CURIOUS ABOUT MEDIA, METAVERSE, & MEME CULTURE?

Applicants must answer a few questions related to a specific Fellows position. You’re applying to join the next generation of media mavens, so consider how you can best contribute!

Some past questions have been:

-A maker mindset is central to our team’s ethos. So tell us about something you’ve made in the last year or two and why it’s important to you/reflective of how you work. 

-There’s no shortage of articles, podcasts, TikToks about AI. Good, bad and ugly.  What’s your take on ChatGPT? 

-Tell us about a new-ish tech/platform we may not have immersed ourselves in yet, and why? 

-What makes you an ideal candidate for this role? 

Are you a reader of TechCrunch, r/Futurology, a16z? Intrigued by GPT-3, NFTs, Discord, DAOs and disinformation? Curious about all things media, metaverse and meme culture? Are you passionate about researching, making, and experimenting with new technologies and platforms you see across the internet? Are you maker, a creative thinker who can’t wait to put their ideas/inventions into practice? Is technology exploration core to your DNA? Does the phrase “what if we could?” amp you up and get you into concepting and building mode?

If so, consider applying to be Media Genius Fellow this summer.

Two motivated collaborators will work closely with the Futures to help research, test and learn about emerging technologies and platforms. Think generative media of all kinds, new community platforms, wearables, volumetric tech and more. All ultimately in service of helping our clients—some of the world’s leading brands—drive their businesses forward.

Central to the role is researching and concisely reporting back observations and insights (desk research, demos/sandboxes, etc.), conceiving of and packaging potential applications/ideas, and prototyping select platforms and use-cases. This role is a legit combo of researching, ideation, and making. (Bonus points if you’re familiar with coding/programming.)

Fellows will research new tech and platforms with implications for marketing and communications, and synthesize findings for group discussions and team projects. Dig into Dall-E, Midjourney, ChatGPT, Mmhmm, Reblium CODA, Sandbox, Decentraland and beyond. You’ll support planned and impromptu research and insights needs, ad hoc client and Media Genius project support in close collaboration with our Futures team and the EVP, Applied Innovation.

Are you a reader of Wired, r/Futurology, Contagious, a16z Curious about all things media, metaverse and meme culture? Do these concepts interest you: Web3 is Unfinished, A.I.dentity, The Currency of Culture, Move Over AR and VR – Gen Z shifts to DR? Are you a researcher who digs digging in, from all kinds of online research to Reddit thread rabbit holes to emerging platform immersion? Are you a strong writer, able to both synthesize learnings on complex topics and articulate your own POV, observations and potential implications? Are you game to informally brainstorm tech topics/platforms/issues with colleagues, then jump into research mode to deepen understanding before crafting essays on intriguing angles?

If so, consider applying to be Media Genius Fellow this summer.

This is a role for someone who wants to think, write, discuss, and write some more. (And we care what you think. It’s not just about culling together stats, quotes, POVs – though that’s essential.) This is program for individuals skilled at tapping into diverse resources, distilling complex topics (think plain/human/concise language vs. lengthy/academic/jargon-a-thons) conveying what’s important and helping to draw out potential implications.

We’re not looking for someone to have all the answers. But real interest in the topics we’re covering is a must (check out Media Genius for a better sense), as is curiosity and a discovery mindset. We’re seeking sharp, motivated individuals, strong writers who are excited about the possibilities for our work.

Practically speaking, applicants should be comfortable working individually and in group scenarios, managing short- and longer-term deadlines. Fellows will support all things Media Genius.

This is a full-time program and will be 8 weeks long, 40 hours per week.

Yes!

Not yet, but we hope we can in the future. (And if your school has an independent study or similar program, we’re happy to help you make that work.)​

Great question! Given the location of our team and the collaborative nature of the program, the Fellowship acts around the Eastern Time Zone. Students living in adjacent time zones are encouraged to apply as well.