We're looking for a few good peeps.
POKE sits in a place that's hard to define; we're one of those companies that doesn't do exactly what we "do". We've been called everything from "Advertising Agency" to "Production Shop" to "Product Development Company". We're none of those. But we're all of them just the same.
The truth is POKE is more about the type of people that work here than we are the type of things we envision and create. Hard pressed for definition, we are mainly a company of inventors and creative technologists. We're passionate about intense collaboration (usually building something we've never done before - over and over again). Most of us are refugees from more traditional advertising/branding and technology companies. Most of us also have difficulty defining ourselves as individuals. And, most of us believe we're actually going to change the world one day.
Does any of this sound familiar? POKE might be the place for you, and PUSH is the way to find out.
What is PUSH?
The program is all about learning through hands on experience and instruction. Finding just the right people to join our table has proven to be a daunting task to say the least. PUSH intensely focuses on rapidly and accurately identifying people who understand our approach and share our mindset.
We've decided to further expand the instruction element of our PUSH program and limit the number of interns we can enroll. Just four people can now attend our program, which takes place over a 3-month "semester" - starting in January. During each semester, PUSH students will be required to work with us on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. You'll be treated as part of the team. You will intern in our studio. You'll work hand-in-hand with other POKErs, gaining experience on real projects.
Sound interesting? Good. There's more.
During internship "off" days (Tuesdays and Thursdays), two evening classes are required. One will be a hands-on practicum in creative technology, and one focused on our practice of creative strategy. Each course will be taught by someone in the POKE office or an appropriate guest. By the end of your 3-month semester, you'll either have earned yourself a seat at our table or you'll have gained valuable experience working on the bleeding edge (and we might even back that up with a solid recommendation letter too!).
Who is eligible?
Anyone. But, there are five skill-sets that we're looking for in potential students. Prove to us that you possess any two of them and we'll talk about bringing you into PUSH:
- A strong belief in the importance of, and at least a basic executional capability in, visual design.
- Stellar copywriting abilities.
- A detail-oriented approach to User Experience strategy and design.
- Sick skills as a developer.
- A deep-seeded appreciation for the power and inner workings of social media.
The final attributes you must posses are completely non-negotiable:
- Work ethic. If you want to be considered for the PUSH program, you absolutely must come prepared to demonstrate a sense of pride and ownership in your work and be ready to see it through to completion.
- An undying curiosity and need to continue learning. No matter what two areas of expertise you come into PUSH with, if you want to find yourself a seat at the table at the end of three months, you'll need to grow your abilities in all areas.
Meet Push. A program for internz.
Update!:
Our next PUSH term will start on Monday, September 14th. If you're interested in joining up during the fall, submit your video ASAP.
What is PUSH?:
This just might be a great opportunity for both of us. For you, it’s a chance to work with really fun (and talented) people who love what they do. For us, it’s an amazing chance to bring in some the best up-and-coming talent out there.
Sound good? Great! Except there’s one little catch. We POKERs like to dive in head first. In keeping with the spirit of that, we're going to need to see you do the same. Here's how you can apply:
You'll have to submit a video.
It'll be put into a gallery up against other rising stars for the world to see. So, make it awesome :) We promise, we’ll make it worth your while. If you don’t suck, that is.
What goes in my video, Ma?
Whatever you want, really. Just be sure it gives us a good sense of why you are POKE material. Introduce yourself and tell us what you bring to the table! Showcase your skills! Shave your cat! Whatever it takes. (No RickRolling pls.) And try to keep it to around 3-minutes please!
Right, so where do I put my video?
Another good question, Billy. Head over to Vimeo and upload your video there. Then, after you've done that, shoot us an email wouldya? push@pokenewyork.com.
The FAQ's...
- "What type of peeps are you lookin' for?": The SMART kind! We need a couple of whip-smart developers to help us bring some cool ideas to life. We also need some ninjas and gurus who know CSS, strategy, social media, UX and interaction design, and some awesome pixel pushers.
- "Is the internship paid?": Yes and no. There's no paycheck involved; this is an experience internship. BUT, we know how tough it can be getting started, so we'll spring for lunch when you're here and a metrocard to help you get home at night.
- "Do I have to be available full-time?": That would be ideal, but we can be flexible. Make an impression that leads us to believe we can't live without you, and we'll take what we can get.
- "Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?": YES. We understand that working without pay for a summer can be tough. But the truth is, this is a tough industry. We're offering you a chance to show your chops on REAL projects. If you do that during your internship, then yes, there is the potential for you to be hired.
- "My school requires some forms and other BS in order for me to get credit for an internship...": No problem. You take care of getting all that stuff in front of us, and we'll get it signed so you get all the credit you can.
Let the games begin!
The fine print (be sure you READ THIS)...
While we don't have a specific submission deadline, we have received a number of videos already and we're beginning to line things up with people. If you want to submit and you haven't, GET ON IT ASAP! Also keep in mind, there's no set end date for this term, but we generally shoot for 2-3 month engagements.
