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2026 Ketchum Fellowship - Chicago

Chicago, Illinois, United States

About Ketchum

As a global communications consultancy with 100 years of experience, Ketchum is a trusted partner who is equal parts creative and analytical. Ketchum is a place where all perspectives and points of view are welcome and encouraged. We are a collection of communications specialists, content creators, creatives, researchers, data analysts, media pros, digital strategists, issues and crisis counselors, and tech nerds. And we love when those worlds collide to create the very best teams and solutions for our clients. We work with the world’s leading brands, emerging start-ups, and everything in between. We are beyond proud to have created some of the most celebrated and award-winning campaigns in our industry. We’re just crazy enough to think we can impact the world – and how it responds to ideas – through communication.

We encourage our employees to be curious, brave, inspiring, and a force for good. Let’s talk. Come belong at Ketchum!

 

 

 

Overview:

Are you ready to launch your career in communications? The Fellowship is our summer internship program designed to give you hands-on experience working with some innovative brands and industries across North America.

As a Fellow, you’ll work alongside top-tier account teams to learn the business, serve clients, and sharpen your skills in integrated communications. From day one, you’ll contribute to real projects—helping shape brand narratives, support campaigns, and bring creative ideas to life.

You’ll have the opportunity to potentially work with teams like: Analytics & Strategy, Consumer Packaged Goods, Corporate Reputation, Food & Ag, Health, Lifestyle, Media, Technology and more!

The Fellowship Program is an internship program that runs from June – August (full time commitment required).

What We’re Looking For:

We’re seeking curious, driven individuals who bring:

· Strong communication (written and verbal)

· Awareness (or obsession!) with current trends

· Impeccable multitasking and organizational abilities

· Critical thinking skills and creative problem solving

· Fluency in social media platforms and tracking tools

· Hands-on experience or a genuine interest in exploring AI tools for communications, research, content creation, or analysis

· A proactive work ethic and eagerness to learn

If you’re ready to go above and beyond and make an impact from day one, we want to hear from you!

What You’ll Do:

· Monitor and track media coverage; draft media updates

· Develop and maintain media lists

· Write client and/or team materials

· Conduct research, including competitive analysis and influencer identification

· Participate in internal meetings and agency events

· Attend client and team meetings

· Draft pitch materials with the potential pitch to media

· Join brainstorm sessions and contribute ideas

· Assist with research for new business opportunities and client presentations

· Assist with coordination of events

 

Eligibility requirements:

· All applicants must have a graduation date of 2026, 2027, or 2028

· Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship

· Able to work 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday

· Able to commute to the nearest office 3 times per week

 

*The deadline to apply for the Summer Fellows Program is Friday, February 13th at 5:00 EST. Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received. 

 **Please make sure to check your spam folder after applying to ensure that you see future communications from Ketchum. 

 

The hourly rate for this position is $20 to $22. The hourly rate of the finalist selected for this role will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, education, years of experience, past training, skills and abilities of applicant, internal equity and local geographic market data. 

 

What We Offer

  • Hybrid Workplace: Three days a week in the office
  • Robust benefits program, effective within 30 days of hire
  • Paid maternity/paternity leave
  • Family Forming Benefits
  • Employee Recognition Program
  • Generous paid time off includes vacation, wellness, and extended holiday schedule
  • Various development opportunities to enhance personal and professional life
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Monthly Cell Phone & Wi-Fi reimbursement

Interested? We’ve got an opportunity for you.

Apply for this job

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