Now Hiring: Spring 2027 Public Relations Internship

Hawthorne Strategy Group is hiring a public relations intern for Spring 2027!

Hawthorne Strategy Group interns are treated as full-fledged members of the team. Our interns work side-by-side with industry professionals, from junior team members to leadership, in a supportive, mentoring environment. Throughout the internship, interns will develop communications and public relations skills to deliver meaningful, valuable, and creative support to a roster of diverse clients. Interns will work on challenging client assignments that draw on their ability to write clearly, concisely, and creatively while thinking critically and strategically.

Internships can run up to six months with the option to renew or extend, depending on the situation. Interns who successfully meet expectations that align with company culture might be eligible for permanent employment at the conclusion of the program. Hawthorne Strategy Group believes its interns should be respected members of the team, and as such, internship compensation is $18.50/hour. 

The Role

A strong fit for this internship means the candidate will possess strong writing skills and the ability to transition between clients and their different objectives, strategies, and tactics. A willingness to engage, ask questions, and jump in on client projects, even when the intern has limited information, will be critical to succeeding in this role. The goal is for the internship to be a valuable learning experience that will help transition the intern into a full-time position in the career field.

Potential intern projects may include:

• Draft media materials including, but not limited to, press releases, media alerts, fact sheets, briefing documents, and pitches

• Research and compile information on current and potential clients

• Develop media lists for various client projects and actively pitch media

• Sharpen workplace communications skills

• Conduct research to draft newsletter, blog, and social media content for Hawthorne Strategy Group

  
  

The Requirements

• Completed at least three years of college and working toward a degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Political Science, a similar area of study, or recent graduate

• A professional presence with strong written and oral communication skills, demonstrating creativity and technical expertise

• Ability to manage competing priorities and carry out assignments with limited supervision

• Strong project management, analytical, and interpersonal skills

• Collaborative spirit and ability to problem-solve

• Strong organizational and self-management skills

• Hawthorne is a hybrid workplace. Work is remote Monday and Friday and in-office in downtown Chicago Tuesday through Thursday. Interns may travel offsite for client events and meetings.

  
  

How to Apply

• Please either apply on Handshake or email materials to Senior Account Director Jonathon Sadowski at jonathon@hawthornestrategy.com

• Application materials should include:

  • Your resume

  • Cover letter

  • At least one PR-related work sample (samples may include a press release from a PR or journalism class assignment, previous internship work, a blog, communications plan, student newspaper story, etc.). Academic writing samples such as a research paper or essay will not be considered.

• We are looking for a candidate that can dedicate between 30-40 hours per week; this role also has the potential to be extended or become full-time employment

• Spring internships typically last January through May. Exact dates are flexible depending on your schedule. 

• This is an hourly paid internship opportunity ($18.50/hr)

• We are an Equal Opportunity Employer