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Job outlook for community relations interns in the United States
Are community relations internship jobs in demand?
Community relations internship job and salary trends over time
Community relations internship jobs over time
Community relations internship job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,955 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,970 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,971 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,925 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,882 | 0.00% |
Average community relations internship salary over time
Community relations internship salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $31,172 | $14.99 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $30,348 | $14.59 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $29,777 | $14.32 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $29,430 | $14.15 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $28,795 | $13.84 | +2.2% |
Community relations internship jobs by state
Most common states for community relations interns
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 292 | 42% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 178 | 29% |
| 3 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 138 | 24% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 226 | 23% |
| 5 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 182 | 21% |
| 6 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 145 | 19% |
| 7 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 240 | 18% |
| 8 | Alaska | 739,795 | 133 | 18% |
| 9 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 177 | 17% |
| 10 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 268 | 16% |
| 11 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 211 | 16% |
| 12 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 171 | 16% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 240 | 12% |
| 14 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 741 | 11% |
| 15 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 396 | 11% |
| 16 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 632 | 10% |
| 17 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 312 | 10% |
| 18 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 310 | 10% |
| 19 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 393 | 9% |
| 20 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 268 | 9% |
Most common cities for community relations interns
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Salisbury | 1 | 3% | $26,676 |
| 2 | Clearwater | 1 | 1% | $26,062 |
| 3 | Columbus | 1 | 1% | $31,469 |
| 4 | Framingham | 1 | 1% | $33,007 |
| 5 | Livermore | 1 | 1% | $42,877 |
| 6 | Reading | 1 | 1% | $27,476 |
| 7 | San Mateo | 1 | 1% | $43,107 |
| 8 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $28,407 |
| 9 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $31,353 |
| 10 | Orlando | 1 | 0% | $26,036 |
| 11 | Philadelphia | 1 | 0% | $27,564 |
| 12 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $25,246 |
Community Relations Internship job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of community relations internship experts
Oklahoma City University
Duke University
University of Nebraska - Omaha
Colorado Mesa University
Syracuse University
California State University, Fresno
Columbia College Chicago
Hannibal-LaGrange University
University of Minnesota
University of Notre Dame
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Wisconsin School of Business
Dordt University
Middlebury College
Bethel University
Villanova University
Washington State University
PRSSA
Johns Hopkins University
Harding University
Beth Adele Ph.D.
Director of the Mass Communications Department, Director of Marketing at Lyric TheatreOklahoma City University
Mass Communications Department
What skills stand out on Community Relations Internship resumes?
Beth Adele Ph.D.: Resumes that go above and beyond the required academic coursework for a degree get a second look. Internship/externship experience is almost a must to prove demonstrated skills in addition to learning. The pandemic has enhanced the need for virtual communication skills (virtual meeting and social media management). Without being able to hold face-to-face events and conferences, understanding and using online platforms is important. Online security and privacy setting knowledge are also valued.
Michael Munger
Director of Undergraduate Studies, Director, PPE ProgramDuke University
Department of Political Science
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Community Relations Interns to find work opportunities?
Michael Munger: The best "place" to work is one with a very fast and reliable internet connection. This means that many rural areas, on top of their previous economic difficulties, are now even further behind because of lack of broadband.
Joe Hayes
Associate Director Career Development and Employer RelationsUniversity of Nebraska - Omaha
UNO’s Academic & Career Development Center
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Community Relations Internship job market given the pandemic?
Joe Hayes: If only we had a crystal ball. If current trends continue - remote and flexibility - will continue to reign supreme. Employees and employers have grown accustomed to work arrangements from the past year and they will surely continue in various forms to a degree. This type of work trickles down to all levels of an organization, including employing remote interns - something generally unheard of before the pandemic. If this ever was a thing, the days of simply "showing up" are gone and instead replaced with what type of value and results one brings to a company. This could potentially bleed work and life together which can be positive for many and not so positive for others.
Elaine Venter Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Mass CommunicationColorado Mesa University
Communication Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Community Relations Internship job market given the pandemic?
Elaine Venter Ph.D.: In my opinion, we are going to see an increase in remote work. Graduates should be prepared to be able to work effectively independently and collectively in remote situations relying on computer-mediated communication tools like Zoom.
Les Rose
Professor of PracticeSyracuse University
Broadcast and Digital Journalism Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Community Relations Internship job market given the pandemic?
Les Rose: I always thought that journalism isn't a career, but a calling. Good journalists are frustrated social workers. They truly want to change the world!
