19 Ideas partners with Say Yes Buffalo to launch marketing & communications fellowship

Annual yearlong program will provide Say Yes Buffalo scholars with comprehensive marketing agency experience, network connections before graduation

√ Partnership centered on addressing racial equity & inclusion in local marketing, advertising community

Strategic marketing agency 19 Ideas announced a partnership with Say Yes Buffalo to offer an annual fellowship program that will provide Say Yes Buffalo scholars with a comprehensive, 12-month experience of working at a marketing agency with clients that span various industries. As part of the Say Yes Buffalo internship and career pathways program, the competitive paid fellowship opportunity through 19 Ideas will be available to Say Yes Buffalo scholars beginning this fall.

A press release stated, “The fellowship provides an immersive, hands-on environment for Say Yes Buffalo scholars looking to pursue a career in marketing and communications, who will learn the different facets of the industry as well as important workplace skills such as organization, project management, and an approach to internal and external communications. The position connects with all departments within 19 Ideas, providing scholars with the opportunity to learn about, and assist in, multiple tactical areas of marketing and communications, as well as have first-hand experience with the agency’s clients, which span numerous industries, such as health care, nonprofits, higher education and financial services.

“Agency fellows will leave with a rich understanding of modern-day marketing that provides them with a leg up as they apply for their first jobs out of college.”

Katie Krawczyk, CEO and partner at 19 Ideas, said, “We approached Say Yes Buffalo with this fellowship proposal last summer with a desire to create lasting, impactful change for our community. Over the past year, our society has needed to tackle difficult questions about racial justice and equity. Doing nothing, or continuing to do the same thing, is not an option. In our industry, marketing is about creating memorable experiences and reaching all people. Workforce development and providing deeper relationship opportunities for these scholars to build their networks as they enter the job market is crucial and where internships fall significantly short. Together with Say Yes, our vision is to provide a new brand of opportunity for our community’s next generation of marketers and keep this program going year-over-year to provide a broad network of 19 Ideas fellows for years to come.”

As part of the fellowship program, 19 Ideas has committed $11,000 over five years to cover the costs of books and incidentals for fellows enrolled in the program. Selected fellows will work alongside the 19 Ideas team at the agency’s Buffalo office – with the option for hybrid or remote engagement, pending New York state’s health and safety guidelines.

The Say Yes Buffalo internship and career pathways program was established to connect Say Yes Buffalo scholars – current college students who graduated from Buffalo public and charter high schools and lived within the City of Buffalo – with paid internships, networking events and various professional development opportunities. The program partners with area employers to provide meaningful professional experiences to create talent pipelines. To date, nearly 200 Say Yes Buffalo scholars have completed internships with leading employers in the Western New York region.

“We’d like to thank Katie and the team at 19 Ideas for their establishment of this fellowship opportunity,” said David Rust, Say Yes Buffalo’s executive director. “A lot of our students balance complex lives. While studying full-time, they are often working one or two part-time jobs and unable to participate in an internship that would provide them experience in their intended careers. The fellowship is alleviating the financial concerns by providing a valuable learning experience that is incentivized with payment. We are proud to partner with 19 Ideas in offering this opportunity.”

Krawczyk said, “There are many aspects to our partnership with Say Yes that excites me, but one area in particular is the inherent alumni group this fellowship program will create. We have an opportunity to nurture these relationships well beyond the 12-month fellowship program, where we can connect our fellows with our industry peers and other connections in the community who may be seeking qualified job applicants. Not only are we creating a network for when we have our own positions to fill, but we are also hoping to help bridge hiring gaps for other local businesses, as well. This workforce development piece – along with the education and networking opportunities this fellowship offers – is a critical component for any employer and job seeker. It’s a true win-win.”

Say Yes Buffalo students who have completed at least their first year of undergraduate studies and have an interest in advertising, branding, public relations or web design may apply.

The application process is now open. To learn more and apply, visit SayYesToYourCareer.org.