Here's how you can extract pivotal lessons from Creative Strategy internships.

Planejar é fazer perguntas. A maiêutica socrática já nos dizia que a melhor maneira de produzir conhecimento é através de perguntas. Mas além de fazer perguntas, é preciso aprender a perguntar para além do óbvio. Um dos caminhos é fazer uma escalada de porquês ou em inglês - so what - que questiona a última descoberta levando para um novo patamar. Essa dinamica de perguntas, o meu entender, é muito mais rica que o tradicional brain storming que pretende trazer ideias para a mesa. Melhor ter muitas perguntas boas que ideias medianas.

Internships in Creative Strategy are invaluable for extracting pivotal lessons. First, they provide hands-on experience, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world projects. Actively seeking feedback from supervisors helps refine your skills and align with industry standards. Networking with professionals during your internship can lead to future opportunities and mentorship. Don’t hesitate to experiment with creative ideas in this low-risk environment, and observe how strategies align with broader business objectives. Lastly, embrace challenges to develop your adaptability—navigating unexpected hurdles is essential for growth in this dynamic field. These lessons are key to building a successful career in creative strategy.

Curiosity is a powerful catalyst in the realm of creative strategy, especially within the context of emerging technologies. By actively seeking to understand the underlying principles of each task, interns not only cultivate critical thinking skills but also position themselves as proactive contributors in a rapidly evolving industry. This approach fosters a culture of innovation, where questioning the status quo can lead to groundbreaking ideas and solutions. Moreover, engaging with mentors through thoughtful inquiries can enhance professional relationships, paving the way for future collaborations in media and technology. Embracing curiosity ultimately transforms challenges into opportunities for growth and leadership.

An internship should be more than just gaining experience—it’s an opportunity to practice thinking differently. As I discuss in my book 'THINK', the key is to approach every challenge with curiosity and a willingness to question the status quo. Don’t just focus on following strategy—explore why it works, identify gaps, and consider what could be done better. That’s where true creative breakthroughs happen.

Avoid the trope of feeling as though you need to be the smartest in the room to prove your worth. The superpower of being an intern is forgetting what you know for a moment, absorbing and merging the two. Good ideas can come from anywhere, and it's important to make time for listening to digest vs. respond. This allows you to make sense of what you've heard instead of preparing for your immediate rebuttal. Not all strategy discussions should be a defense case.

Por vezes esquecemos, ou deixamos de lado, quest?es centrais e estruturantes do processo de marketing. A minha preferida e que eu sempre trago pra mesa é: por que aquela pessoa compraria seu servi?o (ou produto) e n?o o do concorrente? Por ser mais barato? Por que é o que eu encontro mais facilmente? Por que todo mundo está comprando? Por que ninguém está comprando ainda? Por que meu ídolo usa? Como é fácil perceber, s?o muitas as respostas possíveis, mas seu produto ou servi?o tem que ter uma que o diferencie e indique o valor adicional, físico ou emocional, da compra. Para chegar a resposta, n?o existe outra maneira a n?o ser ouvindo e convivendo com seu público.

Active listening is not just a skill; it's a strategic advantage in Creative Strategy. By honing this ability, interns can uncover nuanced insights that drive innovative solutions, particularly in environments influenced by emerging technologies and shifting client needs. This practice fosters a culture of collaboration and adaptability, essential for navigating the complexities of media and international relations. In a world where information is abundant yet often fragmented, the capacity to listen actively can transform casual conversations into valuable learning experiences, ultimately enhancing one's strategic acumen and leadership potential in the industry.

Analytical thinking in creative strategy internships is crucial for developing a nuanced understanding of market dynamics. By deconstructing campaigns, interns can identify the underlying principles that drive success or failure, which is essential in a rapidly evolving media landscape influenced by emerging technologies. This skill not only enhances one's ability to craft effective strategies but also fosters a predictive intuition that is invaluable in anticipating shifts in consumer behavior and market trends. As we navigate an era defined by artificial intelligence and digital transformation, the ability to analyze and adapt becomes a cornerstone of effective leadership in the media industry.

Build connections with mentors, colleagues, and peers. Meaningful relationships offer valuable industry insights, support, and potential career opportunities.