About the role#
As a Creative Strategy Intern, you will help identify emerging cultural and social trends before they reach the mainstream. You will work with the Global Creative Services team to turn your observations into strategic narratives for major brands. This role involves tracking activity across social platforms and helping brands maintain their presence in the cultural conversation.
What you'll do#
- Research trends across TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, Reddit, and other platforms.
- Write reports on specific platforms and industries.
- Turn cultural insights into presentations, narratives, and creative frameworks.
- Create materials that help brands stay trend-forward.
- Conduct creative audits to identify best practices.
- Curate examples of standout content and campaigns to inspire new ideas.
- Partner with Creative leaders to develop strategic positioning.
- Present your findings or shadow customer meetings.
What you'll need#
- Current status as a full-time rising junior, senior, or recent graduate from an accredited four-year college or university.
- A degree in Marketing, Communications, Design, Media Studies, Technology, or a related field.
- Curiosity about internet culture, social media, creators, and emerging trends.
- Ability to turn observations into clear, meaningful insights.
- Strong storytelling skills and an eye for visually compelling presentations.
- Proactive approach to work.
- Ability to work in a collaborative environment.
- Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Location & details#
- Location: New York, New York.
- Term: Fall 2026 (October 6 through December 17, 2026).
- Modality: Hybrid.
- Schedule: Approximately 30 hours per week.
- Compensation: Paid at $20 per hour.
About Smartly
Smartly operates as an advertising technology company based in Helsinki. Founded in 2013, the firm provides a platform that combines media, creative, and intelligence tools for brands. It manages approximately 5 billion dollars in ad spend for over 700 brands across platforms like Facebook, Google, and TikTok. The company currently employs between 501 and 1,000 people.
How to get in at Smartly
Applying to Smartly early provides a distinct advantage because recruiters review applications before the candidate pool becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, helping you apply among the first. This timing ensures your resume reaches the hiring team before the pile grows. You can also improve your response rates by reaching out to the recruiters behind the company's roles directly. Intern Insider surfaces these specific contacts so you can ask about the role or a referral. Connecting with the right person often provides more clarity than submitting an application into a queue.