There have been thousands of journalism jobs lost in recent years, but the losses are often medium specific. What is a decline in one segment (ie smaller newspapers) has given a rise in others (reputable websites and cable news). The problem of course is one "type" of coverage cannot be replaced to many consumers, especially without internet access.
The career of a journalist has never been a more valuable one. A journalist's "product" is seeking truths in another era of falsehoods. The pandemic shows how falsehoods and published lies can contribute to the deaths of thousands of people. Whether it comes from the highest government offices or a conspiracy-oriented website, lies can kill. And never forget that the withholding of truths can be as bad as publishing falsehoods. Journalism is a constant and is a career protected by the US constitution. Truth as a commodity has never been more valuable, it saves lives. It was journalism great Edward R. Murrow who gave light on Joeseph McCarthy during the Red Scare, Woodward and Bernstein who discovered Watergate that led to Nixon's resignation, and now a legion of journos seeking truths on a worldwide pandemic.
Betsy Hays
ChairCalifornia State University, Fresno
Department of Media, Communications and Journalism
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Community Relations Interns?
Betsy Hays: Definitely. Most industries will keep a component of remote work -- some to a large degree and others not as much, but the impact will be lasting. The way a lot of companies do business has changed forever, so be good at self-direction and communicating through email and videoconferencing.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Community Relations Internship job market given the pandemic?
Curtis Lawrence: The pandemic has many aspects-medical, political and the emotional narrative of so many Americans losing their lives in the span of a year. All of these have heightened the need for and interest in solid journalism and I see this continuing for at least the next several years. One trend to keep an eye on will be an emergence in reporting on science and environment, based not only on the pandemic, but also on the global climate crisis that has impacted weather patterns across the globe.
Another aspect to watch will be the impact of science, environment and medical developments on marginalized communities. These types of stories will take on a much larger space in news coverage in the near future.
Louis Riggs
Associate Professor of English, Pre-Law Advisor, Director of Community EngagementHannibal-LaGrange University
Department of English
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Community Relations Interns?
Louis Riggs: The courses students can take to improve job prospects involve critical thinking and communication. As a member of the Workforce Development and Economic Development Committees over the last two years, I have seen alarming data about Gen Z's prospects, much of which revolves around disturbing gaps in problem solving skills and an inability to relate to those outside their peer groups. Digital natives grew up with cell phones that do the thinking for them-or so they believe. My department dropped the Statement of Assumed Prior Knowledge regarding research papers a decade ago because so many students have never completed a research paper before. I wrote research papers in grade school. Many of my students have no clue about the difference between a response paper and a research paper. After telling them a dozen times "There is no "I" in research," their default switch remains nothing but opinion. Fifteen years ago, we started research papers the last month of the semester. Today, we start research papers the first month. My students hit the library at least five times per semester out of necessity: otherwise, they will not go, despite the fact that librarians today are trained on how to navigate search terminology and have evolved with the information revolution.
Students also have a hard time communicating plain English because they speak "textese" with their peers. I literally send students out of class when caught texting and forbid laptops unless a student has an IEP because I have caught so many students checking social media accounts during instruction time.
Employers expect their workers to interact intelligently and courteously with their customers and fellow employees. They complain bitterly about horrible work ethics-Gen Z students have problems with showing up on time, staying on task and executing simple instructions. They have learned so much from their peers that is wrong, but are unwilling to entertain other points of view, including those who are paying them to theoretically follow simple instructions.
Taking speech courses helps students to more clearly organize their thoughts and interact more extensively with others.
What will help Community Relations Interns increase their earning potential?
Jeanne Halgren Kilde Ph.D.: Given the religious and cultural diversity that is present in all career paths these days, the fact that our students are comfortable discussing religion, knowledgeable about it, and able to facilitate communication among colleagues of difference traditions, makes them particularly attractive to many employers.
Warren von Eschenbach Ph.D.
Associate Vice President and Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs (ND International) and Associate Teaching ProfessorUniversity of Notre Dame
ND International and Philosophy
What type of skills will young Community Relations Interns need?
Warren von Eschenbach Ph.D.: Critical thinking and communication skills, information and quantitative literacy, teamwork and problem-solving abilities, ethical reasoning, and intercultural competency-all hallmarks of a liberal arts education-will continue to be essential skills for the future. But because of the rapid pace of technological, economic, and social change, graduates will need to possess an ability to continually learn anew, to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty, and to anticipate future trends or issues.
