Is it too late in the year for students to find marketing and advertising internships?

Finding a marketing and advertising internship can seem challenging for college and university students, especially as the calendar year progresses from winter to spring to summer. This article offers valuable insights from industry experts on marketing and advertising internships, even when time appears to be running out.

• Marketing Internships Available Year-Round
• Proactively Create Your Own Opportunities
• Network and Pitch Directly to Companies
• Showcase Initiative and Practical Skills
• Target Smaller Agencies and Startups
• Leverage Digital Skills for Remote Roles
• Demonstrate Value Through Specific Proposals
• Adapt to Industry’s Flexible Hiring Practices
• Offer Immediate Value to Stand Out
• Focus on Results-Driven Approaches
• Create Opportunities Through Direct Outreach
• Propose Specific Projects to Agencies
• Highlight Availability and Relevant Skills
• Turn Local Businesses into Internships
• Embrace Late-Season Hiring Trends
• Pursue Project-Based Micro-Internships
• Tap Into Your Network for Hidden Openings
• Demonstrate Data Literacy in Applications

Marketing Internships Available Year-Round

Is it too late in the year? Not in this industry. Marketing and advertising run on momentum, not academic calendars. Internships still pop up late in the game, especially when agencies land new clients, shift priorities, or need fresh energy fast. The catch is, they’re rarely sitting on job boards. Students must treat the search like a marketing campaign: research the companies, craft a standout pitch, and make some noise. Creativity and persistence speak louder than timing. If you’re willing to do more than click “apply,” plenty of runway remains.

Cody Jensen, CEO & Founder, Searchbloom

Proactively Create Your Own Opportunities

It’s not too late, but timing matters. While many summer internships are filled early, roles still pop up mid-year, especially at startups, agencies with rolling needs, or companies launching new campaigns. Students should look beyond formal programs: pitch to small businesses, offer short-term help, or assist creators and consultants. Grit and initiative stand out more than perfect timing in this field.

Bryan Philips, Head of Marketing, In Motion Marketing

Network and Pitch Directly to Companies

We’ve hired interns in August because a new client suddenly needed content. That need wasn’t on our radar in spring; it appeared unexpectedly. That’s how this industry works: timelines flex around campaigns and bandwidth. Students who stay present online catch those unexpected waves when others miss them. Don’t treat internships like university deadlines; treat them like doorways. The best roles rarely show up when you expect them to.

We suggest students pick five firms and stay in gentle, regular contact. Comment on their content, join their newsletter, or send monthly updates. When something opens, you’ll already feel familiar and easy to onboard. Late doesn’t mean disqualified; it means fewer applicants and more room to stand out. This industry rewards timing, but it loves resilience and relationships even more. Keep showing up, and the calendar will bend to meet you.

Jason Hennessey, CEO, Hennessey Digital

Showcase Initiative and Practical Skills

It’s not too late for college and university students to land a marketing internship now, especially if they’re flexible and proactive. While summer internships often fill up early, fall and off-cycle internships remain available, especially at startups that need support.

If students can’t find enough job postings, then they should ramp up networking efforts, like:

1. Attending career fairs during summer and early fall

2. Interacting with marketing professionals on LinkedIn

3. Reaching out to alumni in marketing

My advice to all students is to target smaller digital marketing agencies, which often hire adaptable interns at the last minute. They should also tailor their resumes to the exact role and show how they can add immediate value.

In fact, spring internships typically open between late fall and January, and agencies may even allow interviews until November. The key is shifting from passive job-board scrolling to proactive direct outreach.

Stephen Greet, CEO & Co-Founder, BeamJobs

Target Smaller Agencies and Startups

It’s definitely not too late in the year for college students to land a solid internship in marketing or advertising. This can actually be a great time. Many companies find themselves with unexpected needs mid-year, perhaps a campaign has picked up steam, a team member has left, or new projects have come in faster than expected. That opens the door for interns who are proactive, flexible, and eager to take the lead.

