Corporate Reputation & Media Relations Internship - Fall '25

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Corporate Reputation & Media Relations Internship - Fall '25

🔹 Company: APCO

🔹 Location: Chicago, IL, United States

🔹 Job Type: Internship

🔹 Category: Business Consulting and Services

🔹 Date Posted: July 29, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (New York, DC, or Chicago office)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Gain hands-on experience in client service and corporate reputation management
• Work with global clients across various sectors, including technology, trade, food and beverage, and healthcare
• Contribute to media relations, social media management, and research tasks
• Collaborate with a distributed team in a fast-paced environment

ASSUMPTION: This internship is designed to provide recent graduates and seniors with practical experience in public relations and corporate communications. It offers an opportunity to work with high-profile clients and gain exposure to various aspects of the industry.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Monitor issues, news events, and competitor happenings

✅ Assist with social media research and content creation

✅ Draft and edit client deliverables

✅ Identify and compile lists of media contacts

✅ Research topics and issues and analyze findings

✅ Identify relevant stakeholders and potential influencers

✅ Edit and proofread client deliverables

✅ Assist in the development of client proposals

✅ Develop monthly new business reports

✅ Contribute to brainstorms and communications plans

✅ Perform other duties as assigned

ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities listed are typical for an internship in corporate reputation and media relations. However, specific tasks may vary depending on the client and project needs.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Recent college graduate or senior in class standing

Experience: None specified (entry-level position)

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated interest in communications, public relations, journalism, or political science
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong research skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and collaborate with a distributed team
• Organized and attentive to detail
• Able to multi-task and approach assignments independently
• Strong working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Skills:

• Previous internship or work experience in public relations, communications, or a related field
• Fluency in a second language

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, having some relevant coursework or extracurricular activities related to communications, public relations, or journalism may be beneficial for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $17.50 per hour (fixed rate)

Benefits:

• Paid internship
• Flexible working environment
• Opportunity to work with global clients and gain industry experience

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is fixed and based on the information provided in the job description. Benefits may include professional development opportunities and exposure to various aspects of the corporate reputation and media relations field.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: APCO is a global advisory and advocacy firm specializing in business consulting and services, with a focus on public affairs, corporate communication, and issues management.

Company Size: APCO has 1,001-5,000 employees globally, providing interns with the opportunity to work with a diverse team and gain exposure to various aspects of the business.

Founded: 1984, with over 35 years of experience in the industry

Company Description:

• APCO helps organizations build the un/common ground upon which progress is made
• Offers a wide range of services, including public affairs, corporate communication, and issues management
• Works with clients across various sectors, such as technology, trade, food and beverage, and healthcare

Company Specialties:

• Public Affairs
• Corporate Communication
• Executive & Board Communication
• Opinion Research
• Digital
• Corporate Responsibility
• Creative
• Government Relations
• Issues Management
• Crisis & Litigation
• Media Relations
• Public Relations
• Financial Communication
• Management Consulting
• Advertising
• Advocacy
• Corporate Advisory
• and Impact Strategy

Company Website: apcoworldwide.com

ASSUMPTION: APCO's diverse range of services and global presence provide interns with opportunities to work on various projects and gain exposure to different aspects of the industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry-level (internship)

Reporting Structure: Interns will report to the Corporate Reputation practice and work closely with team members across various departments

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a mix of remote work and in-office collaboration

Growth Opportunities:

• Gain practical experience in corporate reputation and media relations
• Work with global clients and develop industry-specific skills
• Potential for full-time employment after the internship, depending on performance and business needs

ASSUMPTION: This internship offers a unique opportunity for recent graduates and seniors to gain hands-on experience in the corporate reputation and media relations field, with potential growth opportunities upon successful completion.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (New York, DC, or Chicago office)

Office Location(s): 1299 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20004, US; 360 Park Avenue South, 11th Floor, New York, New York 10010, US; 137 Market Street, #16-01, Singapore, 048943, SG

Geographic Context:

• Chicago, IL, United States: A major city with a diverse economy and a vibrant cultural scene
• New York, NY, United States: A global hub for business, finance, and media
• Washington, D.C., United States: The nation's capital, with a strong focus on politics and government

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, with flexible remote work options

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows interns to balance remote work with in-office collaboration, providing flexibility and the opportunity to engage with team members and clients in person.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the team
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills (written and verbal)
• Research skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Cultural fit and alignment with APCO's values

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, or previous internships related to communications, public relations, or journalism
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your interest in corporate reputation and media relations
• Prepare examples of your research, writing, or social media skills to showcase during the interview

ATS Keywords: communications, public relations, journalism, political science, research skills, written communication, oral communication, critical thinking, organization, attention to detail, multi-tasking, team collaboration, social media, editing, proposal development, stakeholder engagement

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this internship is likely competitive, and demonstrating a strong interest in and understanding of the corporate reputation and media relations field will be crucial for success.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Social media platforms (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook)
• Media monitoring and analysis tools (Mention, Brand24, Hootsuite)
• Project management software (Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite and common social media platforms is essential for this role. Experience with media monitoring and analysis tools, as well as project management software, may be beneficial but not required.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Creativity
• Excellence
• Accountability

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Focus on client service and results-driven approach

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do I possess strong written and oral communication skills?
• Am I comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and collaborating with a distributed team?
• Do I have a demonstrated interest in communications, public relations, journalism, or political science?

ASSUMPTION: APCO values interns who are proactive, adaptable, and eager to learn in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrating a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a commitment to client service will be essential for success in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement and balancing remote work with in-office collaboration
• Working with diverse clients and stakeholders, each with their unique needs and expectations
• Navigating a large, global organization with various departments and teams

ASSUMPTION: While this internship offers numerous opportunities for professional growth and development, it also presents challenges that interns must be prepared to overcome to succeed in the role.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This internship focuses on corporate reputation and media relations, whereas similar roles may have a broader focus on public relations, communications, or marketing
• APCO's global presence and diverse client base provide interns with unique opportunities to work on various projects and gain exposure to different aspects of the industry
• This internship is designed for recent graduates and seniors, while similar roles may be targeted at entry-level or mid-career professionals

ASSUMPTION: When comparing this internship to similar roles, it is essential to consider the specific focus, client base, and target audience to determine the best fit for your career goals and interests.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a social media content calendar for a client in the technology sector
• Researching and analyzing media coverage for a client in the food and beverage industry
• Assisting in the creation of a client proposal for a healthcare organization

ASSUMPTION: The specific projects interns work on will depend on the client and their needs. However, these examples provide a sense of the types of tasks interns may be responsible for in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this internship, and how will my work contribute to the team's goals?
• How does this internship fit into APCO's broader corporate reputation and media relations practice?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth during this internship?
• How does APCO support work-life balance for its interns?
• What are the next steps for applicants who are offered this internship?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in and understanding of the role, increasing your chances of success.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the following link: apcoworldwide.com/careers/
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your interest in corporate reputation and media relations
• Prepare examples of your research, writing, or social media skills to showcase during the interview
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.