Do I need a visa to do a PR internship in New York?

Yes. Most participants require a J-1 Intern or Trainee visa to complete a PR internship in New York. See full visa requirements >

What kind of companies host PR interns in New York?

PR interns are placed with a mix of global agencies, boutique communications firms, in-house press offices, entertainment publicists, fashion houses and non-profits, depending on your interests and experience. Discover example host organizations >

How long are PR internships in New York?

Programs typically run from 4 to 24 weeks, with start dates available year-round.

What qualifications do I need for a PR internship in New York?

You don't necessarily need a PR degree or previous professional experience to apply for a PR internship in New York. The right qualifications will depend on the internship placement, but relevant studies in communications, journalism, marketing, English or a related subject can be useful. Transferable skills such as writing, relationship-building, organization, research and the ability to stay calm under pressure can also help you succeed in a PR role. Your placement is matched to your experience, interests and career goals.

How can I get a PR internship in New York?

To get a PR internship in New York, start by identifying the areas of PR you're interested in, whether that's media relations, events, entertainment publicity or corporate communications, and consider how your education, skills and experience align with them. You can then apply for an internship program and discuss your career goals, interests and placement preferences during the application process. At The Intern Group, you'll complete an online application and interview before working with the team to secure a PR internship that matches your profile and goals.

Visiting Coney Island during a PR internship in New York

PR Internships in New York

Gain hands-on public relations experience while living and working in the media capital of the world.

New York is home to more global PR and communications agencies than almost anywhere else on earth, alongside the publishers, broadcasters and brands they represent, giving you a front-row seat to how stories are shaped, pitched and placed at the highest level.

Whether you're a university student, recent graduate, gap year student or career changer, a PR internship in New York can help you turn your interest in communications into practical, agency-ready experience.

Example PR host organizations in New York

We've previously placed interns with organizations across New York's PR, communications, media and entertainment sectors. The organizations featured represent examples of the types of professional environments where participants have gained experience.

Why do a PR internship in New York?

New York is the undisputed home of the American press and the agencies built to work with it. It's where the country's biggest newspapers, magazines, broadcasters and digital outlets are headquartered, and where the world's leading PR agencies set up shop to be close to the journalists, editors and producers who shape public conversation.

From global agency networks and boutique communications shops to in-house teams at fashion houses, tech companies, entertainment brands and non-profits, New York's PR scene means the day-to-day of the job looks different depending on who you're representing and who you're trying to reach.

The city is particularly strong in industries such as journalism & media, fashion, entertainment and finance, giving you the chance to see how PR professionals build narratives, manage reputations and secure coverage across very different audiences.

Experience PR in the media capital of the world

Press access
See first-hand how agencies and in-house teams build relationships with the journalists and outlets that set the national news agenda.

Diverse industries
Explore PR across fashion, entertainment, tech, finance, non-profits and more.

Global networking
Build connections with publicists, journalists, entrepreneurs and communications professionals from around the world.

International perspective
Learn how organizations manage reputation and messaging for audiences across cultures and markets.

Heading to the Top of the Rock during a PR internship in New York

Explore PR internships in New York

New York's PR landscape spans global agency networks, boutique communications firms, in-house press offices, entertainment publicists and non-profit comms teams. Your internship could give you the opportunity to see how professionals in the city shape narratives and secure coverage in one of the world's most competitive media markets.

Media Relations

New York's concentration of national newspapers, magazines, TV networks and digital outlets creates opportunities to see how PR professionals build relationships with journalists and pitch stories that land. Your internship could involve press outreach, media lists, pitch writing or coverage tracking.

You could work on: Press pitches · Media lists · Journalist outreach · Coverage tracking

Communications Strategy

New York's fast-moving news cycle means organizations need clear, considered messaging to stay ahead of the story. You could contribute to messaging documents, key talking points and communications plans for clients or in-house teams.

You could work on: Messaging documents · Talking points · Communications plans · Stakeholder mapping

Social & Digital PR

New York's always-on media environment means PR increasingly plays out online as much as in print. You could contribute to social listening, influencer outreach and digital press campaigns that extend a story's reach.

You could work on: Social listening · Influencer outreach · Digital press kits · Online reputation monitoring

Content & Copywriting

New York's agencies and press offices rely on sharp writing to get a story picked up. Depending on your host organization, you could draft press releases, pitch emails, bios and other materials journalists actually read.

You could work on: Press releases · Pitch emails · Media kits · Executive bios

Events & Press Days

New York's entertainment, fashion and lifestyle industries run heavily on launches, previews and press days designed to generate coverage. You could support the planning and on-the-ground execution of events built for media attention.

You could work on: Press day logistics · Launch events · Media invitations · On-site press support

Crisis & Reputation Management

New York's high-stakes media environment means organizations need to respond quickly when a story turns. You could observe or support how agencies and in-house teams prepare statements and manage sensitive situations under pressure.

