Spring/Summer Brand Strategy Intern

About the Role:

Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic creative agency environment while working with high-profile consumer brands across diverse industries. As a Brand Strategy Intern at Sterling, you’ll collaborate with our strategy team on client projects, contribute to internal strategic initiatives, and take part in a cross-functional intern project that showcases your thinking and creativity.

We’re looking for a highly motivated individual with a passion for branding, strategic design, and marketing—someone who thrives in problem-solving, critical thinking, and creative challenges. Ideal candidates have demonstrated leadership in extracurricular activities or work experiences where analytical and creative skills were essential.

This hybrid role is based out of our New York City, San Francisco, or Cincinnati offices, with an expectation of three in-office days per week and flexibility to work remotely for two days.

What You’ll Do:

Participate in client projects that allow you to learn and apply the fundamentals of brand strategy, including:

• Performing category audits and SWOT analyses to understand market dynamics, brand strengths/weaknesses, visual trends, brand messaging, etc.
• Reviewing market data and quantitative/qualitative consumer research to mine for relevant insights and identify key strategic consumer targets
• Contributing to brand positioning and brand architecture development
• Utilizing design thinking principles to understand brand equity and inspire design solutions
• Participating in brainstorm sessions to inform naming, creative territories, brand activation, campaign creation, and more
• Observing qualitative research to better understand the role of consumer-centric brand development

Assist in crafting persuasive and engaging presentations and observe client meetings to see how insights, strategic recommendations, and creative solutions are presented

Contribute to Sterling’s thought-leadership on topics relevant to branding, such as sustainability, health and wellness, and more

Work with team members from Strategy, Design, and Client Services disciplines to understand how the agency operates

Participate in semester-long intern project in collaboration with marketing and design interns

Qualifications:

Enrolled in college degree program or Master’s program, ideally with a focus in Business, Marketing, Communications, or Strategic Design

Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills

A desire to learn or build on understanding of basic branding and strategic marketing principles

Articulate and creative—strong conceptual, visual and writing skills

Point of view on AI tools and using AI in creative fields

Ability to work independently and think on ones feet

Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Keynote

If you don't meet all of the above qualifications but feel you'd be a good fit, please still consider applying!

Compensation

Base: $16/hr - $20/hr

This represents the low and high end of the base salary an individual in this role may earn as an intern of Sterling Brands in the United States. Compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to: professional and academic experience; training; associated responsibilities; other business and organizational needs; and geographic location (to account for comparative cost of living). Salary decisions are dependent on the circumstances of each hire.