Corporate Reputation Intern

Job Description

Here is a detailed and enriched job description for the APCO Internship Program:

APCO: Corporate Reputation Internship Program

APCO is seeking enthusiastic and talented seniors and recent graduates to join our dynamic full-time, paid internship program. This is an unparalleled opportunity to gain hands-on experience in client service within our prominent Corporate Reputation practice, working alongside industry experts to navigate complex issues and build stakeholder trust.

About APCO
Founded in 1984, APCO is a global advisory and advocacy firm dedicated to helping leading corporations, foundations, and governments thrive in a complex world. As an independent, majority women-owned firm with over 1,200 employees across 80 markets, we offer strategic counsel on financial, competitive, political, and societal issues. For 40 years, APCO has been renowned for its ability to champion client interests, build reputation, and strengthen standing through integrated public affairs, crisis & reputation, impact, and global solutions services. We foster an environment that brings diverse people and ideas together to create common ground and accelerate progress.

The Opportunity
Our internship program offers invaluable on-the-job training where interns are treated as professional staff. You will actively participate in team meetings, contribute ideas, and play a crucial role in the overall management and growth of client work and the firm. At APCO, issues and reputation management are central to our mission, and you will contribute to developing strategies that anticipate risks, enhance reputation, and build trust for our diverse client base. This internship provides a unique insight into the world of strategic communications, public relations, and global advisory services.

This internship may be based in APCO’s Raleigh or Chicago office.

What You’ll Do: Key Responsibilities
As a Corporate Reputation Intern, you will actively contribute to client success by:

• Monitoring & Analysis: Tracking news, policy developments, and social media to proactively identify opportunities and threats that impact clients’ corporate positioning.
• Strategic Research: Supporting corporate reputation strategy by conducting in-depth research on industry trends, stakeholder expectations, and potential reputational risks.
• Content Development: Assisting in the creation of impactful thought-leadership content, executive visibility materials, and compelling storytelling assets that reinforce client narratives.
• Communications Support: Contributing to the drafting of crucial communications deliverables, including memos, media materials, briefings, and other essential documents for client programs.
• Business Development: Assisting in the development of client proposals, showcasing APCO’s expertise and value.
• Media Relations: Identifying and compiling targeted lists of media contacts to support outreach efforts.
• Ad-Hoc Support: Performing other duties as assigned to support the team and client objectives.

What We’re Looking For: Qualifications

• Academic Standing: A recent college graduate or a senior in class standing.
• Passion for Communications: A demonstrated interest in communications, public relations, or journalism.
• Adaptability: Comfort working in a fast-paced environment and collaborating effectively with a distributed team.
• Communication Excellence: Excellent written and oral communication skills, coupled with strong research abilities.
• Proactive Mindset: Entrepreneurial spirit with strong critical thinking abilities.
• Organization & Detail: Highly organized and attentive to detail in all tasks.
• Independence: Able to multi-task and approach assignments independently with initiative.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Availability: Available to work 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Work Authorization: Requires US Work Authorization. Unable to consider candidates with CPT/OPT/Post-OPT status.

Program Logistics & Compensation

• Working Hours: Our interns work 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Work Environment: We are committed to a hybrid and flexible working environment. You will be provided with a company laptop, enabling you to work seamlessly from home and the office. There will be days for remote work and days for in-office collaboration to immerse you in our culture.
• Compensation: This is a paid internship at a fixed hourly rate of $17.95.
• Application Deadline: Applications will close on Friday, February 27th.
• Internship Dates: The program commences on Tuesday, June 16th, and concludes on Friday, December 11th, 2026.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
APCO is dedicated to building teams that bring the best possible expertise and robust perspectives to our clients. We embrace differences in experience, viewpoint, and ideas, creating a positive work experience and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, national origin, citizenship, native language, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, religion, age, veteran status, neurodivergence, mental or physical disability, medical history, pregnancy, political belief or affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. EOE M/F/V/D