All of the resumes and video cover letters have been reviewed. All of the candidates have been interviewed. Earlier this week, three bright and aspirational young professionals were informed they were finalists for our 2012 Summer Internship Campaign.

Next week, the fun begins.

We would love to introduce our three very impressive finalists now, but you’ll have to check back on Monday. That’s when we’ll give you a little snapshot of each finalist’s education and experience, along with why they deserve the gig – in their own words. From there, you’ll be able to vote for our next intern at The Fast Horse Experience on Facebook.

Of course, all of this is bringing back memories. I remember in 2010 when I found out I was a finalist for the intern search. The first thing I did was scout my competition. I remember thinking I was dead on arrival when I saw the other two candidates had more Facebook friends.

I quickly learned — as I’m sure our current finalists will, too — that winning this unique competition requires action from more than just your immediate friends and family. To earn the internship, our finalists will have to show some serious marketing know-how to influence absolute strangers to vote on their behalf.

Plus, there’s a new wrinkle this time around. The Fast Horse Facebook page now has over 2,200 Likes. The 2010 contest started with just under 500 Likes. That means the jury is much bigger and more influential this time around.

What does all of this mean for our three finalists?

• Come up with a creative plan and execute it.
• Be ready to adjust when something goes wrong. (It will.)
• And while you’re at it, buy a case of Full Throttle. It’s going to be a long week.

Then again, you just might end up with a dream internship that could serve as a launch pad for an exciting career in marketing.

So, be sure to check back on Monday, when we’ll introduce our finalists for the 2012 Summer Internship Campaign. Voting runs Monday morning to 5 p.m. CDT on Friday.

And to our finalists — gets some sleep. Trust me, you’ll need it.