Community Relations Specialist Internships
Community relations specialist internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience, mentorship from working community relations professionals, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings are concentrated across {{top_industries_phrase}}, with CEFCU, AltaGas, and Sweetser among the employers posting roles now.
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NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our global theme park destinations, consumer products, and experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through our powerhouse film and television studios, including Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Focus Features, and the four global television studios under the Universal Studio Group banner, and operate industry-leading theme parks and experiences around the world through Universal Destinations & Experiences, including Universal Orlando Resort, home to Universal Epic Universe, and Universal Studios Hollywood. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. Visit www.nbcuniversal.com for more information.
Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.
Job Description
NBC 5/Telemundo Chicago is seeking interns who have a strong interest in Community Relations and Special Events.
If you are a team player who is looking to learn how to work with Community Leaders and how to organize/participate in different community events this is the internship for you.
Responsibilities:
- Help plan, coordinate, and execute community events such as town hall meetings festivals and parade participation.
- Assist with writing community calendar, social media posts and business correspondences.
- Help coordinate station appearances and conduct station tours.
Summer 2027 Internship Program:
- Applications Close on December 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM CT. Tip: Submit your application as soon as possible – don't delay!
- Recent graduates will NOT be eligible for this program
- Internships at NBCUniversal are paid and do not require course credit
To Apply:
- Submit a one-page resume that outlines your work experience, accomplishments, and your graduation month and year
- Upload a transcript (unofficial transcripts are fine) that confirms your status as an actively enrolled student in a degree-granting program.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Must be actively enrolled in a degree-granting program at an accredited institution during the entire duration of the program (June 2027 through August 2027. May 2027 graduates are not eligible for our Summer 2027 Internship Program.
- Must be presently authorized to work for any employer in the United States and must not require work visa sponsorship from NBCUniversal now or in the future to retain authorization to work in the United States.
- Current class standing of sophomore or above (30 credits).
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be willing to work in Chicago, IL
- Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of four days per week
For further clarification, candidates currently on any student or exchange visa (e.g. F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, J-1, M-1) are not eligible to apply unless they will be able to change or adjust to another status that grants work authorization without NBCUniversal sponsorship.
NBCUniversal is an E-Verify company, requiring all employees to have an active Social Security number. Any candidate receiving an internship offer must complete I-9 form with Social Security number within 3 days of hire.
Desired Characteristics:
- Responsible, punctual, creative, and professional
- Ability to speak, read and write fluently in English and Spanish
- Knowledge of all digital platform
- Ability to work evenings and weekends when needed
The hourly rate for student interns is $17.05
Additional Information
As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to AccessibilitySupport@nbcuni.com.
NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our global theme park destinations, consumer products, and experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through our powerhouse film and television studios, including Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Focus Features, and the four global television studios under the Universal Studio Group banner, and operate industry-leading theme parks and experiences around the world through Universal Destinations & Experiences, including Universal Orlando Resort, home to Universal Epic Universe, and Universal Studios Hollywood. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. Visit www.nbcuniversal.com for more information.
Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.
Job Description
NBC 5/Telemundo Chicago is seeking interns who have a strong interest in Community Relations and Special Events.
If you are a team player who is looking to learn how to work with Community Leaders and how to organize/participate in different community events this is the internship for you.
Responsibilities:
- Help plan, coordinate, and execute community events such as town hall meetings festivals and parade participation.
- Assist with writing community calendar, social media posts and business correspondences.
- Help coordinate station appearances and conduct station tours.
Summer 2027 Internship Program:
- Applications Close on December 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM CT. Tip: Submit your application as soon as possible – don't delay!
- Recent graduates will NOT be eligible for this program
- Internships at NBCUniversal are paid and do not require course credit
To Apply:
- Submit a one-page resume that outlines your work experience, accomplishments, and your graduation month and year
- Upload a transcript (unofficial transcripts are fine) that confirms your status as an actively enrolled student in a degree-granting program.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Must be actively enrolled in a degree-granting program at an accredited institution during the entire duration of the program (June 2027 through August 2027. May 2027 graduates are not eligible for our Summer 2027 Internship Program.
