It doesn’t take much to get us to agree to trek over to Scandinavia, and it takes even less when you tell us we’re about to meet with a bunch of the most well-prepared and insightful students we've come across in some time.

Matt Howell, Chief Global Digital Officer, Kryssy Bloch, Director of Digital Talent, and Keith LaFerriere, SVP/Director of User Experience, had the opportunity to visit Hyper Island, Mälmo University and Berghs School of Communication on behalf of Arnold for a recruiting and information-gathering journey that provided a preview of the talent presently hitting the market at breakneck speed. Even better, they’re hitting the market at a time when the convergence of more collaborative, nimble team structures position them to get deeper into building useful solutions while meeting less resistance.

While the advertising industry at large has been working on refining the core offering to meet the above mentioned dynamic, programs across very diverse markets are preparing students of all backgrounds to do the same. For once, it seems like cart and horse are at least on the same path.

We had the chance to meet with art directors, UX professionals, copywriters and planners, who presented the deliverables they created for real-world client product needs. In the case of Berghs, the students had the opportunity to pitch the ideas to client representatives and submit their work for national award shows.

One young team from Berghs even decided to show off a little and use the @ArnieBeer project to let us know how impressed they were with Arnold and what we had to offer.

Throughout the many rounds of interviews and case videos, students were consistently driving home the theme of collaboration. There isn’t a program we reviewed that doesn’t place this theme above all else. Interestingly enough, even students who had preconceived notions about what their “role” or “title” would be as they exited the program didn’t seem to be particularly bothered by the idea that teams are leaning towards a flatter structure. They believe, and will most likely behave, as though their input is just as valid and valuable as the people to whom they will report, which makes perfect sense.

Arnold recognizes the change that’s happening across the academic landscape for these future marketers and advertisers, and it’s looking like this is going to be incredible fun.