Founder's Award Integrated Communications Internship

Fahlgren Mortine is seeking a Founder’s Award Integrated Communications Intern to support the company’s existing client relationships. This internship opportunity will provide the selected candidate with experience working in an integrated communications company, working part-time in a hybrid setting. The intern will learn about the intersection of paid, earned, owned, and shared media channels.

This internship will be managed by team members in Fahlgren Mortine’s Columbus, Ohio office. Current undergraduate juniors and seniors with communications and/or marketing experience are encouraged to apply for the paid 10-week internship, which will begin in late May or early June.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

This position is paid $18/hour. We expect our intern to work between 20 and 25 hours per week. The Founder’s Award also includes a $1,000 scholarship for the recipient.

APPLICATION DETAILS:

When applying to this internship position, please upload the following:

• Current resume
• Cover letter explaining your skill set and why you should be considered for this opportunity
• Completed Founder’s Award application assignment (details below)
• One work/class writing sample (such as published articles, news releases, fact sheets, memos, plans, essays, research papers, creative briefs, PowerPoint presentations, etc.)

The deadline to apply is Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

POTENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct new business and client/competitor research and analysis
• Develop media lists, influencer lists, media briefs, editorial calendars, and media results reports
• Participate in both internal team and client meetings
• Write news releases, pitches, website copy, fact sheets, collateral copy, social media content, and other materials, and may support the development of integrated campaign materials 
• Conduct social media and brand research as well as audits
• Interact with local, trade, and national media, as well as influencers, when appropriate
• Other duties as assigned

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR POTENTIAL GROWTH:

• Exposure to a broad agency setting with communications, marketing, strategic planning, media, creative and digital disciplines
• Opportunity to tailor existing internship program to meet individual interests
• Opportunity to develop proficiencies with leading-edge communications technology research tools, including MuckRack, Critical Mention, and CreatorIQ
• Opportunity to write creative and media briefs and blog posts
• One-on-one mentoring with designated individuals 
• Ability to cultivate diverse skills through a well-rounded experience by working in a variety of industries, including consumer, non-profit, business-to-business, education, healthcare, retail, technology, and tourism accounts
• Exposure to a variety of marketing and communications focus areas, including media relations, internal communications, strategic research, brand planning, branding, social media, media planning and buying, and more

QUALIFICATIONS:

To apply, you must be a full-time undergraduate student. While preference is given to public relations, communications, marketing, advertising, and journalism majors, all applicants will be considered. Prior internship experience in public relations, communications, marketing, or journalism is also a plus. 

Ideal applicants possess:

• Strong research, organizational, and writing skills
• A proven understanding of marketing and communications, social media, and online and traditional media
• Excellent communication skills
• Proficiency using AP Style is preferred
• Solid critical thinking skills
• Ability to take initiative and assume responsibility
• Ability to work independently and in team settings
• Excellent attention to detail, including proofreading
• A positive attitude and drive
• Strong Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint skills

FAHLGREN MORTINE 2025 FOUNDER’S AWARD APPLICATION ASSIGNMENTS 

Please complete one of the following assignments and include this assignment when submitting your application materials. Please note that the details outlined in the background section are hypothetical and only meant to be used for the purpose of this assignment.

Background

Pure Sprout Food, a new plant-based food brand, is launching its debut product line on May 21, 2025. The launch features three key products: a plant-based burger patty, chickpea pasta, and a frozen berry smoothie blend. Each product is formulated with organic, sustainably sourced ingredients. Pure Sprout Food prides itself on being vegan, nutritious, and eco-conscious, with packaging made from recycled materials.

To generate buzz before the official launch, Pure Sprout Food will host an exclusive VIP launch event in Columbus, Ohio on May 18, 2025. Food influencers and journalists, as well as local chefs, will get a first look at the product line, taste chef-curated dishes using the products, and receive PR packages for social media promotion. 

Additional information about the product launch can be found at PureSproutFood.com/launch.

Pure Sprout Food has approached Fahlgren Mortine to generate coverage and awareness of the new products in local, regional, and national media markets. As we develop a comprehensive PR and digital marketing strategy for the product launch, our success will be measured by media coverage, influencer participation, and digital engagement.

Tactics in our strategic plan will include a news release, influencer outreach, and a social media campaign. Using the hypothetical facts above, please review the prompts below and complete either assignment A, B, or C. Feel free to use creative license in adding facts not included above if you feel they will contribute to the assignment.

Assignment A – Write A News Release

Using the hypothetical details above, draft a news release announcing the launch of the product line to the media. The release should adhere to AP Style guidelines. Please complete the assignment to the best of your ability and include it in your internship application materials.

Assignment B – Develop A Social Media Strategy

Using the hypothetical details above, your task is to conceptualize and design an engaging social media campaign to generate buzz and awareness for Pure Sprout Food’s upcoming product launch on May 21, 2025. The campaign should captivate the target audience, encourage engagement, and amplify excitement surrounding the products. Don’t forget to:

• Define the target audience and social media channel(s)
• Explain how you will encourage users to engage with the content
• Provide example social media posts for the campaign
• Choose up to three key performance indicators (KPI) to monitor as metrics of success

Assignment C – Produce An Influencer Outreach Pitch

Using the hypothetical details above, draft a personalized email pitch to a food, health and wellness, or lifestyle social media influencer inviting them to the Pure Sprout Food launch event. The pitch should be engaging, informative, and tailored to the influencer’s audience and content style. Please include the account handle of the influencer you’d like to pitch and an explanation of why you selected that creator. 

Please complete the assignment to the best of your ability and include it in your internship application materials.

About the Founder’s Award:

The Fahlgren Mortine Founder's Award, created in 2000, is named in honor of the founder of the Public Relations Student Society of America, Walt Seifert. A fierce advocate of free speech and accuracy in the media, Seifert had more than 4,600 letters-to-the-editor published in his lifetime. In addition, Seifert was devoted to the professional success of his students. Throughout his life, Seifert touched the lives of countless young professionals, challenging them to sharpen their critical faculties and communication skills. The Founder’s Award seeks to carry on his legacy by offering students an opportunity to work with marketing and communications professionals dedicated to mentoring and professional growth. 

Each year, Fahlgren Mortine selects one college student as a Founder’s Award recipient, a premier program for marketing and communications students. This award provides a paid summer internship plus a $1,000 scholarship. 

Fahlgren Mortine strives to make this program one of the best in the nation. The Founder’s Award intern will be introduced to all aspects of marketing and communications, including strategic planning, research, media relations, social media engagement, writing, internal communications, special events, and online communications. Interns are exposed to a variety of industries to provide a well-rounded experience. In addition, interns are also involved in team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and much more. Fahlgren Mortine seeks to provide its interns with the tactical experience that will help them build a meaningful resume and portfolio, in addition to meeting individual needs and career goals.

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for visa sponsorship.