From my perspective, running a content marketing firm, I’ve seen students thrive when they apply outside the traditional spring or early summer window. It shows initiative, and that kind of drive stands out. You’re not competing with the rush of applicants from earlier in the year, so your chances of getting noticed can actually improve. The key is reaching out with a clear pitch, showing that you understand the company and have specific ways you can add value. We care less about your resume and more about your mindset, your writing ability, and your willingness to learn.

If you’re serious about this field, don’t sit on the sidelines just because the calendar flipped past May. There’s plenty of opportunity left if you’re willing to chase it.

James Parsons, CEO, Content Powered

Leverage Digital Skills for Remote Roles

No, it’s not too late, but students need to get more creative with where they look. The big programs are full, but smaller agencies, early-stage startups, or personal brands often still need help. These places move fast and usually don’t post roles publicly. A direct message on LinkedIn with a short pitch and a sample of your work can go a long way.

Also, students should stop thinking of internships as only “summer things.” Lots of companies will take part-time help during the fall or even for short-term projects. If you’re flexible, show real initiative, and focus on what you can do over where you’ll work, you’re still right on time.

Matias Rodsevich, Founder & CEO, PRLab

Demonstrate Value Through Specific Proposals

Having hired and mentored numerous marketing interns over my 15-year career in digital marketing, I can confidently say it’s never too late to secure a valuable internship opportunity. While traditional summer programs might have early deadlines, the marketing and advertising landscape has evolved to offer year-round opportunities.

Here are some actionable strategies I’ve seen work effectively:

1. Look beyond traditional summer internships. Many digital marketing agencies, including my own, offer fall and winter internships. These off-season positions often have less competition and can provide more hands-on experience as you’re not competing with a large summer cohort.

2. Target smaller digital marketing agencies and startups. In my experience, these organizations often have more flexible hiring timelines and can make decisions quickly. They’re also more likely to give interns substantial responsibilities and real client work.

3. Create your own opportunity. I’ve been impressed by students who’ve approached me with specific proposals about how they could add value to my company. For instance, one intern candidate presented a detailed social media strategy for our brand, which led to an immediate position.

Some companies actively recruiting year-round marketing interns include:

• Digital marketing agencies (especially boutique firms)
• E-commerce startups
• SaaS companies
• Content marketing firms

Pro tip: Focus on building specific skills that are in high demand. In today’s market, I’m seeing strong interest in interns who understand SEO, content marketing, and data analytics. Even basic knowledge in these areas can set you apart.

For immediate next steps, I recommend:

• Updating your LinkedIn profile to highlight any relevant marketing projects or coursework
• Creating a simple portfolio website showcasing your understanding of digital marketing
• Reaching out directly to marketing leaders on LinkedIn with thoughtful, personalized messages

Maurizio Petrone, Founder & CEO, PressHERO

Adapt to Industry’s Flexible Hiring Practices

It’s definitely not too late. We’ve hired marketing interns as late as July and even August, especially when new projects come in or we need extra hands during Q3 planning.

What we notice: students who skip formal applications and reach out directly tend to stand out. A short LinkedIn message to someone in marketing, not just HR, can make a difference. If they mention a campaign we ran or give feedback on a recent post, we’re more likely to reply.

We also look for something practical. It doesn’t have to be big — a personal blog, a growing Instagram page, or even helping a local business with basic marketing. Around this time of year, showing real initiative counts more than applying early.

So even if structured internships are closed, we stay open to bringing in students who are proactive and focused. Timing matters less than effort.

Vikrant Bhalodia, Head of Marketing & People Ops, WeblineIndia

Offer Immediate Value to Stand Out

It’s definitely not too late in the year for college and university students to find an internship in marketing and advertising. While many summer internships may already be filled, fall and rolling internships are common in this industry, especially within digital marketing teams and smaller agencies. These organizations often hire based on current workload rather than a fixed recruiting season, which means opportunities can open up at any time. Students who are proactive and flexible can still find meaningful experiences that build their skills and professional network.

