Spring 2025 Tech PR Internship Program: Microsoft News Management and Issues Management
About Us
WE is one of the largest communications and integrated marketing agencies in the world. We're independent, we're all about our people - both our clients and our employees - and we believe in the power of communications to move audiences to positive action.
For more than 40 years, we have been helping translate complex innovations into powerful, persuasive stories. Our sector expertise across key verticals - including technology, healthcare, consumer, and brand purpose - translates into insights and strategies that are informed, current and credible.
We work with companies that are embracing the ever-evolving digital world to reinvent themselves, to deliver new value to their customers to reach them in new ways and ultimately improve people's lives.
About The Role
Are you looking to join the fast-paced world of PR, where technology intersects with businesses and people? To be on the frontier of cutting-edge technology and help premier brands reach their important audiences in meaningful and impactful ways? As a WE intern, you’ll experience the best in technology communications while working with a Fortune 500 company and have an opportunity to secure a full-time role at the agency following the program.
Interns at WE Communications are provided with the resources, training and support needed to kick-start a career in the communications industry. The 16-week program (March 10 – June 30) is a paid ($22 per hour), full-time internship designed to provide valuable experiences that build strong communication foundations for entry-level professionals.
Interns receive customized industry and agency training, individualized coaching and feedback, and networking opportunities with peers and agency leadership. As an intern, you will be embedded on the Microsoft News Management and Issues Management account teams for hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations. Additionally, interns have the chance to develop a sense of belonging with a cohort of peers, via one-on-one mentorship and/or the agency’s Employee Resource Groups.
The Issues Management team works to uphold Microsoft's brand from reputational threats, including cybersecurity issues, geopolitical challenges, domestic politics, and corporate practices. Interns will help compile research, work to identify and analyze media trends related to breaking news, support and engage with clients, and develop strategic media skills managing incoming reporter inquiries and resulting coverage.
The Microsoft News Management team coordinates with the broader WE Microsoft account on incoming media inquiries, proactive media outreach and planned news moments. Interns will focus their time on the Microsoft Media Relations team – the hub for all incoming Microsoft-related requests acting as triage between reporters and agency teams. Interns will develop a thorough understanding of the broader Microsoft account teams, the media landscape and working with reporters
Eligible candidates are available to work Monday through Friday from 8:30am – 5:00pm in their time zone. Interns are required to come into the office every Tuesday, Wednesday and a third day of your choice (your team might have additional requirements) and MUST be within commuting distance to one of the offices below:
- Bellevue, WA
Application deadline is 5pm PT Sunday, January 12. All resumes received after this date will be considered for future programs.
You Will Have The Opportunity To
- Understand the significant role strategic communications plays in achieving our clients’ business objectives.
- Learn WE's unique methods and practices around engaging with clients and influencers and approaching relationship building and strategic communications.
- Build your media relations skills and ability to identify important and upcoming trends for clients.
- Research the basics of clients’ products, PR plans, and teams’ strategies and tactics to help clients tell their stories to their target audiences.
- Work with a WE team to respond to client requests, manage editorial and analyst requests, develop story ideas, pitch stories to journalists and plan for major events.
- Contribute to logistics and preparation of press activities, press or analyst tours, on-site visits etc.
- Support the development and distribution of news and announcements to a variety of media.
- Develop a deep sense of teamwork with colleagues across the US using Microsoft Teams technology.
- Report on relevant coverage and share insights into cultural trends.
- Functions and responsibilities will vary depending on the teams to which the intern is assigned, however, the agency works to ensure that the intern’s experience is creative, dynamic, fulfilling, and consistent.
- Employment is not guaranteed at the completion of the internship program.
Important Skills And Characteristics
- Candidates who are passionate communicators and life-long learners and who exhibit our agency values: Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, Passion, Curiosity.
- Proactive, resourceful and dependable candidates who are excited to play a pivotal role as part of a team.
- Strong writing capabilities with ability to gather and synthesize large quantities of information into succinct and clear communications.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize are very important.
- Ability to balance multi-faceted projects, work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Able to work with multiple groups and with people at multiple levels.
- Passionate about ensuring quality media support along with assisting colleagues and clients.
- Interested in corporate issues, crisis response, brand reputation and cybersecurity.
Experience Required
- 1-year of professional experience or previous work in comms or comms-related field.
- Familiar with Microsoft Office Suite including Teams, Outlook, SharePoint and OneDrive.
- Strong written communications with minimal grammatical and spelling errors.
- Robust analytical abilities to synthesize information into well organized, professional and concise written materials.
- Demonstrates proficiency in the following areas:
- Proactive engagement, teamwork and collaboration
- Accountability, ability to be flexible in ambiguous and stressful situations
- Professionalism around giving and receiving feedback
- Seeks feedback as an opportunity to grow
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously
- Worked under deadline pressure and able to maintain grace
Compensation
The base annual salary range for this role, applicable across all U.S. locations, is outlined below. The actual salary may vary based on several factors such as business requirements, job responsibilities, skills, experience, and geographical location.
Salary Range
$22 - $22 USD
Benefits
As part of our commitment to the success and well-being of our team, regular employees working 20 hours or more per week are eligible for the following benefits:
- Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Generous time off including PTO, holidays, annual wellness break, summer Fridays and personal days
- 401k plan including company match and financial wellness support
- 16 weeks of paid parental leave for all employees
- 22-24 weeks paid parental leave when coupled with Short-term disability
- 2 weeks caregiver leave
- Support with home office equipment
- Bi-annual Wellness Credits
- Monthly Technology Credit (to offset internet / phone costs)
- Community Engagement Days
- Learning and Development Programs for our employees
Equal Opportunity: WE provides equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against an employee or applicant because of age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or other legally protected class status.
Diversity and Inclusion: WE values a diverse and inclusive workforce and is committed to creating a workplace where everyone thrives. We promote an atmosphere in which diversity of people and ideas are welcomed and valued. Diversity includes differences in race, religion, gender identity or expression, age, lifestyle, ethnic background and sexual orientation as well as differences in experiences and ideas.
As of April 2024, North America non-remote employees are required to come into the office 3 days a week.
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