frequently asked questions
For additional context and direction, review the following answers to common questions regarding the inaugural Marketing Ideation Program.
do we need to choose just one business case?
You can choose to submit an entry to either business case or to both business cases.
should we work as a team or individually?
Feel free to participate in the program either individually or as a team. If you do choose to participate as a team, submit only one entry per team, per business case. Note that incentives are awarded on a per-entry basis.
what resources can I use for research?
The information you gather to inform your marketing solution will depend on the business case you choose to solve. A selection of reference materials have been provided for each business case, and additional primary and secondary research is encouraged. However, please do not leverage any proprietary or private research; all information should be publicly available and easily citable.
In addition to the reference materials provided for each business case, you may also review the Target resources below:
- ABullseyeView.com
- Target YouTube
- @target Instagram
- @target Twitter
- @targetstyle Instagram
- Target Finds
- Target Young Adult
is there a hypothetical budget to keep in mind?
There are no defined budget constraints as it relates to each business case. That said, the anticipated cost of your marketing solution should be feasible for Target to implement.
should my submission use traditional marketing constructs like the 4 P's, or is the approach/format flexible?
Your submission will not be judged based on any specific marketing methodologies. Feel free to leverage any tools, presentation formats, theories or methodologies that work for you, and instead reference the provided judging criteria for guidance on what's most important to communicate.
does my submission need to consider the financial impact on Target's bottom line?
Part of the judging criteria is making sure your marketing solution is something that Target could feasibly implement. While sales are often a measure of success, it is not our only consideration. It is more important that your idea is something that would be effective and make sense for the brand given the context of each business case.
for business case #1, should I focus on Target as an entity or certain product categories only?
Your marketing solution should consider the holistic Target brand.
for business case #1, should I focus on the full age range of the Gen Z demographic, or a certain sub-segment?
Your marketing solution should consider the entire Gen Z cohort. That said, if you choose to get more specific or highlight different segments within Gen Z, please include your distinctions and rationale within your submission.
for business case #2, should I work with one of Target's existing inclusive brands or consider a new owned brand entirely?
How you choose to approach your marketing solution is entirely up to you. If you think there is something Target could do better or amplify in regards to one of our existing owned brands, or if you think there is a new, untapped idea that would better resonate with Target guests, please include your rationale within your submission.
when are entries due?
Submissions will be accepted beginning Monday, January 6th and must be submitted no later than Friday, January 17th at 11:59 PM CST. Submission forms can be found on their corresponding business case page. (Note: The submission period for this program is now closed).
in what format should I submit my marketing solution?
We encourage ideas and formats of all kinds - so feel free to upload your submission in the electronic format that works best for you. This could be a written document, presentation deck, audio or video file or more. The entry forms support all common file formats (i.e. .pdf, .jpg, .mov, .doc, .ppt, etc.). Submission forms can be found on their corresponding business case page.
can i tell friends about the Marketing Ideation Program?
Yes! We encourage you to share this unique opportunity with anyone you believe may be interested.
what if I have more questions?
If you find you have additional questions after reviewing the FAQs, email us at HQCampus.Recruiting@target.com.
more about us
Target is one of the world’s most recognized brands and one of America’s leading retailers. We make Target our guests’ preferred shopping destination by offering outstanding value, inspiration, innovation and an exceptional guest experience that no other retailer can deliver. Fueling the continued success of our brand is our distinctly capable, creative and innovative Marketing organization.
For more on what it's like to work at Target, hear from a few of our past interns and recruiters.
Participation in the Marketing Ideation Program is entirely voluntary and does not create an employment relationship with Target. Individuals who do choose to participate will not be compensated for the time spent on their submission or for their submitted marketing solution.
The business cases presented may represent either an actual or hypothetical business challenge. By participating in this Marketing Ideation Program, you are confirming your understanding that these topics may or may not be part of Target's previous, current or future business endeavors. Furthermore, by uploading a submission on behalf of your and/or your team, you consent to give Target a royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive license to use, reproduce, modify, publish, create derivative works from, and display such submissions in whole or in part, on a worldwide basis, and to incorporate it into other works, in any form, media or technology now known or later developed, including for promotional or marketing purposes.
