📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications Internship
🔹 Company: CPKC
🔹 Location: Kansas City, Missouri, United States
🔹 Job Type: Intern
🔹 Category: Communications
🔹 Date Posted: April 3, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Assisting in the creation and distribution of press releases, newsletters, and other communication materials.
- Supporting social media efforts and monitoring analytics to determine efficiency.
- Collaborating with internal teams to ensure flawless execution of communication strategies.
- Aiding in the planning and execution of corporate events and media relations activities.
- Conducting research and providing insights on industry trends to improve communication efforts.
ASSUMPTION: This role is designed to provide practical experience in corporate communications and help the intern develop essential skills for their future career.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Assist in the creation and distribution of press releases, newsletters, and other communication materials.
✅ Support social media efforts by crafting engaging content and monitoring analytics to determine efficiency.
✅ Collaborate with internal teams to ensure flawless execution of communication strategies.
✅ Aid in the planning and execution of corporate events and media relations activities.
✅ Conduct research and provide insights on industry trends to improve communication efforts.
ASSUMPTION: The intern will be expected to work independently on certain tasks but will also collaborate with the team on larger projects.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Pursuing a degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field.
Experience: None required, but relevant coursework or previous internship experience is a plus.
Required Skills:
- Strong problem-solving skills and decision-making skills.
- Proficient with MS Office.
- Excellent verbal and communication skills.
- Strong leadership and technical skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage tight deadlines.
Preferred Skills:
- Previous experience in communications or a related field.
- Familiarity with social media analytics tools.
- Knowledge of the rail industry.
ASSUMPTION: While specific industry knowledge is not required, a willingness to learn and adapt quickly is essential for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $15-$18 per hour (based on industry standards for internships in the communications field in Kansas City, Missouri).
Benefits:
- Gain valuable work experience in a dynamic and growing industry.
- Opportunity to work with a diverse and inclusive team.
- Potential for full-time employment after the internship.
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) during the internship period.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Rail Transportation
Company Size: Large (10,001+ employees)
Founded: 1881 (as Canadian Pacific Railway, merged with Kansas City Southern in 2021 to form CPKC)
Company Description:
- CPKC is the only truly North American railway, providing innovative and efficient freight transportation services.
- The company connects key markets across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, elevating safety, improving service, and driving sustainability.
- CPKC is committed to fueling economic growth and connecting communities across North America.
Company Specialties:
- Logistics and supply chain management.
- Freight transportation services.
- Rail infrastructure and maintenance.
Company Website: CPKC.com
ASSUMPTION: CPKC's extensive network and diverse range of services provide numerous opportunities for growth and learning within the company.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry Level (Intern)
Reporting Structure: The intern will report directly to the Manager of Communications and Media Relations.
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time (40 hours per week) during the internship period.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for full-time employment after the internship.
- Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and gain exposure to senior leadership.
- Possibility to rotate through different departments within the company to gain a broader understanding of its operations.
ASSUMPTION: The internship program at CPKC is designed to provide a well-rounded experience and help interns develop the skills necessary for a successful career in communications.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate headquarters
Office Location(s): 7550 Ogden Dale Rd SE, Calgary, Alberta T2C4X9, CA
Geographic Context:
- Kansas City, Missouri, is located in the central United States and is the largest city in the state.
- The city is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as its rich history in jazz music and barbecue.
- Kansas City is home to several major corporations and has a diverse and growing economy.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with a one-hour lunch break) during the internship period.
ASSUMPTION: The internship will take place at CPKC's corporate headquarters in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with the possibility of remote work depending on the company's policies and the intern's needs.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission.
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager.
- In-person or virtual interview with the communications team.
- Background check and reference check.
- Job offer and onboarding.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities.
- Adaptability and willingness to learn.
- Knowledge of social media platforms and analytics tools.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the rail industry and CPKC's mission and values.
- Showcase your creativity and ability to think outside the box in your application materials.
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview to demonstrate your interest in the role and the company.
ATS Keywords: Communications, Internship, Press Releases, Social Media, Event Planning, Industry Trends, Problem-Solving, Decision-Making, MS Office, Leadership, Technical Skills, Time Management, Rail Transportation, CPKC
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this internship is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram)
- Analytics tools (Google Analytics, Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
- Project management tools (Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is not required, but candidates with experience in these areas may have an advantage.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Safety: CPKC is committed to prioritizing the safety of its employees and the communities it serves.
- Integrity: The company upholds the highest ethical standards in all its operations.
- Respect: CPKC values the diversity of its employees and fosters a culture of inclusion and collaboration.
- Excellence: The company strives for continuous improvement and excellence in all aspects of its business.
Work Style:
- CPKC values a positive and supportive work environment where employees feel empowered to contribute their ideas and expertise.
- The company encourages a healthy work-life balance and offers flexible work arrangements where possible.
- CPKC fosters a culture of innovation and continuous learning, encouraging employees to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you share CPKC's commitment to safety and prioritize the well-being of others in your daily tasks?
- Are you comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, and able to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative work environment and enjoy working with diverse teams to achieve common goals?
ASSUMPTION: CPKC values candidates who align with its core values and are eager to contribute to its mission and culture.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The internship may require working on weekends or evenings to support events and media relations activities.
- The role may involve handling sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.
- The internship may require travel to other CPKC locations or events, depending on the company's policies and the intern's availability.
- The internship may involve working with tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the nature of the role and can be overcome with strong time management skills, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in that it offers the opportunity to work with a truly North American railway and gain exposure to a diverse range of industries and markets.
- While similar roles may be available in other industries, CPKC's unique position in the market provides a distinctive experience for the intern.
- Career paths within CPKC are diverse and may include opportunities in communications, marketing, public relations, or other related fields, depending on the intern's interests and skills.
ASSUMPTION: The unique nature of CPKC's business and its extensive network provide numerous opportunities for growth and learning within the company.
📝 Sample Projects
- Planning and executing a virtual press conference to announce a new sustainability initiative.
- Developing a social media campaign to promote CPKC's commitment to safety and community involvement.
- Creating a monthly newsletter to highlight CPKC's achievements and industry trends in rail transportation.
ASSUMPTION: These projects are designed to provide the intern with practical experience in various aspects of corporate communications and help them develop essential skills for their future career.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does this internship fit into the company's long-term plans for its communications department?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company?
- How does CPKC support work-life balance for its employees?
- What are the most rewarding aspects of working in corporate communications at CPKC?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and the company, and provides valuable insights into the work environment and culture.
📌 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 a portfolio of your previous work, if applicable, to showcase your creativity and problem-solving skills.
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview to demonstrate your interest in the role and the company.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the position.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
