OPT Public Relations Intern Jobs
Public Relations Intern roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in communications, journalism, or marketing. Most positions involve media outreach, press release drafting, and social monitoring. Your OPT EAD authorizes full-time work, and STEM OPT extensions do not apply to this field.
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Ashley Furniture Industries | Public Relations Department
Location: Arcadia, WI
Perfect for Current College Students – Flexible School Year Schedule!
About the Role
Join the #1 furniture brand in the world as a Public Relations Intern and gain hands-on experience building Ashley's favorable image with employees, communities, business partners, and the public. You'll assist with community outreach, event coordination, and communications—with a major focus on Ashley for the Arts, one of Wisconsin's largest charity events and a 3-day music and arts festival!
Flexible Schedule for Students:
✔️ 40 hours/week during school breaks (summer, winter, spring break)
✔️ Flexible hours during the school year to accommodate your class schedule
✔️ Perfect opportunity to gain real-world PR experience while completing your degree!
Support Ashley for the Arts Festival (Summer Focus)
- Assist in execution of event promotion to surrounding communities
- Build reports on vendor and participant updates
- Maintain accurate inventory of merchandise and supplies
- Provide customer service via inbox, telephone, and in-person inquiries
- Coordinate community outreach initiatives and events
Public Relations & Communications Support
- Prepare and distribute information to internal and external contacts on behalf of Ashley Furniture and Ashley for the Arts
- Implement communication strategies set by the Public Relations department
- Document and update standard operating procedures related to events
- General office and administrative support
Event Coordination & Community Engagement
- Assist in coordination of community outreach initiatives and events
- Build positive relationships with employees, media agents, business partners, and the public
- Support event planning and execution for one of Wisconsin's largest charity events
What You Bring
Education
Currently earning a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Event Planning, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent combination of education/experience)
Skills & Abilities
- Strong writing skills and professional email/telephone etiquette
- Planning, project management, and coordination skills
- Ability to work in fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build positive relationships
- Strong attention to detail and multitasking ability
- Proficient in Microsoft Office programs
- Continuous improvement mindset
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
Why Ashley?
- Flexible schedule– 40 hours during breaks, flexible hours during school year to fit your classes
- Real-world PR experience – work on major community events, communications, and media relations
- Hands-on festival experience – lead role in Ashley for the Arts, Wisconsin's largest charity music and arts festival
- Fortune 500 company – build your resume with the #1 furniture brand worldwide
- Mentorship opportunity – work directly with Sr. Manager of Community Relations
- Community impact – support charitable initiatives and community outreach
- Professional development – gain skills in event planning, communications, and public relations
Ready to Launch Your PR Career with Ashley?
If you're a motivated college student looking for flexible, hands-on PR experience with a Fortune 500 company, apply now and join the team behind one of Wisconsin's largest charity events!
Ashley Furniture is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Public Relations Intern
Ashley Furniture Industries | Public Relations Department
Location: Arcadia, WI
Perfect for Current College Students – Flexible School Year Schedule!
About the Role
Join the #1 furniture brand in the world as a Public Relations Intern and gain hands-on experience building Ashley's favorable image with employees, communities, business partners, and the public. You'll assist with community outreach, event coordination, and communications—with a major focus on Ashley for the Arts, one of Wisconsin's largest charity events and a 3-day music and arts festival!
Flexible Schedule for Students:
✔️ 40 hours/week during school breaks (summer, winter, spring break)
✔️ Flexible hours during the school year to accommodate your class schedule
✔️ Perfect opportunity to gain real-world PR experience while completing your degree!
