Internship Program

Job Description

Job Title: Internship Program – Seniors & Recent Graduates

About APCO (Firm Overview):
APCO is a global advisory and advocacy firm dedicated to helping leading corporations, foundations, and governments navigate a complex world and achieve lasting impact. Founded in 1984, APCO has grown into an independent, majority women-owned firm boasting over 1,200 employees and operations spanning 80 markets worldwide. Headquartered in Washington D.C., the firm comprises strategic advisers, consultants, and creators who collaborate across borders and functions to offer expertise on financial, competitive, political, and societal issues. APCO serves as a trusted partner to leaders, lawmakers, government officials, NGOs, and media in sectors such as health, energy, technology, transportation & infrastructure, and food & consumer products. For 40 years, APCO has provided comprehensive public affairs, crisis & reputation management, impact, corporate reputation, and global solutions services, renowned for championing client interests, building reputation, and strengthening standing through an integrated approach and a team of tenacious and empathetic talent.

Program Overview:
APCO is offering a full-time, paid internship program designed for seniors and recent graduates. Interns will gain substantial experience in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy. This program treats interns as professional staff, encouraging participation in team meetings, contribution of ideas, and active support for the overall management and growth of both client work and the firm itself.

Location:
This internship will be based at APCO’s Washington D.C. or Raleigh office.

Core Responsibilities:

• Conduct research on legislative, regulatory, and political developments to support client strategy and monitor emerging risks and opportunities.
• Assist in drafting policy briefs, memos, and advocacy materials to help clients engage policymakers and shape public-sector outcomes.
• Support stakeholder and issues mapping by identifying key influencers, tracking their positions, and informing strategic engagement plans.
• Contribute to the development of advocacy campaigns, coalition materials, and public-affairs programming across U.S. and global markets.
• Monitor media and industry news to synthesize insights and assess implications for client priorities and reputation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Recent college graduate or senior in class standing.
• A demonstrated interest in communications, public relations, journalism, or political science.
• Comfort in a fast-paced environment collaborating with a distributed team.
• Excellent written and oral communication and research skills.
• Entrepreneurial with strong critical thinking abilities.
• Organized and attentive to detail.
• Able to multi-task and approach assignments independently.
• Strong working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Available to work 40 hours per week.
• Requires US Work Authorization; candidates with CPT/OPT/Post-OPT status cannot be considered.

Working Hours & Environment:
Interns are expected to work 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. APCO is committed to a hybrid and flexible working environment. While there will be opportunities for remote work, there will also be designated days for in-office collaboration to foster cultural immersion and team connection. A company laptop will be provided to facilitate seamless work from both home and the office.

Compensation:
This is a paid internship offering a fixed hourly rate of $17.95.

Important Dates:

• Application Closing Date: Friday, February 27th.
• Internship Commencement Date: Tuesday, June 16th.
• Internship End Date: Friday, December 11th, 2026.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
APCO is deeply committed to building diverse teams that bring the best possible expertise and robust perspectives to clients. The firm embraces differences in experience, viewpoint, and ideas, which is reflected in its values, behaviors, policies, and practices. APCO aims to create a positive work experience and a welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. As an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE M/F/V/D), APCO encourages 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.