Communications Internships
Communications internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience in content creation, media relations, and strategic messaging, mentorship from working communications professionals, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings cover Education, Telecommunications, and Technology & Software, with Orchestra, healthcorps, and University of Utah among the employers posting roles now.
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Showing 5 of 84+ Communications Internships
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
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CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications is seeking a motivated and talented student interested in strategic communications with and interest and skills in photography, social media, video or writing to join its strategic communications team for a part-time paid internship. Experience with Adobe software a plus, and experience shooting or editing video would be helpful.
Seeking a creative storyteller and conceptual thinker, able to take a rough strategy and mold it into an aesthetically-pleasing design, to join our team that tells the story of the people and programs of the Bellisario College for internal and external audiences. Also, writing is the core of all communications, so the ability to tell a story that way is essential. Our office offers an opportunity for independence with assignments and also supports those who are curious and hard-working to develop their skills while they support our efforts.
If you’re seeking a team-oriented environment, with the opportunity to be empowered and produce high-quality content, this is the position for you!
WHERE: Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications
WHEN: Ongoing
WHO: Communications majors in advertising/public relations, film production or journalism
HOURS: To be determined, typical range 5-10 hours per week
REQUIREMENTS
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Deadline and detail oriented with an ability to multitask
- Self-motivated and able to take direction and constructive criticism
- Conceptual thinker, able to take rough strategy and mold into aesthetically-pleasing design
- Basic understanding of writing and editing related to marketing, and a familiarity with photography
- Experience and proficiency with design software, specifically InDesign and Photoshop
DUTIES:
- Assist with event support and storytelling to promote and position the Bellisario College
- Complete independent assignments to chronicle events with photography or social media
- Collaborate with members of the Bellisario College strategic communications staff to create and maintain brand materials and promotional items
- Provide additional support and insight related to brochures, digital signage, fliers and posters and other publications
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
-
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications is seeking a motivated and talented student interested in strategic communications with and interest and skills in photography, social media, video or writing to join its strategic communications team for a part-time paid internship. Experience with Adobe software a plus, and experience shooting or editing video would be helpful.
Seeking a creative storyteller and conceptual thinker, able to take a rough strategy and mold it into an aesthetically-pleasing design, to join our team that tells the story of the people and programs of the Bellisario College for internal and external audiences. Also, writing is the core of all communications, so the ability to tell a story that way is essential. Our office offers an opportunity for independence with assignments and also supports those who are curious and hard-working to develop their skills while they support our efforts.
If you’re seeking a team-oriented environment, with the opportunity to be empowered and produce high-quality content, this is the position for you!
WHERE: Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications
WHEN: Ongoing
WHO: Communications majors in advertising/public relations, film production or journalism
HOURS: To be determined, typical range 5-10 hours per week
REQUIREMENTS
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Deadline and detail oriented with an ability to multitask
- Self-motivated and able to take direction and constructive criticism
- Conceptual thinker, able to take rough strategy and mold into aesthetically-pleasing design
- Basic understanding of writing and editing related to marketing, and a familiarity with photography
- Experience and proficiency with design software, specifically InDesign and Photoshop
DUTIES:
- Assist with event support and storytelling to promote and position the Bellisario College
- Complete independent assignments to chronicle events with photography or social media
- Collaborate with members of the Bellisario College strategic communications staff to create and maintain brand materials and promotional items
- Provide additional support and insight related to brochures, digital signage, fliers and posters and other publications
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
Communications Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Telecommunications
- Technology & Software
- Consulting & Professional Services
Tips for Your Communications Internship Search
Apply earlier than you think necessary
Large employers in media, public relations, and corporate communications open summer internship applications the preceding fall. If you wait until spring, the structured cohorts at those companies are often already filled. Smaller employers and co-op programs post closer to start dates, so checking listings consistently throughout the year catches both windows.
Build a portfolio before you start applying
Communications intern hiring teams want something to read, not just a list of classes. Put two or three complete samples together, published articles, press releases, social media campaign write-ups, or pitch decks, and host them somewhere linkable. Include the tools you used and the context for each piece so reviewers understand your process.
Work your campus network and apply directly at the same time
Campus career fairs surface structured programs tied to your university, and your professors and career center staff often know which employers recruit from your school before roles appear publicly. Applying directly to companies running smaller communications cohorts alongside campus activity widens the pool you reach and hedges against programs that recruit exclusively on campus.
Practice the actual interview format before you apply
Communications intern interviews typically involve a writing exercise, an editing task, or a situational question about how you'd handle a real scenario like a media inquiry or a messaging crisis. Practice your answers out loud and be ready to explain your editorial decisions, because interviewers weigh how you think through a problem as much as the final answer you give.
Target structured internship programs built for new entrants
Many large media companies, agencies, and corporate communications teams run formal cohort programs designed to train people with little professional experience. These programs recruit early, fill their cohorts in the first application wave, and are more competitive than individual team postings. Identify the ones that match your background and submit in the first round of openings.
Set your work-type filter before you start searching
On-site roles are 29% of the communications internships listed here. Decide what you can actually commit to before you start reviewing listings, then filter by location and work type so you're not sorting through roles you cannot take. Applying only to positions that fit your situation keeps your energy on the opportunities worth pursuing.
Communications Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a communications internship?
Lead with coursework, personal projects, and a portfolio rather than work history, hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. For communications candidates, that means a portfolio of published articles, press releases, social media campaigns, or writing samples that recruiters can actually read and assess. Combine direct applications with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can a communications internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What drives it for communications interns is consistent performance on real deliverables, available headcount on the team, and clarity on the return-offer timeline before your internship ends. Treat every project as a work sample, ask for feedback early, and understand the team's hiring plans without counting on an offer.
When should I apply for communications internships?
Earlier than most candidates expect. Large employers in media, corporate communications, and public relations recruit summer interns the preceding fall, sometimes as early as September or October. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to their actual start dates, so openings appear year-round. Checking listings regularly and applying as soon as roles open gives you the widest window.
Are communications internships paid?
Most professional communications internships in the United States are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location. Listings show pay where the employer discloses it, so you can compare before you apply. Nonprofit and some government placements are more likely to be unpaid or stipend-based, so check the listing details.
What should a communications internship resume include?
Lead with two or three complete, documented projects rather than work history. For communications candidates, that means a linked portfolio showing published articles, press releases, social media content, or campaign case studies, along with the tools you used. Add relevant coursework in journalism, public relations, or strategic communications, keep everything to one page, and put your portfolio link at the top.
Are there remote communications internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 71% of the communications internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast because they attract applicants from across the country, so apply early and use the work-type filter to see them before they close.
Can international students get communications internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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