Intern Spotlight Series: Nayantara Dutta, Innovations

This week’s Intern Spotlight Series features Nayantara Dutta, Innovations Intern at J. Walter Thompson New York. Nayantara is a rising senior at Tufts University, studying Psychology with minors in Music and Communications.

Name — Nayantara Dutta

School — Tufts University

Major — Psychology (with minors in Music and Communications)

Class year — Senior

What drew you to J. Walter Thompson? — I had an incredible experience interning at the Vietnam office two years ago, and the positive work culture and focus on personal development made me thrilled to come back. I immediately fell in love with my department, the Innovation Group, which is the agency’s futurism think tank and thought leadership division. We deal with what’s new, what’s next, what matters, and how brands can leverage it. I love trend forecasting because it allows me to dive into consumer insights and deeply understand today’s cultural landscape. I get so excited when I see the trends I researched come to life! The other day, I saw four people wearing neck wearables and it made my week.

In a brief description, what are your primary responsibilities? — I research upcoming innovations, make press inquiries, interview industry experts, analyze SEO, and contribute to articles for our website.

What are 3 tips to being a successful intern? —

1) Be thoughtful. Show interest in what your colleagues are doing and intuitively anticipate how you can make their lives easier.

2) Be flexible and resilient. This is a fast-paced, exhilarating work environment and it’s so important to be receptive to challenges and smile at the opportunity to learn from them.

3) Say hi! Attend industry events, ask your coworkers out for coffee, listen carefully & take notes

Do you have a personal motto? If so, what is it? — “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” – Dr. Seuss

What advertising lingo or buzzword do you most overuse? —VR (virtual reality).

Favorite J. Walter Thompson ad campaign? — The Tribeca Film Festival ReActor – they made the world’s first karaoke machine for acting, which I think is such a cool innovation. It even won a Silver Lion in Media at Cannes 2016! Their creative director presented to us yesterday and said “This business is about layers – we’re a bunch of onions,” which I really loved.

Favorite app? — IFTTT (If This, Then That). It’s an automation that lets you conditionally connect your apps (essentially a control center of life hacks), which emails me when it’s going to rain tomorrow and automatically mutes my phone at work!

Favorite pastime? — Jazz clubs and leafing through the $1 section at the Strand.

What are you most looking forward to in your remaining weeks at J. Walter Thompson? — The weeks have zoomed by and it’s very bittersweet to leave! I’m excited for upcoming press field trips, shadowing other departments, and spending time with my fantastic colleagues. We have really become a family and I’m so grateful for their warmth and support.