You could work on: Holding statements · Issue monitoring · Briefing documents · Reputation research

Influencer & Talent Relations

New York's overlap of media, entertainment and fashion means PR often involves managing relationships with influencers, talent and their representatives. You could support outreach, gifting campaigns and event invitations.

You could work on: Influencer outreach · Gifting campaigns · Talent coordination · Partnership tracking

Media Monitoring & Reporting

With so much coverage moving through New York's outlets every day, organizations need to track what's being said about them. You could support monitoring, clip reports and analysis showing how a campaign performed.

You could work on: Media monitoring · Coverage reports · Sentiment analysis · Client reporting

Example PR internship roles in New York

Depending on your skills and interests, you could take on a role such as:

Communications Strategy Intern
Community Engagement Strategist
PR & Communications Intern
Marketing & Events Coordinator Intern
Communications and Marketing Intern
PR & Events Intern
Marketing & Brand Development Intern
Growth Marketing Intern

Your exact role will depend on your host organization and placement.

Explore more example PR & Marketing roles >

What can you gain from a PR internship in New York?

A PR internship in New York can give you more than experience to add to your CV/resume. You'll have the chance to see how the industry works at its source, in the city where most national press coverage originates, while building skills through practical experience.

Build New York PR experience

Add international PR experience to your CV/resume and show future employers that you've worked on real press and communications projects in one of the world's most competitive media markets.
Work on real PR projects

Put your knowledge into practice through projects that could involve media relations, press events, content, social PR, crisis communications or influencer outreach, depending on your placement.
Grow your New York media network

Connect with publicists, journalists and communications professionals in New York while building relationships with fellow interns from around the world.
Understand a high-stakes media industry

See how agencies and in-house teams manage reputation and secure coverage in a city where the news cycle never really stops.
Experience New York's PR culture

Gain insight into the city's unique mix of agency life, in-house press offices and entertainment publicity, and see how they shape the way organizations tell their story.

Exploring New York iconic skyline during a PR internship

What's included in the New York internship program?

Your PR New York program includes support designed to help you get the most from your international internship, from placement and accommodation to visa support, career coaching and 24/7 in-country support.

Explore the full New York internship program >

Hear from PR interns in New York

“My tasks are usually split into two areas. One is creating social media content, uploading articles and promoting real estate events. The other is preparing marketing materials for the agents, including new show books and show sheets that we hand out at open houses.” - Eyal Bollag, intern in New York

“I’ve been applying for jobs over the past week, and every job I’ve applied for has called me and said they want to meet with me when I get back. Every single person has asked about New York and literally nothing else on my CV, so I think this has definitely really helped with that. Personally, I think it’s helped my confidence a lot as well. My plan is to just go into a full-time job.” - Poppy Wilson, New York PR & Marketing intern

Is a New York PR internship right for you?

A New York PR internship could be a great fit if you want hands-on experience in the city where American media and communications converge. Whether you're a university student, recent graduate, gap year student or career changer, you can build practical PR skills while experiencing how agencies and in-house teams manage press, reputation and messaging in one of the world's most influential media markets. It's an opportunity to build your CV/resume, expand your professional network and discover where a career in PR could take you.

What is it like to live as a PR intern in New York?

A PR internship in New York puts you at the heart of a city known for its influence on media, culture and communications. Outside of work, you can explore creative neighborhoods, discover new restaurants and galleries, catch live music or experience the fashion and entertainment scenes that give the city its unmistakable energy.

You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to meet people from around the world, build friendships with fellow interns and make the most of your weekends. From busy city streets to iconic cultural landmarks, New York gives you an exciting backdrop for developing your career and experiencing life in one of the world’s most influential media capitals.

Exploring the city during a PR internship in New York

FAQs

: Yes. Most participants require a J-1 Intern or Trainee visa to complete a PR internship in New York.

See full visa requirements >
: PR interns are placed with a mix of global agencies, boutique communications firms, in-house press offices, entertainment publicists, fashion houses and non-profits, depending on your interests and experience.

Discover example host organizations >
: Programs typically run from 4 to 24 weeks, with start dates available year-round.
: You don't necessarily need a PR degree or previous professional experience to apply for a PR internship in New York. The right qualifications will depend on the internship placement, but relevant studies in communications, journalism, marketing, English or a related subject can be useful.

Transferable skills such as writing, relationship-building, organization, research and the ability to stay calm under pressure can also help you succeed in a PR role. Your placement is matched to your experience, interests and career goals.
: To get a PR internship in New York, start by identifying the areas of PR you're interested in, whether that's media relations, events, entertainment publicity or corporate communications, and consider how your education, skills and experience align with them.

You can then apply for an internship program and discuss your career goals, interests and placement preferences during the application process. At The Intern Group, you'll complete an online application and interview before working with the team to secure a PR internship that matches your profile and goals.

Realize your potential with an international internship

1

Apply online

Complete our simple application form and tell us about your passions, qualifications, and experiential requirements.
2

Interview

If your interview is successful, confirm your enrollment with a tuition deposit.
3

Secure your internship

Collaborate in the internship placement process & accelerate your career.