Public Relations Specialist Internships
Public relations specialist internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience managing media outreach and brand messaging, mentorship from working public relations specialists, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings are concentrated across {{top_industries_phrase}}, with VSC, Baird, and ArtsQuest among the employers posting roles now.
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An international fashion and lifestyle boutique communications agency based in Los Angeles (Hollywood Hills) is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented and resourceful intern to join our team.
This is an internship eligible for school credit and is ideal for students looking for hands-on experience in fashion, beauty, wellness and lifestyle PR, celebrity and influencer relations and brand building.
We are looking for Fall and Winter interns who can commit to a minimum of 3 months, 2–3 days per week from 10AM–5PM. This is primarily an in-person position in Los Angeles, with some tasks completed remotely.
Please note: Applicants MUST have a reliable car and be comfortable driving locally for occasional sample pickups, drop-offs and showroom-related errands.
We are looking for someone who is extremely organized, dependable and able to follow instructions carefully. This is a fast-paced environment where details matter. The ideal candidate takes notes, retains information, asks questions when needed and can complete tasks accurately without needing repeated direction.
Responsibilities
- Assist with sample pulls, pickups and returns for celebrity stylists, editors and influencer requests
- Prepare and organize samples for fittings, press opportunities and showroom appointments
- Track and compile media placements across online, print and social platforms
- Monitor magazine credits and manage press clippings
- Support social media and content creation
- Maintain and update media, stylist and influencer databases
- Keep the showroom, samples and product archives organized
- Assist with occasional local pickups and drop-offs
- Provide general support to the CEO and Showroom Manager with daily operations
Requirements
- Must be based in Los Angeles
- Must have a reliable car, valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Must be organized and able to follow detailed instructions
- Strong attention to detail and follow-through
- Dependable, punctual and responsive
- Able to take direction, retain information and work independently once a task has been explained
- Comfortable multitasking and prioritizing in a fast-paced PR environment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Familiarity with fashion, beauty, lifestyle media, celebrity stylists and the influencer landscape is a plus
- Positive, proactive attitude and willingness to jump in wherever needed
This internship is best suited for someone who wants to learn the day-to-day realities of working in fashion and lifestyle PR, not just social media. You will gain direct experience with celebrity stylist requests, influencer relations, showroom management, product placement, press tracking and client support.
To apply:
Please send your resume, current school/program, availability, days you are available each week, phone number and email address. Please also confirm in your application that you have access to a reliable car.
Job Types: Internship, Part-time
Schedule: 2–3 days per week, approximately 10AM–5PM
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Work Location: Primarily in person
Job Types: Internship, Part-time
Pay: Up to $20.00 per day
Work Location: In person
Public Relations Specialist Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Tips for Your Public Relations Specialist Internship Search
Apply in the fall for summer internships
Large agencies and corporate communications teams open summer intern applications as early as September or October. Waiting until spring means competing for a smaller pool of remaining spots. Smaller firms and co-op programs post closer to start dates, so checking listings consistently throughout the year catches both cycles.
Build a writing portfolio before you apply
Hiring managers for public relations specialist interns look for proof you can write and pitch, not a long work history. Collect press releases, pitch letters, op-eds, media alerts, or campaign recaps you've produced in class or on your own. Link to or attach these samples directly so recruiters can assess your work without asking.
Work your campus network and apply directly at the same time
Campus career fairs surface structured agency and corporate programs tied to university recruiting partnerships, and your professors and career center staff often know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Applying directly to companies running smaller intern cohorts alongside campus activity reaches employers who never attend fairs.
Practice your PR interview format before your first application
Public relations specialist intern screens typically include a writing exercise, a media pitch simulation, or a scenario question about managing a brand issue. Practice delivering your answers out loud and explaining your reasoning, since interviewers weigh how you approach a problem as much as the final answer you give.
Target structured agency and rotational intern programs early
Larger PR agencies and corporate communications departments run cohort programs designed to train candidates new to the field, rotating interns across media relations, content, and strategy. These programs recruit early and fill quickly, so identify the ones aligned with your focus area and get your application in during the first wave of openings.
Set your work-type filter before you start searching
On-site roles are 30% of the public relations specialist internships listed here. Decide what you can realistically commit to before you start reviewing listings, then filter by location and work type so you spend your time on roles you can actually take.
Public Relations Specialist Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a public relations specialist internship?
Lead with coursework and projects rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. A portfolio with writing samples, press releases, pitch letters, or campaign case studies gives recruiters something concrete to assess. Pair direct applications with campus career fairs, where PR recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can a public relations specialist internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What drives it for public relations specialist interns is performance on real client work, available headcount on the team, and whether you've made your interest known before the offer window closes. Treat each project as an audition without counting on a specific outcome.
When should I apply for public relations specialist internships?
Earlier than most candidates expect. Large agencies and corporations recruit summer interns the preceding fall, so applications open months before the start date. Smaller firms and co-op programs post closer to their start dates, which means openings appear year-round. Checking listings regularly puts you ahead of candidates who wait for a single hiring season.
Are public relations specialist internships paid?
Most professional public 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. Larger agencies and corporate communications teams typically offer structured stipends or hourly rates, while some nonprofit and government internships remain unpaid.
What should a public relations specialist internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. List two or three documented projects showing what you did, the tools and channels used, and where to see the work, whether that's published articles, press releases, social media campaigns, or pitch decks. Add relevant coursework in communications, media writing, or marketing. Keep the whole resume to one page.
Are there remote public relations specialist internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 70% of the public relations specialist internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill quickly because they attract applicants from across the country, so apply as soon as roles open and filter by work type to see them without sorting through every listing.
What is a public relations agency internship program?
Many mid-size and large PR agencies run structured intern cohorts that rotate new candidates through practice areas such as media relations, crisis communications, and digital strategy. These programs are built to train people new to the field, recruit early in the fall semester for summer cohorts, and are competitive because applicants nationwide apply. Identify the programs that fit your focus and apply in the first wave.
Can international students get public 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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