Public Relations Internship

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Public Relations Internship

🔹 Company: J.S. Held LLC

🔹 Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

🔹 Job Type: Intern

🔹 Category: Business Consulting and Services

🔹 Date Posted: May 1, 2025

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

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Remote OK)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Supporting the PR team in executing various PR initiatives and campaigns
• Handling administrative tasks and facilitating communication between the department and other stakeholders
• Contributing to content creation, media relations, research, and digital & social media management
• Liaising with external vendors and supporting internal communication efforts

ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for students pursuing a degree in communication, public relations, or journalism, seeking hands-on experience in a dynamic and growing organization.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Provide administrative support to the PR team, including scheduling meetings, maintaining contact lists, and organizing files

✅ Handle correspondence, phone calls, and emails related to PR activities

✅ Assist in drafting and editing press releases, media alerts, internal news stories, social media, and other content

✅ Curate and maintain a media contact database, distribute press releases, and track media coverage

✅ Conduct research to support PR campaigns, monitor media coverage, and compile reports on PR campaign performance and media sentiment

✅ Manage the organization's media-facing social media accounts, monitor social media trends, and collaborate with the digital team to audit the website

✅ Support internal communication efforts by preparing and sharing news stories with the Intranet team and ensuring team members are informed about PR activities and key messages

✅ Liaise with external vendors to ensure timely and accurate delivery of services

ASSUMPTION: The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Pursuing a BS, BA, or BJ in communication, public relations, or journalism

Experience: Entry-level (0-2 years)

Required Skills:

• Exceptional writing and editing skills with a strong command of grammar, punctuation, and AP style
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with media contacts, vendors, and internal team members
• Excellent written and verbal communication with attention to detail
• Understanding of social media platforms and best practices for engagement
• Ability to conduct thorough research and synthesize information from various sources
• Proficiency in use of office software such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Familiarity with PR planning and monitoring software Cision and Asana project management software
• Adaptability and flexibility to handle changing priorities in a fast-paced work environment
• Ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple projects and deadlines
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality in all communications and materials
• Understanding of the industry, market trends, and competitive landscape, as well as standard media practices and public relations principles

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience in public relations or a related field
• Bilingual or multilingual skills

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant coursework, internships, or previous experience in public relations will be given preference.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $25 per hour (Estimated based on industry standards for entry-level PR internships in Chicago)

Benefits:

• Flexible work environment allowing employees to work remotely when needed

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for entry-level PR internships in Chicago. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as skillset, experience, training, location, scope of role, management responsibility, etc.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Business Consulting and Services. J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that combines technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise to advise clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risk.

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees. As a mid-sized company, J.S. Held offers a collaborative and dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and professional development.

Founded: The company's founding date is not specified, but it has grown to serve organizations across six continents, including 84% of the Global 200 Law Firms, 75% of the Forbes Top 20 Insurance Companies, and 71% of Fortune 100 Companies.

Company Description:

• J.S. Held provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations
• The company has more than 1,500 professionals who serve organizations across six continents
• J.S. Held is certified as a Great Place to Work®

Company Specialties:

• Property Damage Consulting
• Construction Consulting
• Environmental
• Health & Safety Services
• Program & Project Management
• Surety Services
• Equipment Consulting
• Forensic Accounting
• Restructuring
• Turnaround & Receivership
• Global Investigations
• Forensic Architecture & Engineering
• Dispute Resolution
• International Arbitration
• Economic Damages & Valuations
• Intellectual Property
• Corporate Finance
• Accident Reconstruction
• Sustainability & ESG
• Cyber Security & Investigations
• and Construction Claims & Disputes

Company Website: jsheld.com

ASSUMPTION: J.S. Held's diverse range of services and global presence provide ample opportunities for interns to gain exposure to various aspects of the consulting industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry-level (Intern). This role is designed for students or recent graduates seeking to gain practical experience in public relations.

Reporting Structure: The Public Relations Intern will report directly to the Public Relations Manager or a designated supervisor within the PR department.

