Public Relations Intern

Walker Sands • Chicago, IL

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

Walker Sands is seeking a Public Relations Intern to join its Chicago team in a hybrid role, with two in-office days per week. This is a paid, 12-week internship running from January 25 through April 16, 2027, at $18 per hour for 40 hours per week. The internship is designed for early-career professionals interested in public relations who want hands-on agency experience. The program supports career development in PR, with the possibility of transitioning to a full-time role based on individual performance and business needs.

Walker Sands is an integrated B2B marketing agency that partners with B2B technology and services companies, from high-growth businesses to Fortune 500 brands. The intern will support public relations work across media research, pitching, writing, and coordination. The role calls for curiosity, strong writing and attention to detail, initiative, adaptability, receptiveness to feedback, and a desire to grow in a fast-paced agency environment.

Requirements

• Be a recent graduate or early-career professional with a strong interest in public relations, media, and B2B communications.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent grammar, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt writing for different audiences.
• Have familiarity with current events and media outlets, and an interest in emerging trends and what makes a story newsworthy.
• Be proficient in Google Workspace or Microsoft Office.
• Be able to commit to a full-time, 40-hour-per-week internship for 12 weeks.
• Demonstrate curiosity, initiative, adaptability, a willingness to receive candid feedback, and motivation to develop PR skills.

Nice To Haves

• Previous PR or communications internship experience.
• Familiarity with media databases such as Muck Rack or Cision.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain targeted media lists.
• Conceptualize, draft, and execute media pitches.
• Coordinate media opportunities and support outreach to journalists.
• Draft press releases and other PR deliverables.
• Prepare media briefing materials for interviews and other media opportunities.
• Conduct media, industry, and client research to support PR strategies.
• Draft and support speaking and award submissions.

Benefits

• Hybrid work with tools to stay connected across teams.
• Structured learning program, coaching program, and learning events.
• Supportive, collaborative culture focused on strong client outcomes.
• Full-time team members have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, mental health resources, pet insurance, and fertility benefits.
• Full-time team members have access to an employer-matched 401(k) and financial planning services.
• Full-time team members have flexible PTO, eight paid holidays, half-day summer Fridays, and a week off between Christmas and New Year.
• Full-time team members receive a two-week sabbatical and a $2,000 gift after five years.
• Full-time team members have paid leave for new parents and caregivers, plus policies for pregnancy loss and adoption challenges.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed