Financial Communications Intern (Jan to Jun 2027)

Edelman is a voice synonymous with trust, reimagining a future where the currency of communication is action. Our culture thrives on three promises: boldness is possibility, empathy is progress, and curiosity is momentum. At Edelman, we understand diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) transform our colleagues, our company, our clients, and our communities. We are in relentless pursuit of an equitable and inspiring workplace that is respectful of all, reflects and represents the world in which we live, and fosters trust, collaboration and belonging. Edelman Smithfield is the strategic transactions and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) advisory boutique within Edelman, that works alongside capital markets participants to provide counsel and communications support in strategic situations, including M&As, IPOs and activist defense. Our work ranges across financial communications and investor relations advisory work. We are not looking for an intern with decades of experience and industry qualifications. Instead, we seek a colleague who loves learning, always goes back to first principles, and shares our passion for helping clients solve problems. In return, we will support you in your journey to build the foundational skills and learning frameworks in support of your career as an indispensable business partner. About EdelmanNEXT EdelmanNEXT, is an enriched internship program that provides work experience, training and mentorship for students. We empower and equip our interns with the best skills to excel in their careers. This program is a full-time, 6-month internship, and features a well-rounded curriculum where you will: • Hone our foundational skills as communicators – including simplifying complex and often divisive topics for diverse audiences. • Be directly involved in engaging clients, stepping up to the plate as part of client servicing or pitch teams. • Work closely with colleagues working on financial services accounts, as well as investor relations and strategic situation advisory. • Have a dedicated coach that can help you get the most out of your internship experience. • Meet passionate communicators across the Edelman network who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise. • Experience our Edelman and Edelman Smithfield culture – that’s what makes our strategy tangible. Responsibilities • Draft press releases, media lists, fact sheets, briefing documents and much more. • Learn the basics of your clients’ business – i.e. product/service offerings, media targets, and competitors. • Conduct research for new business pitches and support pitch decks when required. • Update media lists and pitch media contacts, under the direction of a supervisor. • Stay up to date on industry news and trends. • Participate in team brainstorming sessions. • Assist with the preparation of press kits for distribution. • Assist with research projects and new business audits. Ideal Candidate Will Have the Following Skills and Capabilities • Passion for communications, PR and Financial Services. • Proven organizational skills and the ability to adapt to new assignments, deadlines, and conditions quickly. • Proactiveness in the delivery of tasks and drive to learn quickly • Strong verbal and written communication skills – whether presenting to colleagues, drafting emails to clients, or participating in brainstorming sessions. • Strong research skills and a demonstrated ability to become a strong writer. • Developed interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a variety of people across multiple accounts. • Basic understanding of social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube). • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. • History of strong leadership skills through work experience and/or extracurricular activities. • Demonstrated creative thinker. • Familiar with the public relations, digital marketing, or communications discipline through past coursework, internships, or personal experiences. • Basic financial knowledge will be a bonus, but not a must. We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.