Work Arrangement: On-site with remote work flexibility. The internship may include a combination of on-site and remote work, depending on the organization's needs and the intern's availability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Networking opportunities with industry professionals and other interns
• Potential full-time employment opportunities upon completion of the internship, depending on the organization's needs and the intern's performance
• Chance to contribute to high-stakes projects and campaigns, gaining valuable experience and insights into the consulting industry

ASSUMPTION: This internship offers a unique opportunity for students to gain practical experience in public relations while working alongside industry professionals in a dynamic and growing organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office environment with remote work flexibility

Office Location(s): 50 Jericho Quadrangle, Suite 117, Jericho, NY 11753, US (Headquarters)

Geographic Context:

• Chicago, Illinois, United States
• Midwestern region with a diverse and vibrant business ecosystem
• Access to major transportation networks and cultural attractions

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with potential remote work flexibility

ASSUMPTION: The internship may require occasional evening or weekend work to support event-related activities or deadlines.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission through the company's careers portal
• Phone or video screening with the HR department
• In-person or virtual interview with the Public Relations Manager or a designated supervisor within the PR department
• Background check and reference check (if applicable)
• Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing and editing skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Understanding of social media platforms and best practices
• Research skills and attention to detail
• Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced work environment
• Alignment with the company's values and culture

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant coursework, internships, or previous experience in public relations
• Demonstrate your understanding of the company's services, industry, and market trends in your application materials
• Prepare examples of your writing and editing work to showcase your skills during the interview
• Research the company's recent press releases and media coverage to show your familiarity with their PR efforts

ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Intern, Writing, Editing, Communication, Social Media, Research, Administrative Support, Media Relations, Content Creation

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should tailor their application materials to highlight their relevant skills and experiences, as well as their enthusiasm for the role and the company.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Cision (PR planning and monitoring software)
• Asana (project management software)
• Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is preferred, but not required. The intern will receive training and support to develop the necessary skills for the role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Expertise
• Collaboration
• Innovation
• Client Focus

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced work environment
• Collaborative and team-oriented culture
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you possess strong writing and editing skills, with a keen eye for detail and a solid understanding of AP style?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and handling multiple projects and deadlines?
• Do you have a strong understanding of social media platforms and best practices for engagement?
• Are you eager to learn and adapt to new tools and technologies, as well as industry trends and best practices?
• Do you share J.S. Held's commitment to integrity, expertise, collaboration, innovation, and client focus?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with the company's values and work style to ensure a successful and satisfying internship experience.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Handling multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced work environment
• Adapting to changing priorities and unexpected tasks
• Working with remote team members and managing virtual communication
• Navigating the complexities of a large, global organization

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a willingness to learn and grow in a dynamic work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike traditional entry-level PR roles, this internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a consulting firm, working on high-stakes projects and campaigns
• Compared to other PR internships, this role provides a broader range of responsibilities and opportunities for professional growth and development
• Career paths for successful PR interns at J.S. Held may include roles in public relations, marketing, or consulting, depending on the individual's skills, interests, and career goals

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider their long-term career goals and the unique opportunities offered by this internship when comparing it to other PR roles.

📝 Sample Projects

• Assisting in the planning and execution of a press conference to announce a major client win or project milestone
• Contributing to the development of a social media campaign to raise awareness of the company's services and expertise
• Researching and drafting a comprehensive report on industry trends and best practices in public relations

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities available to the Public Relations Intern, depending on the organization'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 structure of the PR department and the organization?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development during and after the internship?
• How does the company support work-life balance for its employees, including interns?
• What are the most challenging aspects of the role, and how can the intern succeed in overcoming them?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should use the interview as an opportunity to assess the fit of the role and the organization with their career goals and personal values.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the J.S. Held careers portal
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant coursework, internships, or previous experience in public relations
• Prepare examples of your writing and editing work to showcase your skills during the interview
• Research the company's recent press releases and media coverage to demonstrate your familiarity with their PR efforts
• Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application

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