New York-based lifestyle communications agency DeVries Global witnessed 2020 close the gates on “business as usual”—for brands, agencies, and a Class of 2020 facing cancelled internships and hiring freezes.
As an agile response to give back to the newest generation entering the communications industry, the agency piloted its “Decoding PR” Externship program: a virtual immersion into the world and work of PR, offering weekly live trainings, real client campaigns, exposure to PR experts and career networking. The summer session featured nine externs, who have continued relationships with senior DeVries Global mentors, leading to resume support, interviews connections and job opportunities.
In a new video promoting the program, DeVries Global summer 2020 extern Joseph Bonafede (Marist College 2020) shares: “Everyone I met from the DeVries Global team was so supportive and inspiring, and I’m so lucky to have teamed up with such a creative and smart bunch for our project!”
Following the success of its inaugural summer session and to help make the public relations industry as vibrant, inclusive and equitable as possible, DeVries Global is now offering the Externship in seasonal, year-round sessions. The session curriculum includes earned media, measurement, social strategy, influencer marketing, societal purpose and mock campaigns.
“In a year when public relations has played a more imperative role than ever, we are thrilled to open our digital doors to the future leaders of our industry. The externship is thoughtfully crafted to introduce students to key elements of our dynamic industry, with both best practice learnings and hands-on application. With a remarkable first class of externs, we look forward to continuing to meet the best and brightest from all diverse communities, backgrounds and interests,” said Niki Chakravarthy, executive vice president, DeVries Global.
Recent graduates and college seniors are welcome to apply for the Fall session by sending resumes to Danielle DeFabbio at DDefabbio@DevriesGlobal.com by October 7.
