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 The Harold Burson Summer Internship Program (U.S.) 

“Senior leaders are always willing to chat, offer advice and take an interest in the work interns do. I appreciated all the opportunities that were offered to me.”
- Shane, Chicago
“At Burson, I was thrown into situations and able to work on large projects with other BM employees. I also had the opportunity to talk to upper level personnel (even Harold Burson himself).”
- Louise, DC
“I appreciated the positive culture at B-M. Everyone I worked with throughout the summer was respectful and kind.”
- Rebecca, LA
“I was based in San Francisco during the HBSI program, but was able to work with people across the country. It was great to be able to connect with so many different people in different locations.”
- Lindsay, San Francisco
“B-M gave me the opportunity to contribute to clients from the Fortune 500 to the nonprofit community. I enjoyed my experience — especially the highly positive, collaborative vibe in Burson’s fast-paced teams.”
- Matt, San Francisco
“During HBSI, I had the opportunity to work on several large projects with talented Burson-Marsteller employees. The team members in my practice welcomed me, and they were readily available to provide encouragement and guidance to help me improve my public relations skills.”
- Elizabeth, Washington
“Never before have I had the chance to work on such a variety of interesting PR clients- from consumer brands and public education initiatives to federal government departments and energy companies. The HBSI Program is better than any “crash PR” course you could take!”
- Elizabeth, New York
“The HBSI program is much more than your average internship. I was able to work alongside Burson-Marsteller employees, at every level, as a valued part of the team.”
- Missy, Washington
“From the beginning, everyone at Burson was so welcoming and willing to make my internship experience worthwhile. I learned the importance of teamwork and showing respect toward one another's work."
- Tina, Chicago
“One of my favorite experiences as an HBSI intern was the intern project. It gives you the opportunity to apply everything you have learned throughout the summer by solving a real client issue through creating your own ideas and programs, and presenting them to the best in the business.”
- Caroline, New York
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The Harold Burson Summer Internship (HBSI) Program is a paid internship at one of the U.S. Burson-Marsteller offices. Each intern is assigned to a client team or practice group. During the internship, students work closely with experienced industry professionals. HBSI interns are given the opportunity to work as a team member, while gaining valuable work experience. Colleagues from different specialty areas of Burson-Marsteller conduct seminars for interns each week. Interns are also grouped into teams where they work on a special HBSI project, which they present to a senior management panel for review at the conclusion of the internship. The summer internship offers an invaluable career-development experience that can often lead to an employment opportunity with us after graduation.
 
Click here for the U.S. 2011 Fall Recruitment Tour.
 

Application Details

Requirements

  • Rising seniors, 2012 graduates, and current graduate students may apply
  • A cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0) or equivalent
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

Application Process

For consideration, all applicants must submit the below by Friday, February 17, 2012 at 11:59 PST. If any application requirements are missing, your application will not be considered.
 
Getting Started:
 
Apply online! Please submit one application that contains the following items:
  • Resume, cover letter (must designate location and practice preferences) and a college transcript.
  • Press release: You've just been hired by Burson-Marsteller. Write a press release announcing your hire. Be creative!
  • Essay: Choose ONE of three topics listed below. The essay should be 1-3 pages long and have your name listed in the upper right hand corner of each page: 
    • Discuss the most effective use by a company or brand of social media that you are aware of, including why you think it is effective.
    • How do you think digital communications has affected the practice of public relations? What factors would you consider in evaluating the success or failure of a social media campaign or effort?
    • Using an Evidence Based approach to develop a communications program can help make the program more targeted and effective. How might you use research and insights to make a public relations campaign more impactful?

*For answers to the most frequently asked questions about the program, please click here.

U.S. Locations

 
 We offer internship opportunities throughout our U.S. locations in the following offices; specialty areas* for each office listed below.
 
If you wish you to be considered for an Internship in more than one location, please submit your application to your top choice location only. You will be given the opportunity to identify your other location preferences during the application process.
 
New York

Advertising
Brand Marketing
Corporate/Financial
Design
Digital Strategy
Global Communications
Healthcare
Issues & Crisis Group
Public Affairs
Technology

Chicago
Advertising
Brand Marketing
Corporate/Financial
Design
Digital Strategy
Healthcare
Public Affairs
Technology
Washington, DC
Advertising
Design
Digital Strategy
Grassroots Outreach
Healthcare
Issues & Crisis Group
Public Affairs
San Francisco
Corporate/Financial
Healthcare
Issues & Crisis Group
Technology
Pittsburgh
Brand Marketing
Healthcare
Public Affairs
Boston
Technology
Dallas
Public Affairs
Los Angeles
Brand Marketing
 
* Please note: specialty areas offering internships are subject to change .

 
Application Submission Deadline
Friday, February 17, 2012 at 11:59pm PST.
For answers to the most frequently asked questions about the program, click here.
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