Cooperation between Slovenian Advertising Chamber and VIA Nederland: »International Internship for Young Creatives«, supported by Mastercard

Slovenian Advertising Chamber

VIA Nederland

Dept Agency

Cooperation between Slovenian Advertising Chamber and VIA Nederland: »International Internship for Young Creatives«, supported by Mastercard

Slovenian Advertising Chamber and VIA, marketing communication trade association in the Netherlands teamed up in the initiative called - "International Internship for Young Creatives". The project is based on the initiative of the Slovenian Advertising Chamber to offer young people by winning a competition on a national level the opportunity for an internship in a foreign country, in an agency that is a member of the association and is thus committed to complying with codes of ethics in its market.

Mojca Briščik, CEO of the Slovenian Advertising Chamber, commented: “In Slovenia we have noticed a declining interest in the profession within our industry, which is primarily felt by advertising agencies. With the aim of restoring reputation and substance to marketing communication in Slovenia, we wanted to find a way to attract young people into a deeply personal experience outside their comfort zone, give them concrete practical experience, motivation, enthusiasm and knowledge, and most importantly - to do this in a new environment that also features different cultural connotations. In this way, we are convinced that the experience will bring not only professional growth, but also a certain breadth of mind on a personal level."

Sustainable development in the field of youth education

The collaboration would not have happened without the support of VIA, where colleagues recognized the value of the initiative, what it brings not only for those involved in the project, but also in the grand scheme. We, who signed this project, believe that such connections will encourage not only the exchange of young people, but also other cultural diversity and good practices for the development of our industry.

“Attracting young talent to our industry is an overall challenge which we are all facing. Therefore, we are delighted and proud to be a part of this great initiative, which is designed around young talent, creativity, connectivity and inspiration. This initiative can provide a strong boost in attracting young talent. Hopefully this is the first of many of these exchanges”.  - Wendy Pouw, Managing Director, VIA

In Slovenia, the competition opens in June, and an international jury, nominated by our partner in competition implementation – Mastercard, will pick the winner. The winner will be announced in September at the most important advertising event, Slovenian Advertising Festival. The winner will travel to the Netherlands at the end of spring 2022, when the situation regarding COVID-19 is expected to improve.

Mastercard has recognized the project as an important part of their sustainable strategy, giving back to society. This is why Mastercard will cover travel expenses, accommodation in Amsterdam and other benefits, so the winner can focus mainly on internship, without worrying about finance, since few would otherwise be able to afford such an experience.

Aleš Petejan, Mastercard Branch Office Slovenia: “We are a company that strives for technological development, while recognizing that it is human development that makes the world go round. At Mastercard, we constantly strive to create new opportunities and priceless experiences for all those who want to reach their highest potential, whether this is creativity or whatever other passion they pursue. We place great emphasis on educating and encouraging the development of young people, because knowledge is priceless and investing in it is always the right way to go. As we also see a great importance in the development of the advertising industry, we are very happy to once again work together to create a story where we will give young creative hopefuls an invaluable experience and unique development. Together, we are embarking on a journey where we will encourage young people to achieve their goals, aspirations and dreams.”

The winner will learn in two weeks how a team in one of the most successful digital agencies in the Netherlands creates world winning campaigns

Young people up to the age of 28 will be able to take part in the competition, regardless of their previous knowledge of advertising. The aim of the initiative is to stimulate young people's interest in the profession. Dept, a fast-growing digital agency and one of the most successful agencies in the Netherlands, headquartered in Amsterdam, will make sure that this experience is priceless.

“We were instantly enthusiastic about this incredible initiative. It’s an excellent opportunity to collaborate with young talent and provide them with a look behind the scenes across all facets of ‘agency life’: from concept creation for big brands to account management, project management, production, client meetings, and much more. As we work hard and play hard, we’ll make sure to visit all Amsterdam hotspots and meet some of the most inspiring creatives in the industry. And who knows, maybe the intern will continue their adventure with a new job at Dept."  - Nina de Ridder, Associate Creative Director at Dept

Everybody involved in the project believes that only together, we can push the boundaries and only on the basis of good practices we encourage a better future for our industry. Today, we are sending one young creative for an internship abroad, but we believe that this number will grow and that we will also inspire colleagues from the industry, outside of individual associations to do the same.

More about:

The Slovenian Advertising Chamber takes care of the importance, role, and benefits of marketing communication in Slovenia. Advocating for ethics in advertising and enforcing high communication standards is the key to that. In addition to organizing the national festival SOF (Slovenian Advertising Festival), Effie Slovenia Award and the international creative festival Golden Drum, it mainly represents the interests of chamber members at home and abroad, spreads knowledge and good practices in advertising and communication, enforces ethical standards in advertising through the Advertising tribunal and informs members and the general public on trends and legal frameworks of marketing communication within Slovenian and European legislation.

For more information, please see: https://www.soz.si/

VIA is the network that connects the entire marketing chain and helps the market move forward together with its more than 250 members. A network where there is room for data, media, creativity and technology and for everyone in our industry. From CEOs to young talent and from professionals working at advertisers, media, advertising and communication agencies and ad-tech platforms to operators and publishers. We believe that connection is the engine of progress.

For more information, please see: https://vianederland.nl/

Mastercard (NYSE: MA), is a global technology company in the payment industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone and everywhere by making transactions secure, simple, smart, and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passions, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments, and businesses realize their full potential. Our decency quotient or DQ drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside our company. With connections in more than 210 countries and areas, we are building a sustainable world that opens up invaluable opportunities for all.

For more information, please see: https://www.mastercard.si/sl-si.html

Dept Agency is a digital agency uniting creativity, technology and data together. We help the world’s leading brands build and accelerate their digital products, services and campaigns. Our team of over 1,750 thinkers and makers spans 13 countries across Europe and the Americas. We proudly work for top brands like Samsung, Bose, Formula E, Bugaboo, Indigo Ag, Triumph Motorcycles, Netflix and more.

For more information, please see: www.deptagency.com

Additional information

Slovenian Advertising Chamber

E: [email protected]

M: + 386 1 439 60 50