Summer 2020 PR internships in New York City offered university students and recent graduates a fast track into media, tech, and corporate communications. These programs typically emphasized digital storytelling, crisis simulation, and measurement basics while adapting to remote collaboration and social distancing.
Below is a structured overview of responsibilities, timelines, and skills expected from candidates targeting high-profile agencies and in-house teams during that cycle.
| Company | Location | Duration | Compensation | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global PR Agency | NYC Office | 10 Weeks | Stipend + Academic Credit | Media Pitching & Social Analytics |
| Healthcare Nonprofit | Hybrid Remote | 8 Weeks | Unpaid with Transport Reimbursement | Crisis Comms & Community Outreach |
| Consumer Brand | Brooklyn Hub | 12 Weeks | Hourly Rate | Influencer Partnerships & Event Planning |
| Financial Services Firm | Midtown HQ | 10 Weeks | Competitive Stipend | Investor Relations & ESG Storytelling |
Day to Day Responsibilities
Interns supported press release drafting, media list management, and real-time monitoring of earned coverage. They often coordinated with designers and videographers to repurpose content for digital channels.
Tracking metrics such as website traffic spikes, social engagement rates, and share of voice taught interns how data informs strategic adjustments under tight deadlines.
Skills Development Pathway
Formal training sessions covered AP style updates, interview techniques, and platform-specific tools for scheduling and analytics. Shadowing senior account executives helped interns understand client expectations and internal workflows.
Cultural awareness and inclusive messaging were emphasized across campaigns, preparing interns to contribute to diverse audience strategies early in their careers.
Application Timeline and Key Dates
Deadlines for fall 2020 internships opened as early as January 2020, with priority review rounds in February and March. Some competitive programs extended review until early April.
Interviews typically occurred asynchronously via video platform and included timed writing samples simulating real crisis scenarios.
Maximizing Long Term Career Value
Securing strong references, documenting campaign results, and joining professional associations helped interns convert summer roles into full time opportunities.
- Track specific metrics such as impressions, coverage quality, and follower growth during each project.
- Build a portfolio of press releases, media lists, and performance dashboards to showcase strategic thinking.
- Request regular feedback sessions with supervisors to refine writing, presentation, and collaboration skills.
- Network with alumni, attend virtual industry panels, and follow agency leaders on professional platforms.
- Maintain relationships with mentors who can provide referrals and advice beyond the internship period.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many hours per week were typical for NYC PR internships in summer 2020?
Most roles expected 20 to 40 hours weekly, with flexible schedules balancing remote coursework and agency deadlines.
Were unpaid internships common in NYC PR during summer 2020?
Yes, many prestigious agencies and nonprofits offered unpaid positions, though some brands provided stipends or course credit.
What software proficiencies were expected of interns?
Familiarity with Cision or Muck Rack, Google Analytics, social dashboards, and basic HTML for email templates was frequently listed as preferred.
How could international students secure authorization for these internships?
Candidates needed valid work authorization, and many universities partnered with programs that sponsored Curricular Practical Training or similar frameworks.