Support Ashley for the Arts Festival (Summer Focus)
- Assist in execution of event promotion to surrounding communities
- Build reports on vendor and participant updates
- Maintain accurate inventory of merchandise and supplies
- Provide customer service via inbox, telephone, and in-person inquiries
- Coordinate community outreach initiatives and events
Public Relations & Communications Support
- Prepare and distribute information to internal and external contacts on behalf of Ashley Furniture and Ashley for the Arts
- Implement communication strategies set by the Public Relations department
- Document and update standard operating procedures related to events
- General office and administrative support
Event Coordination & Community Engagement
- Assist in coordination of community outreach initiatives and events
- Build positive relationships with employees, media agents, business partners, and the public
- Support event planning and execution for one of Wisconsin's largest charity events
What You Bring
Education
Currently earning a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Event Planning, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent combination of education/experience)
Skills & Abilities
- Strong writing skills and professional email/telephone etiquette
- Planning, project management, and coordination skills
- Ability to work in fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build positive relationships
- Strong attention to detail and multitasking ability
- Proficient in Microsoft Office programs
- Continuous improvement mindset
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
Why Ashley?
- Flexible schedule– 40 hours during breaks, flexible hours during school year to fit your classes
- Real-world PR experience – work on major community events, communications, and media relations
- Hands-on festival experience – lead role in Ashley for the Arts, Wisconsin's largest charity music and arts festival
- Fortune 500 company – build your resume with the #1 furniture brand worldwide
- Mentorship opportunity – work directly with Sr. Manager of Community Relations
- Community impact – support charitable initiatives and community outreach
- Professional development – gain skills in event planning, communications, and public relations
Ready to Launch Your PR Career with Ashley?
If you're a motivated college student looking for flexible, hands-on PR experience with a Fortune 500 company, apply now and join the team behind one of Wisconsin's largest charity events!
Ashley Furniture is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Public Relations Intern
Target agencies over in-house teams first
PR agencies hire interns in higher volume and rotate cohorts regularly. They're more familiar with OPT paperwork than a brand's internal HR team, which may encounter international hires less frequently.
Lead with your EAD, not your visa status
When asked about work authorization, say you have an Employment Authorization Document valid through your OPT end date. Framing it as existing authorization rather than a sponsorship request removes the initial objection.
Align your degree field to the role explicitly
OPT requires employment related to your degree. Communications, journalism, marketing, and public affairs degrees map cleanly to PR intern roles. Make that connection explicit in your cover letter to reassure employers.
Apply before your OPT start date if possible
You can interview and receive an offer before your EAD arrives. Starting the process early gives you time to negotiate a start date that aligns with your authorized period without rushing employers on paperwork.
Clarify the internship structure upfront
Some PR internships are unpaid or stipend-only. OPT regulations require paid employment for most situations. Confirm compensation terms before accepting an offer to ensure the role satisfies your work authorization requirements.
Track your OPT unemployment days carefully
F-1 OPT students are limited to 90 aggregate unemployment days. Gaps between PR internships count against that total. Keeping a simple log of employment start and end dates protects you if USCIS ever audits your record.
Public Relations Intern OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Public Relations Intern on OPT without employer sponsorship?
Yes. OPT is pre-authorized work authorization tied to your F-1 status, not employer sponsorship. Your employer does not file any petition or pay USCIS fees. They simply verify your EAD, complete an I-9, and confirm the role relates to your degree field. You can browse open PR intern positions on Migrate Mate filtered specifically for OPT-authorized students.
Does a Public Relations Intern role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
No. Public relations does not appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. If your degree is in a STEM field and you accepted a PR internship, the role itself does not qualify you for the 24-month STEM extension. Extensions require both a qualifying degree and a qualifying job.
What degree fields make a PR internship valid under OPT rules?
OPT requires that employment be directly related to your major field of study. Communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, and advertising degrees align clearly with PR intern duties. A business or psychology degree may qualify with the right framing. If your degree is in an unrelated field, consult your DSO before accepting the offer.
Can I do multiple short-term PR internships during my OPT period?
Yes, multiple internships are allowed, but each gap between positions counts toward your 90-day unemployment limit. Standard OPT allows up to 90 aggregate unemployed days. If you plan to work several short contracts, track your timeline carefully. Back-to-back internships with minimal breaks are the safest approach for staying within the limit.
Can a Public Relations Intern position lead to H-1B sponsorship?
It depends on the employer. Large PR agencies and corporate communications departments do sponsor H-1B visas, but the role must qualify as a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree in a specific field. PR roles generally do qualify. Cap-gap protection applies if your employer files an H-1B petition before your OPT expires, letting you continue working through the transition.