Finding My Place in Marketing: Lessons from My Internship at Ideas Collide

When I graduated from Ensign College in April 2025 with a degree in digital marketing, I had more questions than answers. I knew I was passionate about the industry, but I didn’t know where I belonged within it. SEO? Social strategy? Content marketing? I wanted exposure to it all. Like many new graduates, I began searching for opportunities that would provide me with real-world experience and guidance.   

That’s when I discovered Ideas Collide.  

I first learned about the agency through their volunteer work with Local First Arizona, a nonprofit that strengthens Arizona’s economy by supporting and connecting locally owned businesses, communities, and consumers. The fact that a marketing agency prioritized giving back immediately stood out. After going through three rounds of interviews, I was offered a spot in the internship program. Joining this team has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made in my early career.  

Why Ideas Collide

Ideas Collide is a full-service marketing agency, which means they handle everything from creative development and branding to media planning and analytics. For someone like me who wanted to explore a variety of areas within marketing, this structure was a perfect fit.  

But what drew me in wasn’t just the scope of the work; it was the people.  

IC had just celebrated its 20-year anniversary when I joined, a testament to the strength of the company’s culture and leadership.  From my first day, I could feel it: this is a place where collaboration thrives, where egos are left at the door, and where every voice makes an impact. Whether you’ve been in the industry for 20 years or 20 days—your ideas are heard, your questions are welcomed, and your growth is genuinely encouraged.  

What I’ve Accomplished So Far

Interning at Ideas Collide means doing the real work, not just shadowing, but participating.  

I’ve been fortunate enough to contribute to campaigns for brands like Best Western Hotels & Resorts, Paul Mitchell The School, Western Alliance Bank, and Botco.ai. I’ve helped brainstorm new social content, developed analytics decks, written blog content, tracked influencer partnerships, and supported the creation of pitch materials.  

I’ve also had the opportunity to attend client meetings and participate in internal strategy sessions. Watching senior strategists, project managers, and creatives work together in real time gave me a front-row seat to how great agency teams collaborate. So much data, insight and creativity go into producing a successful marketing campaign—way more than I ever realized in school—and I’ve started to appreciate just how many moving parts need to align for clients to receive great work on time.  

One of my favorite aspects of the internship so far has been helping plan an international trip for a travel influencer. I was responsible for mapping out the itinerary, organizing accommodations, budgeting for activities, and compiling all the information into a polished deck for the client sponsoring the trip. Being trusted with that level of ownership as an intern was both exciting and validating, and it speaks volumes about the confidence Ideas Collide places in its interns.  

This experience has helped me discover which areas of marketing truly excite me and where I see myself growing in the future. Before this internship, I had only a vague idea of what roles in project management or media planning involved. Now, after seeing them in action and working alongside those teams, I have a much clearer sense of the paths I’m most interested in exploring as I build my career.  

A Culture That Builds Confidence

One of the most valuable things I’ve gained during this internship isn’t a skill or a resume bullet—it’s confidence.  

The team at Ideas Collide doesn’t just assign tasks; they empower you to take ownership of them. There’s a vast difference between being asked to complete something and being trusted to contribute. I have never felt like “just an intern.” I felt like part of the team—because I was.  

IC also makes learning a core part of the experience. I’ve been invited to onboarding meetings, training calls, and brainstorming sessions. These moments have become my favorite part of the week. They offer the opportunity to absorb knowledge from talented professionals and ask questions in a supportive environment.  

There’s a strong emphasis on mentorship here, whether formal or informal. You’re encouraged to reach out, shadow, network internally, and take initiative. When I asked if I could attend a podcast recording session to learn more about content production, the answer was an enthusiastic yes. Those moments of flexibility and support are what have helped shape my growth the most.  

Advice for Future Interns

If you’re thinking about applying for an internship at Ideas Collide—or just starting your career in marketing—here’s the advice I wish I’d heard sooner:  

• Say yes to everything. Even if it’s outside your comfort zone, even if it’s a little scary. That’s where the most growth happens.  

• Ask questions constantly. Curiosity isn’t annoying—it’s essential. The more you ask, the more you learn.  

• Take initiative. Don’t wait for someone to hand you a task. If you finish early, ask for more. It shows that you’re invested.  

• Network intentionally. Your coworkers aren’t just colleagues—they’re potential mentors. Learn from their experiences.  

• Ask for feedback. Whether it’s on a social post or a presentation deck, every bit of input helps you get better.  

And most importantly, enjoy the process. Internships go fast. Take the time to reflect, to journal, to celebrate the small wins. You’ll be amazed how much you’ve grown in just a few months.  

Looking Ahead

As my time at Ideas Collide continues, I’m excited to keep learning, contributing, and growing. This internship has not only helped me gain practical skills—it’s helped me find direction. I now have a clearer understanding of where I want to take my marketing career and the kind of culture I want to be part of.  

For any student or new grad wondering if agency life is for them, I can’t recommend this experience enough. It’s challenging, fast-paced, and full of opportunities to stretch yourself in ways you never thought possible. And at Ideas Collide, you’ll be surrounded by a team that believes in your potential, even before you fully believe in it yourself.  

Interested in joining the team? Learn more about the Ideas Collide internship program and start your journey.