The pandemic has also shown that many of the big issues we are facing are complex, multi-faceted, and interdisciplinary in nature. Graduates who can integrate various paradigms into a larger framework will have a distinct advantage.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Community Relations Interns to find work opportunities?
Julie Way: While there are job opportunities for STEM students almost anywhere in the country, certainly large metropolitan areas hire more prolifically than rural and geographically challenging. I found a USAToday article that lists the top 15 cities hiring high tech workers, however, these lists will change year to year.
What skills stand out on Community Relations Internship resumes?
Julie Way: These are the most in-demand attributes year after year...
-Problem-solving skills and experience
-Ability to work on a team
-Industry-related Technical skills
-Analytical and quantitative skills
-Leadership
-Communication skills
-Strong work ethic
What experience really stands out on Community Relations Internship resumes?
Carl Barlett: While good GPAs and relevant majors are all well and good, students put too much focus on them in my experience. When I interviewed potential employees, what stood out for me on resumes was always something that made me want to ask them more questions. This might have been anything from in-depth projects or simulations they had participated in, case competitions they had voluntarily taken part in, or even unique hobbies they pursued in their free time. Anything that showed a spark of intellectual curiosity was paramount to me. In my experience, those with genuine interest and the desire to continue learning about what they do will always outlast those that approach their resume or professional skills as a checklist to complete.
What type of skills will young Community Relations Interns need?
Dr. Timothy Soelen: I was going to say flexibility but I'll choose elasticity instead. The abilty to change and adapt, be stretched and compressed. People capable of pivoting as quickly as our best educators did in March of 2020.
What experience really stands out on Community Relations Internship resumes?
Don Wyatt: The experience that most stands out on resumes is of two types, having been rather constant and very likely to continue to be so for the foreseeable future. They are the demonstrated abilities to work independently and also to work as part of a group. The first indicates one's capacity to be resourceful and creative as needed, especially under such pressures as deadlines. The second shows one to be an effective collaborator, to be able to function constructively and harmoniously as member of a team. Being truly successful in the world of work requires some combination of both types of experience.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Community Relations Internship job market given the pandemic?
Christopher Gehrz Ph.D.: I'm not sure a historian will be the best predictor of future trends. But I do think the pandemic's dislocation of the economy underscores how unlikely it is that new college graduates will spend their careers on a single track. When not just individual companies but whole sectors of the economy can be thrown into turmoil so quickly, it's important that college students use liberal arts studies to cultivate a breadth of knowledge and skills. Not only because that kind of learning transfers easily from one job to another, but because it prepares people well for the more advanced graduate and professional studies that will help them retool, adapt, and advance.
What general advice would you give to a Community Relations Internship?
Derek Arnold:
One of the things I stress to my incoming first-year students is that you need to be less concerned about specialized skills right off the start that you might develop over four (or more) years (and many will wind up changing their choice of that major anyhow over their collegiate career) and worry more about strong "general" skills that will apply to multiple areas "out there." I tell them that some jobs available in four years haven't even been created yet. Application software developers, data miners, 3d printing engineers, AI specialists--all these positions were in their infancy only a few years ago. Some of the people in school right now will be among the first who might be hired to fill the new jobs created.
To some extent, the training for them is not complete either, so some basic skills can help you be in the right place at the right time. Skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, logic/argumentation, and strong speaking skills never go out of style and can turn out to be a key to success once you get dropped into a situation that wasn't exactly what you were expecting when you were looking for your first "real" job. Think about it: If you bought stock in a company that employed Zoom support technicians, plexiglass screen manufacturers, and installers, mask makers, or contact tracing application software designers, you are probably sitting in a good place right now. The key is to be prepared, ready, and willing to explore new opportunities as they arise; there's a lot you can learn on the fly, but having a well developed, sensible pattern to address general questions to solve problems (or even what questions you need to ask) can put you in advantageous positions. There is a crying need for this, especially in today's ever-changing world.
What Community Relations Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Derek Arnold:
To some extent, deciding to take some time from their job searching and "waiting out" the worse of the pandemic for either health or other personal reasons might be a good choice for some people. I think the key is to work on developing some extra skills online during this time to keep yourself up on relevant news in fields you are interested in; do the same to perhaps train yourself in such things as software and applications such as social media used to network and communicate with other possible contact people, as well as their own targeted audiences.