- Must be presently authorized to work for any employer in the United States and must not require work visa sponsorship from NBCUniversal now or in the future to retain authorization to work in the United States.
- Current class standing of sophomore or above (30 credits).
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be willing to work in Chicago, IL
- Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of four days per week
For further clarification, candidates currently on any student or exchange visa (e.g. F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, J-1, M-1) are not eligible to apply unless they will be able to change or adjust to another status that grants work authorization without NBCUniversal sponsorship.
NBCUniversal is an E-Verify company, requiring all employees to have an active Social Security number. Any candidate receiving an internship offer must complete I-9 form with Social Security number within 3 days of hire.
Desired Characteristics:
- Responsible, punctual, creative, and professional
- Ability to speak, read and write fluently in English and Spanish
- Knowledge of all digital platform
- Ability to work evenings and weekends when needed
The hourly rate for student interns is $17.05
Additional Information
As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to AccessibilitySupport@nbcuni.com.
Community Relations Specialist Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Tips for Your Community Relations Specialist Internship Search
Apply earlier than you think necessary
Large employers open summer community relations specialist internship applications the preceding fall, often in September or October. Smaller companies and co-ops post closer to start dates. Check openings now regardless of the season so you don't miss the first recruiting wave at structured programs.
Build a portfolio before you send a single application
Hiring teams for community relations specialist interns expect limited work history and look for proof of relevant skills instead. Develop two or three complete project artifacts, such as a community outreach plan, a stakeholder communication sample, or a campaign case study with documented results, so recruiters have something concrete to evaluate.
Work your campus network alongside direct applications
Campus career fairs surface structured community relations specialist internship programs tied to your university, and recruiters there often move faster for students they meet in person. Professors and career center staff frequently know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Applying directly to companies running smaller cohorts alongside campus activity widens the pool you reach.
Practice the actual community relations specialist intern screen out loud
Community relations specialist intern interviews typically include scenario-based or case-style questions about stakeholder situations, messaging decisions, and community engagement challenges. Practice your answers out loud before applying, explaining your reasoning as you go, since interviewers weigh how you think through a problem as much as the conclusion you reach.
Target structured community relations internship programs early
Larger organizations run cohort or rotational community relations programs built to train people new to the field. These structured pipelines recruit earlier than standard postings and fill fast because they attract high application volume. Identify the programs that match your goals, check their opening dates, and apply in the first wave.
Set your work-type filter before you start searching
On-site roles are 50% of the community relations specialist internships listed here. Decide what you can realistically commit to before you start sorting through openings, then filter by location and work type on Migrate Mate so you're only reviewing roles you can actually accept.
Community Relations Specialist Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a community relations specialist internship?
Lead with coursework, class projects, and a portfolio rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. For community relations specialist candidates, a concrete artifact like a community outreach plan, a campaign case study, or a stakeholder communication sample gives recruiters something specific to assess. Combine direct applications with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can a community relations specialist internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. For community relations specialist interns, what drives it most is performance on real project work, available headcount on the team at the time the offer decision is made, and return-offer timing that varies by employer. Position for one by delivering consistently, but don't count on it as a given.
When should I apply for community relations specialist internships?
Earlier than most students expect. Large employers recruit summer interns the preceding fall, so applications for June start dates often open in September and October. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to their actual start dates, which means community relations specialist internship openings appear year-round rather than in a single concentrated window.
Are community relations specialist internships paid?
Most professional community relations specialist internships in the U.S. are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and listings show pay where the employer chooses to disclose it. Nonprofit and government internships are more likely to be unpaid or stipend-based, so check the listing details before applying.
What should a community relations specialist internship resume include?
Lead with projects rather than work history. Include two or three complete, documented projects that show the tools and methods you used, and link directly to the work where possible, such as a published community needs assessment, a media outreach case study, or a stakeholder engagement report. Add relevant coursework, keep it to one page, and list any campus leadership or volunteer roles that demonstrate community-facing communication.
Are there remote community relations specialist internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 50% of the community relations specialist internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast because they draw applicants from a wider geographic pool, so apply early and filter by work type to see them before they close.
Can international students get community relations specialist 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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