📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications Intern
🔹 Company: Big Ideas Learning, a Larson Texts Company
🔹 Location: Erie, Pennsylvania
🔹 Job Type: Internship
🔹 Category: Communications, Marketing, Public Relations
🔹 Date Posted: April 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting internal communications and brand storytelling
- Managing social media content and engagement
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop creative content
- Gaining hands-on experience in corporate communications
ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for students pursuing a degree in communications, marketing, or a related field, seeking practical experience in corporate communications and social media management.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Supporting storytelling and content creation for employees using the company intranet and on-site digital signage
✅ Drafting and editing internal updates, announcements, and team highlights
✅ Gathering stories, milestones, and content ideas from departments across the organization
✅ Maintaining and organizing a content calendar to support communications planning
✅ Contributing to the development of brand-aligned social media content
✅ Drafting and editing posts for review and scheduling
✅ Assisting with creating visual and digital assets using design tools
✅ Collaborating on storytelling initiatives that reinforce company identity and values
✅ Tracking engagement and helping identify opportunities for growth
ASSUMPTION: The role requires strong written communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Pursuing a degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field
Experience: Experience in brand-aligned social media management
Required Skills:
- Strong written communication and editing skills
- Ability to stay organized and manage multiple projects
- Familiarity with digital design tools such as Adobe Express or Adobe Premiere
- Comfortable working across teams and using collaborative tools
- Eagerness to learn and contribute in a fast-paced, creative environment
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with content management systems (CMS)
- Familiarity with project management tools
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, having experience with content management systems and project management tools would be beneficial for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $15.00 hourly
Benefits:
- Temporary/seasonal position with approximately 30-40 hours per week
- On-site work in Erie, PA office
Working Hours: Approximately 30-40 hours per week, with some flexibility
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for entry-level communications internships in the Erie, PA area.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Book and Periodical Publishing
Company Size: 201-500 employees
Founded: 2008
Company Description:
- Publishes K-12 mathematics materials that enhance teacher instructional skills and resources
- Ignites students' curiosity, self-confidence, and deep understanding of mathematics
- Embracing a unified identity as Big Ideas Learning, a Larson Texts Company, to streamline communication and reinforce commitment to educational excellence and innovation
Company Specialties:
- K-12 mathematics materials
- Teacher instructional resources
- Student engagement and curiosity
Company Website: http://www.bigideaslearning.com
ASSUMPTION: Big Ideas Learning is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive company culture that does not discriminate against candidates and employees based on their disability, sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry-level (Intern)
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Communications Manager
Work Arrangement: On-site, with approximately 30-40 hours per week
Growth Opportunities:
- Gain practical experience in corporate communications and social media management
- Develop strong written communication and editing skills
- Build a professional network within the company and the industry
ASSUMPTION: This internship provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain practical experience and build their professional network in the communications field.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with approximately 30-40 hours per week
Office Location(s): 1762 Norcross Road, Erie, Pennsylvania 16510, US
Geographic Context:
- Erie, Pennsylvania is located in the northwest corner of the state, along the shores of Lake Erie
- The city offers a mix of urban and outdoor activities, with a population of approximately 100,000 people
- The cost of living in Erie is relatively low compared to other major metropolitan areas in the United States
Work Schedule: Approximately 30-40 hours per week, with some flexibility
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Big Ideas Learning is collaborative and creative, with a focus on supporting the company's mission to enrich the mathematical journey for students, educators, and caregivers alike.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the Communications Manager
Key Assessment Areas:
- Written communication and editing skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Showcase your creativity and eagerness to learn through your application materials
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the company, the role, and the team
ATS Keywords: Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Social Media Management, Content Creation, Editing, Digital Design, Collaboration, Organization, Storytelling, Engagement Tracking, Problem Solving, Time Management, Creativity, Teamwork, Integrity
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should focus on demonstrating their strong written communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects in their application materials and interviews.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Express or Adobe Premiere (for digital design)
- Content management systems (CMS)
- Project management tools
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with digital design tools and project management tools is beneficial for this role, but not strictly required.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Exceptional listening, writing, and presentation skills
- Resourcefulness and motivation to ask questions and solve problems
- Effective time management
- Commitment to product success with integrity, a strong work ethic, professionalism, and a team-oriented attitude
Work Style:
- Collaborative and creative
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Focused on supporting the company's mission and values
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do my communication skills align with the company's values and the requirements of this role?
- Am I comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
- Do I share the company's commitment to educational excellence and innovation?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with the company's values and work style before applying, to ensure a successful and enjoyable internship experience.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
- Balancing internship responsibilities with academic coursework
- Navigating a new office and team dynamic
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, effective time management, and a willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Communications Intern vs. Marketing Intern: Both roles focus on content creation and management, but the Communications Intern role places more emphasis on internal communications and storytelling, while the Marketing Intern role may focus more on external marketing efforts and customer engagement.
- Industry-specific context: The publishing industry requires strong written communication skills and attention to detail, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Career path comparison: This internship can serve as a stepping stone to a full-time communications or marketing role within the company or the industry.
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider their interests and career goals when comparing similar roles and deciding which path to pursue.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a content calendar for internal communications
- Creating a social media campaign to promote a new mathematics program
- Editing and publishing employee spotlights on the company intranet
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the types of tasks and responsibilities the Communications Intern may be expected to perform, and provide an opportunity to showcase creativity and problem-solving skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the biggest challenges facing the Communications team currently, and how can this internship help address them?
- How does this role fit into the overall communications strategy for the company?
- What opportunities are there for growth and professional development within the company?
- How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?
- What is the team dynamic like, and how does this role contribute to the team's success?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview demonstrates engagement and interest in the role and the company.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the company, the role, and the team
- Follow up after your interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