The key is to be strategic and show initiative. Even if a company doesn’t have an internship listed, reaching out directly with a thoughtful message that highlights your interest and understanding of their work can make a strong impression. Many marketing teams appreciate help with campaign reporting, content creation, and research, which are areas where students can immediately contribute. Timing matters less than the value you bring and your willingness to learn, so now is still a great time to pursue opportunities in the field.

Léo Pinon, International Marketing Strategist, Go Fish Digital

Focus on Results-Driven Approaches

The short answer is, it’s probably too late, but…there’s always a “but.” Most paid, well-structured summer internships at big agencies are filled by spring. However, in marketing, hustle still matters and can absolutely get you in the door.

I’ve worked in this industry for nearly two decades, and right now, I see a major demand for doers, especially in areas like graphic design and content creation. There’s been a perception shift with AI taking on “entry-level” work, but the reality is, AI often produces generic results that aren’t brand-aligned or market-ready. That gap is an opportunity for students who can demonstrate real creative skill.

At the same time, the job market’s tough right now. One of our clients is a tech-hiring start-up, and I’ve seen a noticeable dip in companies posting new roles. Meanwhile, my LinkedIn feed is full of experienced marketers suddenly looking for work after layoffs.

So here’s my advice: don’t wait for the internship posting to appear. Go make your own. Offer to build a website for a local convenience store. Run social media for the nail spa down the street. Don’t do it for free, but charge affordably. Your return is the real-world experience and a portfolio that proves what you can do.

When you do apply for a job, write a cover letter. That alone puts you above 1/3 of the other applicants.

And lastly, manage your expectations. The first opportunity might not pay much or at all. It sounds so cliché, but getting your foot in the door and proving your value will set you apart faster than a 4.0 GPA ever could. Relationships matter more now than they probably ever did in the marketing space. While school teaches theory, the real world teaches traction. Once you can show the progress you’ve made for businesses, those doors will open up much faster.

Kyle Senger, Founder & Lead Strategist, Unalike Marketing

Create Opportunities Through Direct Outreach

I frequently get asked by students and early professionals if they’ve “missed the window” for internships. The truth? While timing plays a role in marketing and advertising, it’s never too late — if you know how to pivot, position, and pitch yourself correctly.

Unlike structured fields like finance or engineering, marketing and advertising internships often have rolling deadlines, especially at startups, boutique agencies, and creative studios. Larger firms may lock in their summer interns by early spring, but smaller and mid-sized companies often remain flexible due to shifting project needs, client demands, or campaign timelines.

Moreover, the digital nature of this field has made remote internships more accessible, opening doors even beyond local market limitations. The surge in content marketing, influencer campaigns, and performance advertising means that agencies are constantly seeking agile, creative minds who can contribute to short-term projects, even mid-year.

In my work with students across North America, I’ve seen clients land June or July internships after simply cold-emailing their dream agency with a tailored portfolio. One of our Montreal-based clients landed an August internship with a fast-growing social media firm after commenting on a CEO’s LinkedIn post about hiring creatives. Another pivoted in late July and secured a project-based internship at a Toronto startup by proposing a 30-day social media growth audit.

A 2024 report by the American Marketing Association (AMA) found that 41% of marketing internships at small-to-mid-sized agencies are filled less than four weeks before their start date, emphasizing the industry’s agile hiring practices. Furthermore, research from the Canadian Marketing Association shows that digital marketing roles have grown 32% year-over-year, with short-term internships and contract roles helping agencies stay responsive to market demands.

No, it is not too late in the year to land a marketing or advertising internship — especially if you’re willing to be proactive, flexible, and creative in your approach. Students who personalize their outreach, showcase their digital savvy (e.g., with a mini campaign, mock ad, or revamped Instagram page), and treat every interaction as a pitch stand out regardless of the calendar date.

