I just wanted to add, guys, she's single and a republican...jump on board fast before this train leaves the love station:)

I agree...college is crazy frustrating. Just look at it like this though... When we started college we were walking around with a beat up Pinto for a mind, but by the time we graduate we'll be cruising around with a Cadillac. It's an investment in our future that will eventually pay for itself. As for yourther concerns, I also agree. E-mail is a horrible way to comunicate, HR people aren't always those you want to be in contact with and it's hard to be creative in an environment that doesn't welcome it. But I firmly believe if your work is good enough then it will speak for itself and you won't have to worry about HR and creativity can be found anywhere as long as you remain open to inspiration. I wish you luck though, as I seem to walking the same path except I ask if they want butter or sour cream on their baked potato. ;)

You can do it! Read industry books like "Pick Me Breaking into Advertising and staying there" by Nancy Vonk & Janet Kestin, "Ogivly on Advertising" by David Ogilvy, "Hey Whipple, Squeeze This" by Luke Sullivan, "Truth, Lies, & Advertising" by Jon Steel. Check out industry publications like Adweek or AdAge. You'll notice industry professinoals often quoted and referenced; perhaps email them. Also go to local ad club events. While you try that approach, my suggestion while you can afford to is volunteer at a shop you really want to work. Help out with a new business pitch. When you do get that formal internship, be sure to be proactive and for each task you do, find out why you are doing it - what are the implications of your task to the client's business or the specific job? Also consider great portfolio schools like the Miami Ad School or VCU. My college experience was similar to yours where there wasn't a strong advertising program like a BC or Austin. So Miami Ad School totally opened up my eyes. I totally recommend it. Hang in there!!

If they want you to submit your application via email, then send it through the mail. Don't forget to Fax them, too. And phone them. Definitely phone them. Often.

Its great that your asking professions for help/guidance......getting the first internship is the most difficult, opportunities after that are much easier (in my experience)......if it were me, the first thing I would do is talk to a professor/guidance counselor and find out where the alumni from your school are working at. Present them your portfolio, ask for an opportunity (perhaps work two weeks for free as a trial); if no opportunity is available ask them if they can refer you to agencies with strong internship programs. As a junior in school, no one is going to expect you to have a professional book.....sell them on your commitment to the profession, proven work ethic and willingness to listen/learn and complete the tasks they ask. In addition, when I was in school I sent out a teaser portfolio and then called the HR department a week later for every application (over 150 applications sent). I strongly encourage you to follow-up with a phone call after each application; that’s have you'll stand out through email resumes.

Internships are important at your stage of the game. The place you go to school and what they teach is also important. It’s smart to take things into your own hands like you are doing, to try to make things happen, because your own hands are the best hands to trust your career to and they also care the most about you. Just keep pushing, sooner or later it will give way. If you stop pushing you are out of the game. Another tip, forget the HR person, and go right to the creative director. Convince them instead of the HR person. They can tell the HR person who to give an internship to. When looking for an internship, or a job, who you ask is a very important choice. ALSO READ THESE ADHOLE THREADS: “getting your foot in the door by marc english. . .“What's in a portfolio by Bruce DeBoer”. . .“Where is the best place to start your career, by Noel G”. . . “How important is experience in our business? by me”. . .” MAJOR OBSTACLES TO CREATIVE THINKING— by me.

my advice is, mozzerella sticks don't really appeal to people as much as like, garlic bread, so lead with that. but seriously, what does you book look like right now? e-mail me some work if you want and I'll tell you what i think. I mean if you want.

I admire your drive and ambition, but it would help if you were at a school that was more creatively focused. If you don’t like your book don’t show it till you do. Take the pieces you did and improve upon them. It’s kills an interview when students discuss what is wrong with their books but don’t fix them. Instead of 2 hour drives to KC why not look for a boring less glamorous “hands on’ job at a local studio or agency. Lots of great, really successful folks started out at the most unglamorous jobs where they actually learned by doing. I suggest that you get your book together and post a link with your profile on Adholes and get some friendly but honest feedback.