directly influenced agency work and service offerings.