Public Affairs Intern - Fall 2026

WSP•New York, NY

1d•$23 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

WSP USA hosts hundreds of internships across the United States to gain hands-on, meaningful work experience to enhance their education and professional aptitude. Our interns gain exposure to real projects while working side by side with senior staff. Through our Developing Professionals Network, interns gain mentorship, networking opportunities and lifelong career connections. Our Communications and Public Involvement Team is seeking a Public Affairs Intern to work out of our New York City office. This temporary position is seeking individuals currently enrolled in an Undergraduate or Graduate degree program with an anticipated graduation date of December 2026 or later. This internship is anticipated to take place during the Fall semester. This internship will support the public outreach and stakeholder engagement portion of the construction of a major transmission upgrade project. The role may also support other WSP communication and public involvement efforts on major infrastructure projects in the New York and Northeast region as needed.

Requirements

Actively enrolled in an accredited political science, journalism, economics, environmental studies, or related, Undergraduate program with an anticipated graduation date of December 2026 or later.
Demonstrated interest in public affairs, infrastructure, clean energy, or related field, and have a strong desire to advance skills related to WSP’s work and projects.
Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
Capable of taking direction from leadership, mentors, and managers to executive projects.
Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
Authorization to work in the United States at the start of the internship.

Nice To Haves

Actively enrolled in an accredited political science, public affairs, public administration, journalism, economics, environmental studies, or related, Masters or PhD program with an anticipated graduation date of December 2026 or later.
Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, proprietary database management and/or CRM systems, social media scheduling tools such as Sprout Social or Later.
Prior internship and leadership involvement on campus.

Responsibilities

Support on the ground liaison between the project and the community
Support effective public outreach strategies for this high-profile infrastructure project
Manage and track stakeholder and public input database and run analytics and reports to inform outreach strategies
Draft and support content development for the projects’ social media channels
Analyze the effectiveness of outreach campaigns, including website and social media campaigns
Coordinate and support public meetings and community events with various neighborhood groups or other stakeholders as assigned
Monitor and archive escalate media coverage of project issues
Support the implementation of strategic messages that educate the community on the purpose, need, benefits, and perceived impacts of the project
Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.