Public Relations Intern

We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. As an equal opportunity employer Walker Sands is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcomes everyone to our team.

In your application, please feel free to note which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc).

If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.

Looking for a PR internship? Walker Sands is looking for an energetic, detail-oriented person to serve as a public relations intern for a paid 12-week internship. This position is hybrid, with reporting to our Chicago office.

WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!

Our PR interns are responsible for developing media lists, conceptualizing and executing pitches, coordinating media opportunities, writing press releases and other deliverables, preparing media briefing materials, conducting research, and drafting speaking and awards submissions, among other tasks.

We are looking for someone with a strong interest in the media, trends, and what constitutes a newsworthy story. We're looking for candidates with solid writing skills and an interest in consuming news. You must have an obsession with grammar and the ability to take mediocre writing and make it stronger. If typos jump off the page at you, it is a good sign. 

As part of our PR Internship Program, you will work across a small set of client teams that specialize in a variety of B2B industries. You must be a self-starter and able to think on your feet and change gears quickly. At the end of the internship, you will have had in-depth exposure to what it's like to work in the PR industry.

Requirements + Internship Details

• This is a 12-week paid, 40-hour per week internship that will begin on September 7, 2026.
• Candidates for this internship must be eligible for full-time employment upon completion of the program. Students who will remain enrolled in a full-time academic program in the semester immediately following the internship (e.g., college sophomores or juniors continuing their undergraduate education) are not eligible to apply. While full-time employment at Walker Sands is not guaranteed for interns, offers may be extended based on individual performance and the availability of open roles at the agency.
• Passionate about the PR/Communication industry.
• A desire and eagerness to learn and grow.
• All PR internship candidate finalists must complete a writing test.

Compensation & Benefits:

• We strive for pay transparency in our hiring process. This is a major step towards not only complying with regulations where required, but also to make sure pay equity and DEI are top of mind during the hiring process. Pay is only a part of the total rewards package. Below is the starting salary for this role:
  Hourly Pay Rate: $18.00 / hour
• Internship Benefits:
• 🏡 Hybrid Work: Mix of in-office and remote work, with tools to stay connected across teams.
• 📚 Growth Opportunities: Structured learning program, coaching program, and learning events to help you grow professionally.
• 🌟 Culture: Our agency values our supportive, collaborative culture where we work hard to achieve the best outcomes for clients. Read more on our website here!
• Our full-time team members enjoy a comprehensive benefits package. In addition to the above, Walker Sands team members have access to:
• 🩺 Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, plus mental health resources, pet insurance, fertility benefits, and more.
• 💰 Retirement Savings: Employer-matched 401(k) and access to financial planning services.
• 🌴 Flexible PTO: Take time as needed for vacations, mental health, or personal days. Includes 8 paid holidays, half-day summer Fridays, and a week off between Christmas and New Year.
• 🎉 Milestone Sabbatical: Celebrate five years with a two-week sabbatical and a $2,000 gift.
• 👶 Family Support: Generous paid leave for new parents and caregivers, plus policies for pregnancy loss, adoption challenges, and more.

#LI-Hybrid