Public Relations Intern

Position Overview

Are you up for a meaningful challenge and an unforgettable internship at one of the best agencies in Chicago? At FleishmanHillard, the leading and award-winning communications firm, we are seeking talented and enthusiastic interns to launch their careers with our Consumer and Brand Marketing team!

Here at FleishmanHillard, we never settle, and the industry experts have noticed. Agency of the Year, Best Place to Work, Outstanding Extra-large Agency - these are just a few names they’ve called us as we have racked up accolades from the Silver Anvils, PRWeek, and SABRE Awards to Cannes Lions and beyond. We are currently looking for energetic, motivated, collaborative, “I’m-ready-to-start-my-career” candidates that can work FULL TIME, HYBRID (in-person 3x week) to join us this Winter starting at a date to be determined between January - June for a 6-month duration.

When you apply online, make sure to also submit:

• A cover letter (Tip: Consider this a writing test!)
• Resume (Tip: See tip above.)

And before you ask, YES! FleishmanHillard Chicago internship positions are paid!

Responsibilities

You will have the opportunity to work as part of our account teams and deliver best-in-class work for our clients. Our winter interns will support clients through strategic communications campaigns in consumer marketing.

There’s no busy work here; this is a real job with real expectations and real deadlines. On any given day, you may be asked to do any of the following on behalf of our clients:

• Handle research projects
• Conduct media monitoring
• Tackle writing assignments or develop social content
• Pitch the media
• Manage or support events
• Conduct trend analyses

Qualifications

To be considered, you must be a graduating senior or recent graduate. Why you ask? Because we usually hire for our most junior-level full-time positions (the Assistant Account Executive level) from our intern pool, so we like to have candidates on board who are available to be hired once their internship is over (assuming we have an opening, of course).

So, who is the ideal candidate? Someone who has an interest in external communications and is looking to work hard and have fun while gaining valuable experience to begin their career in PR. Being able to write well is a must. Research skills are always helpful, as is comfort with pitching media. Prior internship experience is always good to see as well.

Applications are welcome from students with concentrations in all major areas, but backgrounds in journalism, public relations, strategic communications, English, and radio and television broadcasting are preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can I intern part-time? Only candidates with FULL-TIME availability will be considered. The typical workday is 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• How many internship positions are available? The number of interns hired for each session varies based on the office’s needs at that time.
• Is an internship necessary for an entry-level position? Most of our entry-level positions are filled by people who have successfully completed at least one internship session with us. We see an internship as the best first step in establishing a career at FleishmanHillard. Consider it an opportunity for both of us to try the relationship on for size. Many of our most successful colleagues – both in Chicago and in the FleishmanHillard global network – started their careers with us as interns.
• If requested, what type of writing samples should I submit? Examples of writing samples may include news releases, media alerts, newsletter articles, executive summaries, research reports, social media content, and any other document that you feel best showcases your writing skills.
• Can I work remotely? At this time, only candidates who are already based in Chicago area, or willing to move to Chicago at their own cost for the duration of the internship will be considered. Interns, like all staff, are required to work in the office three days a week.

Our Story

We’re more motivated by what we can give than what we receive. That holds true for our colleagues, clients and communities across cultures and time zones. We believe giving our best is only possible in an environment that empowers us to truly be our best, so we focus on creating belonging for all and caring for the whole person. Because when you belong and have what you need to thrive — both at work and in life — you’re free to be you. To pursue your dreams and passions. To be bold and try new things, in the name of personal and professional growth and of work that leads to meaningful progress for the world. So, we respect and support one another amid differences and we acknowledge and celebrate who each of us is. We accept that we don’t all have to have the same perspectives, beliefs, background or experiences to do great things together. A combination of our employee experience, industry-leading client work, global community service and contributions to inclusion has earned FleishmanHillard recognition as 2021, 2022 and 2023 Campaign Global PR Agency of the Year; 2023 ICCO Large Agency of the Year – The Americas; 2022 and 2023 PRWeek U.S. Agency of the Year; 2022 and 2023 PRWeek U.S. Outstanding Extra-Large Agency of the Year; 2023 Campaign US PR Agency of the Year; 2021 PRovoke APAC Consultancy of the Year; and 2021 PRWeek UK Large Consultancy of the Year. FleishmanHillard is part of Omnicom PR Group and has nearly 80 offices in more than 30 countries, plus affiliates in 45 countries.

FleishmanHillard offers a hybrid work model and seeks employees who are comfortable working in the office for a portion of their week, in accordance with their local office hybrid work policy. We value the collaboration and camaraderie that in-person interactions provide, but also understand the importance of flexibility and balance in our employees’ lives. We acknowledge that our people are diverse individuals with unique circumstances and needs, and therefore our goal is to foster a productive and inclusive work environment where all employees can thrive, both in and out of the office.

FleishmanHillard is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, alienage, citizenship status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected class under federal, state or local laws. Please do not contact the office directly to apply – only resumes submitted through this website will be considered. If you need assistance reviewing career opportunities or completing an application, please email our careers team or call 314-982-1700 and ask to be connected to Talent Development.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $18 an hour.

Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications and geography.