Are you a recent college graduate ready to launch your public relations career? Do you want hands-on agency experience working with national brands, media outlets and experienced PR professionals? If so, Ripley PR’s Post Graduate Public Relations Fellowship Program may be the perfect next step for you.
At Ripley PR, we don’t believe in making fellows fetch coffee or sit on the sidelines. Our fellows work directly with client teams, receive one-on-one mentorship from senior PR professionals and gain real-world experience across multiple areas of public relations. Select fellows may be offered full-time employment opportunities upon successful completion of the program.
About the Fellowship
This immersive fellowship is designed for recent graduates who are eager to build a strong foundation in public relations while working in a fast-paced agency environment. Fellows will work Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in our Maryville, Tennessee office and will be assigned both a supervisor and a senior-level mentor to guide their professional development.
This fellowship is ideal for recent graduates who plan to build their careers in the Knoxville area and are seeking more than a temporary opportunity. Designed as a bridge between college and agency life, the program provides hands-on experience, mentorship and professional development while serving as a pathway to potential full-time employment with Ripley PR.
Throughout the fellowship, participants will gain practical experience in one of four specialized tracks:
Brand Management Fellow
Work alongside account managers to help execute strategic communications programs for clients. Responsibilities may include:
- Assisting with client communications and project management
- Supporting campaign planning and execution
- Participating in client meetings and brainstorming sessions
- Tracking project timelines and deliverables
- Conducting industry and competitor research
Media Relations Fellow
Learn the fundamentals of earned media and relationship building while helping clients earn meaningful coverage. Responsibilities may include:
- Researching and developing targeted media lists
- Drafting media pitches and press releases
- Monitoring media coverage and industry news
- Assisting with media outreach efforts
- Supporting client publicity campaigns
Research Fellow
Help uncover insights that drive successful public relations strategies. Responsibilities may include:
- Conducting market and industry research
- Analyzing trends and media coverage
- Gathering competitive intelligence
- Supporting campaign measurement and reporting
- Assisting with strategic planning initiatives
Content Fellow
Create compelling content that helps clients tell their stories and build their brands. Responsibilities may include:
- Writing blogs, articles and website content
- Drafting social media posts and newsletters
- Supporting content strategy development
- Assisting with editorial calendars
- Conducting content research and optimization
What You’ll Learn
Our fellowship program provides opportunities to:
- Gain experience working with national and regional brands
- Develop professional writing and communication skills
- Learn agency processes and best practices
- Build relationships with media professionals
- Strengthen research and analytical abilities
- Receive mentorship from experienced PR practitioners
- Collaborate with a team of passionate communications professionals
- Build a portfolio of real-world work
Qualifications
Ideal candidates will:
- Be a recent graduate of an accredited college or university
- Have a degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, advertising or a related field
- Possess strong written and verbal communication skills
- Be detail-oriented with excellent time management abilities
- Demonstrate initiative and a willingness to learn
- Work effectively both independently and as part of a team
- Have a positive attitude and strong work ethic
- Be able to work in our Maryville, Tennessee office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Be interested in building a long-term career in the Knoxville area and growing professionally within an agency environment
Previous internship or professional experience in communications, marketing or public relations is helpful but not required.
Why Ripley PR?
At Ripley PR, we’re passionate about helping clients grow through strategic public relations. Our team enjoys a collaborative, fast-paced environment where creativity, accountability and professional development are valued. Fellows gain meaningful experience, mentorship and the opportunity to learn from professionals who are dedicated to helping them succeed.
For the right candidates, this fellowship can be the first step toward a long-term career at Ripley PR.
Apply Today
If you’re ready to gain valuable agency experience, grow your public relations skills and potentially launch a long-term career with Ripley PR, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today for Ripley PR’s Post Graduate Public Relations Fellowship Program and start building the foundation for a successful career in public relations.
