Multicultural Advertising Training Program
An internship could change your life.
Company Info
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the M.A.T. program?

M.A.T. is a paid internship program for outstanding minority college students interested in a career in the advertising industry. Started in 1992, M.A.T. is a coalition of the Los Angeles Advertising Agencies Association (formerly WSAAA), the Advertising Club of Los Angeles, and TBWA Chiat/Day.

What is M.A.T.'s goal?

Our goal is to encourage outstanding minority college students to enter the field of advertising by providing them with internships in agencies, print, and the broadcast media. With this goal, we hope to increase diversity in the advertising community by providing the industry with outstanding and promotable interns.

How does M.A.T. select its interns?

Minority students (juniors, seniors, and recent graduates) from colleges and universities in the Southland apply for an internship to M.A.T. All intern candidates undergo a three-step screening process by a M.A.T. board member and/or industry leader before they are matched for an internship with a company.

Do I get to choose my intern?

You may choose your intern by sending a representative from your company to volunteer at the Interview Session of all the applicants. Otherwise, a M.A.T. committee will execute selection and placement of interns. The committee makes every effort to match both the candidate's and company's qualifications. A company is assigned up to two potential candidates to interview for each internship available.

How much will it cost my company?

Participating companies pay the intern $9.00 per hour for 13 weeks (with a minimum of 20 hours and a maximum of 30 hours per week). Interns are paid directly through the agency, print, or broadcast companies in which they are placed.

How do I get an intern?

Just complete an Internship Request Form, which will provide us with the information necessary to accurately place an intern with your company. Return it by the deadline indicated on the form. Internship periods run in the spring, summer, and fall of each year, for 13 consecutive weeks.

Can I cancel my request?

In fairness to the M.A.T. program and all our intern candidates, we request that all companies notify the M.A.T. office of any changes or withdrawal of their request by the deadline date.

The M.A.T. Program has successfully placed over 500 minority interns in the advertising and broadcasting communities. A majority of M.A.T. interns have been hired into full-time positions by their employers when the internship ended. With your participation and support, we hope to continue placing outstanding minority students who have a passion for our business.