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

“One aspect I most enjoyed was learning from senior level executives in a variety of different departments, ranging from Digital to Public Affairs. I gained in-depth insight from each project, examined specific fields of Public Relations, and further developed my skill sets.”
- Karah, New York
“When I was part of the HBSI program, my managers didn’t ask me to make copies or coffee runs. I was actively involved in significant client projects where my voice was always heard and valued.”
- Peter, Boston
“At Burson-Marsteller, I had the opportunity to work with colleagues all across the country, in an environment that was the perfect mix of challenging and rewarding. Everyone on my team, at every level, contributed to my learning experience and worked with me to advance my PR skill set.”
- Denise, San Francisco
“The HBSI Program is definitely not your average internship. I had the opportunity to contribute to a variety of clients in the Fortune 500 and work with B-M employees across the country. The B-M team in Dallas welcomed me with open arms and provided me with excellent guidance to further develop my PR skills. I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to learn from the industry’s best!"
- Kalee, Dallas
“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
“Every person you meet at Burson wants to see you succeed and is happy to help. Because of that I was able to contribute to client work across the country and across continents. You become a valuable member of a global team.”
- Kristen, New York
“HBSI was an amazing experience for me. I worked on a variety of projects and accounts and gained great perspective into what agency life is like. Everyone was genuinely interested in my development, and I made many valuable connections.”
- Casey, Chicago
“From the very first day, I always felt like a valued member of the team. My practice group made a real effort to involve me in interesting projects and teach me all the skills I needed as a communications professional.”
- Holly, Washington, DC
“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
“This internship is truly a unique experience. I had the opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment, juggle multiple projects and learn how to manage my time in agency PR. Burson-Marsteller has a positive environment in which everyone is willing to help you learn and grow.”
- Heidi, San Francisco
“Working at B-M is an incredibly unique experience. Not only are you offered the chance to engage in tactical, hands-on work but the people that surround you genuinely want to teach you, help you and watch you grow.”
- Emma, 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 2013 Winter Recruitment Tour.
 
Click here to see pictures from former HBSI classes.
 

Application Details

Requirements

  • Rising seniors, 2013 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 15, 2013 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: 
    • How would you have improved the communications effort of either one presidential candidate or the US when it came to the Olympics?
    • 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.
    • 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
Technology
Washington, DC
Advertising
Design
Digital Strategy
Global Marketing Team
Grassroots Outreach
Healthcare
Issues & Crisis Group
Public Affairs
San Francisco

Corporate/Financial
Healthcare
Issues & Crisis Group
North of Nine Communications
Technology

Pittsburgh
Brand Marketing
Healthcare
 
Boston
Technology
Dallas
Public Affairs
Los Angeles
Brand Marketing
Austin
Public Affairs 
 
* Please note: specialty areas offering internships are subject to change .

 
Application Submission Deadline
Friday, February 15, 2013 at 11:59pm PST.

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