Testimonials
"If you’re interested in pursing a career in public relations, this internship program gives you the opportunity to become a successful public relations professional. You’ll learn how to write press releases about cutting-edge scientific research, publicize newsworthy events, and execute effective media relations strategies. You’ll work in a friendly, positive environment, where your ideas will be welcomed and encouraged."
— Carina, Media Relations Intern, 2009
"The time I spent interning at Children's helped me prepare for life after college. I had the opportunity to interact with reporters, write media alerts and press releases, and learn about the US healthcare system. The internship helped develop my written and verbal communication skills and put me in contact with some of the leaders in the medical industry. I reflect on the internship as fun and rewarding experience."
— Vanessa, Media Relations Intern, 2006
News Room
PUBLIC/Media RelaTions Internship Program
Public/Media Relations Internship Responsibilities
The Public/Media Relations (non-paid) Internship Program at Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland is designed to give participants hands-on public relations experience in the healthcare and science industry. You will be working in a busy, fast-paced office and responsible for many tasks including escorting approved media and outside organizations on hospital property, helping with news gathering, research, press material writing and coordinating, strategizing and handling media interviews. Through our program, participants can build a valuable portfolio for public relations employment opportunities and possibly other healthcare fields.
Our interns will help the Media Relations Specialist complete the following tasks:
Press Releases, Media Alerts, Articles on hospital unique programs and patient stories, Q&A Documents, Bios, Facts Sheets and Backgrounders
Will work with the Media Relations Specialist to contact appropriate departments to draft all press materials.
Media Coordination
Assist the Media Relations Specialist to coordinate all media events to ensure that all press interviews are conducted with approved hospital spokespeople. Our objectives are to:
- Thoroughly understand the goal and purpose of media requests before granting interviews
- Prepare strategic answers in anticipation of unfavorable questions
- Pitch story ideas for future news coverage
- Intervene if interviews become tense and/or off target
- Confirm with media organizations that they have correct information released by the hospital.
Press Events
Interns will participate in the development of all press events. To ensure our success the Media Relations intern will be responsible for:
- Developing press materials for the approval of the Media Relations Specialist
- Identifying doctors, nurses, families and patients for media interviews
- Getting consent forms signed and filed
- Confirming all logistical requirements
Reactive Press Opportunities
Assist the Media Relations Specialist in responding to media requests for interviews and information.
Pro-active Press Opportunities
Assist the Media Relations Specialist in developing new story ideas to pitch to the media to secure positive news coverage.
Editorial Calendars
Responsible for creating editorial calendar listings that will be used to identify media opportunities in select publications, newspapers, and television and radio stations.
Expert Guides/Physician Profiles
Responsible for researching, writing/creating content and posting our physicians and researchers in our hospital website’s media section.
Special Events Coordinating
Interns may be responsible for helping coordinate special events for the hospital such as media events, grand openings, etc.
Qualifications:
- Junior or Senior level college student or graduate
- Communications, Journalism or English major preferred
- Available 3-5 eight hour days a week for 4-6 months
To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Tina Amey.
For questions about the Public/Media Relations internship, please contact Tina Amey at (510) 428-3367.
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