If you’re a student feeling behind, remember this: in marketing, how you market yourself is more important than when. And that’s a lesson that turns latecomers into lasting hires.

Miriam Groom, CEO, Mindful Career Inc., Mindful Career Coaching

Propose Specific Projects to Agencies

There is still some time to get a marketing or advertising internship this year. Actually, the number of businesses that retain interns is still very high particularly the small firms and start-up firms which require additional workforce in the forthcoming campaigns. I witnessed the students being hired well into the fall in jobs related to the area of social media management, content creation, or advertisement strategies. 

The thing is to demonstrate your initiative. Do not wait to get the best internship. Develop a portfolio that would show that you are a person who can jump in and get stuff done. Side work or personal projects will prove your abilities even when you lack traditional experience. Adaptability and the desire to give is appreciated by businesses. 

By taking action, you may participate in great, last-minute campaigns that require new blood. Instead of idling away and awaiting the arrival of summer, start making the call and letting people know that you are willing to haul in today.

Khris Steven, Content marketer, SEO and Automation expert / Founder, KhrisDigital Marketing

Highlight Availability and Relevant Skills

Absolutely not! In fact, many opportunities open just as the year heads to a close, especially for those in marketing and advertising.

First off, some companies intentionally hire interns later in the year to cover the upcoming holiday season when regular staff might be on vacation. I’ve seen agencies specifically recruit for short-term projects starting in November or December.

Another angle to consider is start-ups. These agile companies often need extra hands as they adjust budgets and re-evaluate their plans for the upcoming year. They might not have the luxury of planning quite as far ahead, making them prime targets for last-minute applications.

Networking is crucial. Many students overlook the power of LinkedIn — don’t! Reach out to past alumni or join relevant groups. I’ve heard from many HR professionals that a single casual message can lead to an internship invitation.

And don’t forget about remote internships. The pandemic has made remote work more common, and many marketing departments are continuing the practice, meaning there’s a larger pool of positions you can apply for without geographic limitation.

Ara Zhang, Head of Marketing, LeadsNavi

Turn Local Businesses into Internships

Students should not assume that the opportunity window has closed. Smaller agencies operate with more fluid schedules and keep their doors open all year long. Many of us do not plan for interns six months in advance. Instead, we respond to immediate demand or creative partnership potential. This makes outreach in June or July just as relevant as in February. Do not wait for listings; look for openings through conversation and need.

We once had a student email us in mid-August with a blog draft. She said, “You can post this, or just critique it.” That humility and initiative led to a call, then an internship. She bypassed the application process entirely through one bold email. Students who offer instead of asking often unlock surprise opportunities. Being late is not a barrier if you arrive with real value in hand.

Marc Bishop, Director, Wytlabs

Embrace Late-Season Hiring Trends

No, it’s not too late in the year for students to find internships in marketing and advertising. This field works a bit differently from structured finance or tech programs that recruit early. Marketing roles, especially at startups, agencies, and smaller brands, tend to be more flexible and need-based. So many teams don’t even think about interns until spring or early summer when projects pick up or gaps appear.

Internships in this space usually pop up because something changes rapidly. A campaign falls behind, a freelancer backs out, or a new product launch suddenly needs more hands. That’s when companies start looking for help. So if someone has relevant skills and can clearly show how they’ll contribute, there are still plenty of opportunities even into June or July.

The real challenge is how students approach it. Many of them send out generic resumes with no real focus. They hope that applying to numerous places will eventually land them something. But marketing is a results-driven field. So the people who stand out are the ones who get specific. They understand what a company might need and show how they can help.

It’s more effective to pick a niche like DTC, SaaS, or local services and build something around it. That could be mock ad copy, a landing page audit, or a breakdown of a brand’s email flows. Even a short Loom video walking through a few ideas shows initiative and demonstrates how someone thinks. Because that’s what hiring managers actually look for.

People break into marketing by acting like marketers. They understand audiences, spot friction points, and communicate clearly. So whether it’s March or July doesn’t matter as much as whether someone can bring value right away.

