📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Public Relations Intern, Fall 2025
🔹 Company: Northwestern Mutual
🔹 Location: Milwaukee, WI Corporate
🔹 Job Type: Part-Time, Intern
🔹 Category: Internships
🔹 Date Posted: July 18, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting PR and media relations efforts
- Developing pitches, background documents, and tailored external-facing content
- Conducting media trainings and managing necessary approvals
- Monitoring external media relations inquiries
- Building awareness of the NM value proposition and driving business
ASSUMPTION: This internship is designed to provide practical experience in public relations and communications within a corporate environment. It is a part-time role that may lead to a full-time onsite internship program.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Support PR and media relations efforts, including:
- Developing pitches, background documents, and tailored external-facing content
- Conducting media trainings and managing necessary approvals
- Monitoring external media relations inquiries
ASSUMPTION: The intern will work closely with team members and may be assigned additional tasks based on the team's needs and the intern's skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field from an accredited college or university
Experience: Previous work or classroom experience in one or more of the following: Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or Journalism
Required Skills:
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Analytical and problem-solving ability
- High degree of self-motivation, passion, and a strive to learn
- Ability to balance multiple priorities
Preferred Skills:
- Previous Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or Journalism internship and/or relevant project experience
- Proficiency with AP style
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, it is assumed that candidates should have a strong academic record and be able to provide references upon request.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $16.50 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Opportunities for professional development, including workshops, senior leadership Q&A's, volunteer initiatives, networking/social events, and more
Working Hours: Minimum of 15 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is for part-time interns. Full-time interns may receive a different compensation package.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Financial Services
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Founded: 1857
Company Description:
- Northwestern Mutual has been helping families and businesses achieve financial security for over 160 years
- Offers a distinctive planning approach that integrates risk management with wealth accumulation, preservation, and distribution
- Committed to reflecting and serving the marketplace by attracting and improving the engagement of diverse talent
Company Specialties:
- Life insurance
- Mutual funds
- Annuities
- Retirement plans
Company Website: Northwestern Mutual
ASSUMPTION: Northwestern Mutual is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the financial services industry. They value diversity and offer opportunities for professional development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry Level
Reporting Structure: The intern will report directly to their hiring manager and work closely with their mentor and team
Work Arrangement: Part-time (minimum of 15 hours per week) with the potential to transition to a full-time onsite internship program
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential full-time internship program
- Opportunities for professional development and networking
- Potential career growth within the company
ASSUMPTION: This internship is designed to provide practical experience and may lead to full-time employment opportunities within the company.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate headquarters
Office Location(s): 720 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202-4797, US
Geographic Context:
- Milwaukee, WI is the largest city in Wisconsin and the fifth-most populous city in the Midwest
- The city is known for its brewing industry, with several major breweries headquartered there
- Milwaukee offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and festivals
Work Schedule: The intern will work a minimum of 15 hours per week, with the potential for additional hours based on the team's needs and the intern's availability
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is corporate and professional, with opportunities for collaboration and learning.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video call with an Early Careers team member
- Interview with the hiring manager
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving ability
- Motivation and passion
- Alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills
- Be prepared to discuss your academic tenure and major
- Demonstrate your passion for public relations and communications
ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Internship, Northwestern Mutual, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Part-Time, On-Site
ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary based on the number of applicants and the team's availability.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Media monitoring and analysis tools
- Project management software
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary based on the team's needs and the intern's assigned tasks.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Respect
- Excellence
Work Style:
- Collaborative
- Professional
- Adaptable
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you align with Northwestern Mutual's core values of integrity, respect, and excellence?
- Are you comfortable working in a corporate environment and collaborating with a team?
- Do you have a strong work ethic and a desire to learn and grow professionally?
ASSUMPTION: Northwestern Mutual values diversity and inclusion and seeks candidates who can contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The internship may require working on weekends or evenings to support media relations efforts
- The intern may be required to work on multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong time management skills
- The intern may be exposed to sensitive or confidential information, requiring strong discretion and professionalism
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong communication, time management, and professional skills.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This internship is similar to other public relations internships but offers the opportunity to work in a large corporate communications department on a variety of initiatives
- Northwestern Mutual is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the financial services industry, offering opportunities for professional development and growth
- This internship may lead to full-time employment opportunities within the company
ASSUMPTION: This internship offers unique opportunities for professional development and growth within the company.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a media pitch for an upcoming company announcement
- Curating news clips and merchandising communications for internal stakeholders
- Assisting with media training for company spokespeople
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects assigned may vary based on the team's needs and the intern's skills and interests.
❓ 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 overall communications strategy for the company?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company?
- How does the team support and mentor interns?
- What is the typical career path for someone in this role?
ASSUMPTION: These questions can help the candidate better understand the role, the team, and the company, and demonstrate their interest in the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills
- Prepare for your interview by researching the company and practicing common interview questions
- Follow up with the Early Careers team member after your interview 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.
