Unlocking Potential: Viant’s Internship Program for Aspiring Digital Advertisers

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, gaining a foothold in the industry requires more than just academic knowledge — it demands real-world experience and networking prowess. At Viant, we recognize this challenge and have crafted an exceptional internship program tailored to university students eager to jumpstart their careers in digital and programmatic advertising. 

Our program is designed not only to impart industry-relevant skills but also to offer an enriching learning experience that mirrors the real-world setting of a full-time professional role.

Diverse Learning Opportunities

In 2024 we hosted an exclusive cohort of 10 interns, each placed within one of our dynamic departments: Product Marketing, Business Development, Engineering, Operations, General & Administrative and Legal. This diverse spread and ability to network across teams helps ensure that interns receive a holistic understanding of how each department collaborates towards our common goals. Viant’s internship program goes beyond mere observation. It immerses students into the depths of our operations, encouraging them to be active participants in our daily endeavors.

“Sitting on the Product Marketing team at Viant was extremely beneficial, and I feel it has set me up for success as I begin my career in the corporate world,” shared Lauren McKeever, a recent intern. “Being my first internship experience, Viant allowed me to learn much about office etiquette and forming professional connections, and I also now have an advantageous sense of knowledge for the advertising tech industry.”

Engaging Learning Sessions

To further enhance the learning experience, we host a series of engaging sessions — this provides interns an opportunity to gain insights beyond their immediate projects. Our Meet the Founders panel with Viant founders Tim and Chris Vanderhook offers a backstage pass into the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our company. The Career Success Panel and informal Coffee Chats with HR provide real-world anecdotes and guidance, enriching the interns’ understanding of career trajectories and industry expectations.

In particular, sessions with industry veterans across the Viant team allow interns to delve into the intricacies of entrepreneurship, understand Viant’s legacy and grasp the nuances of our ever-evolving industry. These interactions are designed to inspire interns, equipping them with the knowledge to navigate their career paths with confidence.

“During my time at Viant, I had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing people who’ve shown me the importance of hard work and pursuing your passions,” mentioned Ella Hopkins, a recent intern in the G&A department.

Leadership Exposure and Networking

At Viant, exposure to leadership is not a luxury; it’s a staple of our internship experience. Interns collaborate with managers across departments, gaining firsthand insight into strategic decision-making processes. Through intentional networking opportunities, interns learn to navigate professional relationships, a skill that is indispensable in today’s interconnected world.

“The collaborative working and learning environment I’ve experienced at Viant is refreshing and excites me for my future,” shared Zachary Feldmar, an intern in our Operations department.

Project Experience and Integration

Each intern is entrusted with a carefully selected project that aligns with their academic and professional interests. This ensures that their contributions are not only valuable but also align with their career aspirations. The 12-week program takes place onsite at our headquarters, providing an authentic work environment where interns are seamlessly integrated into our teams. This integration allows interns to experience the rhythms and cadences of professional life, stepping into the shoes of full-time employees, even if just for a summer.

Final Presentations and Success Stories

As the program concludes, the spotlight turns to the interns, who present their projects, networking experiences and insights to our teams and leadership. This exercise not only showcases their hard work but also provides a platform for them to articulate their learnings and bolster their communication skills.

Our internship program has been a launching pad for many, including success stories like Emily Fukuda, who joined us as a Product Marketing Coordinator, Varun Chauhan as a Jr. Cloud Reliability Engineer and Jason Hsieh as a Software Engineer. Their journeys from interns to full-time professionals exemplify the opportunities the program offers.

“Presenting my project to the leadership team was a nerve-wracking yet rewarding experience. It gave me a chance to demonstrate my growth over the summer,” Emily Fukuda reflected.

A Commitment to Growth

Our Internship Mission Statement reflects our unwavering commitment to intern development. We seek to foster growth through a personalized, engaging and supportive environment. Orientation, interactive learning events, panel discussions and networking opportunities are all integral to our program, with the intention of having interns leave with not only skills and knowledge but also confidence and direction.

Viant aims to do more than teach; we aim to inspire. By blending comprehensive learning experiences with authentic workplace integration, our goal is to ensure our interns are not just prepared for the workforce — they’re prepared to lead it. Embark on a transformative journey with us, learn from the experienced industry professionals and lay the foundation for a vibrant career in digital advertising.