Josiah Roche, Fractional CMO, JRR Marketing

Pursue Project-Based Micro-Internships

It’s absolutely not too late for marketing and advertising internships; many agencies and companies actually prefer hiring summer interns in late spring because they’ve gained more clarity on their project needs and available mentor capacity. Smaller agencies and startups often have more flexible hiring timelines than large corporations with rigid recruitment cycles.

I’ve hired three interns in June and July over the past two years, specifically because our client workload expanded unexpectedly and we needed additional support for campaign execution and data analysis projects. These late-season hires often worked out better than early applicants because they were more motivated and available for longer periods without competing academic commitments. One intern we hired in late June contributed to a major client campaign that generated an increase in ROI, earning a full-time offer before her internship ended.

Success comes from approaching agencies directly with specific value propositions rather than applying through general job boards. Research 10-15 local marketing agencies, identify their recent client wins or case studies, and propose specific projects you could support based on your coursework and interests. Many smaller agencies would welcome help with social media management, content creation, or campaign analysis, but don’t have formal internship programs. Students should emphasize their availability, relevant coursework, and genuine interest in the agency’s client work rather than just seeking any marketing experience. Persistence and targeted outreach often matter more than perfect timing in this industry.

Brandon George, Director of Demand Generation & Content, Thrive Internet Marketing Agency

Tap Into Your Network for Hidden Openings

For college and university students pursuing a career in marketing and advertising, finding an internship is not too late. In fact, sometimes the best opportunities come when you create them yourself.

One piece of advice I always share is the power of creating your own internship. Don’t wait for a company to post an opening. Go out and propose a project. Think about a local small business you admire, a coffee shop, a boutique, or a non-profit. Reach out to them and offer to run their social media for the summer, create a small local SEO campaign, or even design some initial ad concepts. Explain that you’re a student seeking practical experience and can provide real value. 

This isn’t just about gaining hands-on experience; it shows immense initiative, problem-solving skills, and a genuine passion for the field. Those are qualities we look for in digital marketing. It demonstrates you’re a go-getter, which stands out far more than just waiting for a perfect listing to appear.

Kevin Heimlich, Digital Marketing Consultant & Chief Executive Officer, The Ad Firm

Demonstrate Data Literacy in Applications

Not at all — it’s definitely not too late to land a marketing or advertising internship, even in late June. While many big agencies wrap up their summer intern classes by May, there’s actually a healthy trickle of opportunities that open up through the rest of the year. Smaller boutiques, startups, in-house marketing teams, and non-profits often hire on a rolling basis when they need extra hands for new campaigns, events, or product launches.

Here’s what insider pros recommend:

Cast a wide net but personalize your outreach. Rather than blasting generic resumes, pick 10-15 agencies or brands you really admire. Do a quick audit of their latest campaigns, then send a one-page pitch that shows you’ve done your homework (“Loved how you rebranded X in April — here’s an idea for boosting engagement…”). Specificity gets you remembered.

Leverage project-based “micro-internships.” Platforms like Parker Dewey or even brief gigs on Upwork let you build real campaign experience in 10-30 hours. Treat these like mini-internships — deliver top-notch work, ask for a testimonial, then turn that into a portfolio piece or referral.

Tap into your own network (even if it’s small). Professors, past part-time bosses, alumni mentors — they often know of “just this one opening” that never hits the job boards. A five-minute coffee chat can turn into a summer or fall placement.

Stay agile and open to remote roles. Many companies have shifted to remote or hybrid interns in 2025. You can snag a spot with an out-of-town agency without moving. Just make sure you carve out a quiet workspace and set clear availability.

Demonstrate hustle and data literacy. Show up with a quick audit of their website or social channels — spot two things you’d improve and back them up with basic metrics (like bounce rate or engagement). Even if they can’t hire you, you’ll leave a great impression for future roles.

Rudy Heywood, Founder, Famous Wolf Group Ltd