Professional Development Internships

Student Internship Opportunity with NSPRA

Since 1935, the National School Public Relations Association has been providing school communication training, products and services to school leaders throughout the United States, Canada and beyond. NSPRA’s mission is to develop professionals to communicate strategically, build trust and foster positive relationships in support of their school communities. That mission is accomplished by developing and providing a variety of diverse products, services and professional development activities to association members as well as to other education leaders interested in improving their communication efforts.

For those college students looking to pursue a career in communications or a related field, NSPRA also offers summer internship opportunities between May and August.

Position Description and Responsibilities

Summer internship opportunities are available to qualified candidates who are students currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program of study, with preference for specialization in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism or English. 

The summer intern is expected to commit to delivering an average of 10 internship hours each week over at least a two-month period sometime between May and August, and to attend the NSPRA National Seminar in July. (Note: NSPRA will cover the intern's economy travel, lodging and meals for the Seminar.) Typical tasks for the successful intern applicant may include the following:

• Assist with the development of content for web, e-newsletters and social media. 
• Assist with the development and implementation of special events, virtual programs and related materials.
• Assist with research requests to support publications and programs.
• Assist with membership database tasks.
• Participate in planning meetings. 
• Other administrative tasks as assigned.

This unpaid position is preferably based out of  NSPRA headquarters, which is located at 15948 Derwood Road, Rockville, MD 20855. It includes a modest travel stipend for local interns to cover the cost of gas or metro cards. The office is within walking distance of the Shady Grove Metro Station.

Teleworking is also possible, so candidates interested in a virtual internship are invited to apply as well. 

Candidate Requirements

Candidates for this internship must meet the following requirements:

• Current enrollment in undergraduate or graduate program of study, with preference for specialization in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism or English
• Strong writing, editing, research and communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or comparable Google products (Docs, Spreadsheet, Slides)
• Ideal candidates also will possess the following skills:
  • Experience supporting social media (Facebook, Twitter) 
  • Experience with Adobe Creative Suite products (InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere)
  • Experience with capturing and editing photos
  • Experience with recording and editing videos

How to Apply

Please email your cover letter, resume and availability (e.g., months of the year, hours per week) to NSPRA Associate Director Mellissa Braham at mbraham@nspra.org using the subject line “NSPRA Internship Opportunity.”