Once you see what the environment is for future employment, determine how much you will "look around" before you attempt to enter the job market. There might be great opportunities that will present themself to you. Being open to these possibilities, even ahead of your initial "timeline," adds more control to your choices, not limit them. Finally, some extra skills that allow you to communicate with a more diverse group of potential customers might make the difference between you and other job applicants out there. Learning or brushing up on a foreign language (even something like sign language) can give you a crucial edge over someone else who is similar to you in other achievements.
What experience really stands out on Community Relations Internship resumes?
Brett Atwood: During the pandemic, finding a job is going to be more challenging than usual for new college graduates. To get a headstart on their job search, students should be proactive in optimizing their resumes and online portfolios, before they even graduate.
Prospective job seekers should make sure that their resumes contain the same keywords used by employers when describing key qualifications. That's because many hiring managers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) software to better manage and filter through a high volume of job prospects and applications. This means that there may be keyword filters used as resumes are scanned to identify top candidates who make the cut for consideration.
When we talk to employers about the skills they value most, one of the key things we hear is that writing is still fundamentally important. We may be in an age where texting and short-form communication is the norm for many students, but many employers bemoan the lack of candidates who possess the ability to communicate clearly using complete sentences, proper grammar, and (when appropriate) AP style compliance.
Employers want to see evidence of strong content creation skills and strategic thinking. That's why students should also prepare an online portfolio to accompany their resume. This can be hosted on a third-party platform or website creation service (such as WordPress or Wix) or even nested within your LinkedIn presence using its "Featured" section that allows the addition of links, articles, and media to your profile. A prospective employer will feel much more comfortable hiring someone after they see writing samples and/or examples of their work. Students who lack strong professional experience can still build a portfolio using elements that were created as part of an internship or class assignment.
What Community Relations Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Carolyn Lok: Based on the role or industry you're aiming for, I would suggest conducting research on the kinds of skills you should have, so that you can continue to stimulate your learning. There are a lot of trade skill certifications out there that anyone can look up and learn more about. Some of the ones I'd recommend for someone looking to go into PR or social media are Hootsuite, Facebook Analytics, or Google Analytics. You can also go on a website like Skillshare to discover even more. PRSSA offers students who are within six months of graduation (before and after) the opportunity to earn their Certificate in Principles of Public Relations. It offers lessons around communications models, media relations, ethics, and more.
What are the best companies to work for a Community Relations Internship?
Taylor Hahn Ph.D.: I don't want to endorse or focus on any specific company here. However, I think that Communication graduates will find that nearly every organization requires an extensive communication team. One of the significant benefits of a degree in Comm is adapting to an organization's communication needs. Graduates should consider focusing on organizations seeking to expand their communication efforts (either improving existing initiatives or reaching into new mediums) and that are able and willing to innovate (open to new ideas, willing to let employees build and develop communication initiatives). Many organizations are opposed to innovations in communication, either in form or content. This might be a warning sign for applicants.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Community Relations Interns in the next 5 years?
Taylor Hahn Ph.D.: There will always be a demand for competent communication experts, and we expect this trend to continue into the next five years and beyond. In 2019 MarketWatch listed Communication within the top 10 most versatile majors available to undergraduates https://www.natcom.org/sites/default/files/publications/NCA_CBrief_Vol9_6.pdf Communication, ranking above Computer Science and Information Technology. This demonstrates that employers are aware of the need for communication experts. While everyone needs to keep up-to-date on new trends in comm (new forms of digital communication, for example), the degree's core components are nearly universally desired and needed across markets and organizations.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Community Relations Interns to find work opportunities?
Taylor Hahn Ph.D.: One thing for applicants to consider is their interest in working on-site or remotely (digitally). Organizations were already beginning to move toward remote working for many communication needs, and the ongoing COVID pandemic has only exacerbated this trend. Graduates should consider their work style and use this insight to determine whether they work best in person or if online working is feasible. This requires a high degree of personal reflection, and there's no 'correct' answer here. So the first piece of advice I'd offer is to conduct an assessment of where and how you'd like to work and go from there. There is always a need for communication experts, so make sure to find the right fit for your needs.
Dr. Ginger Blackstone Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorHarding University
Department of Communication
How do you envision technology impacting Community Relations Interns in the next 5 years?
Dr. Ginger Blackstone Ph.D.: It's hard to predict. Things move so fast in this field. Again, today's journalist needs to be flexible, especially when it comes to platforms and tools. Learn new devices that can make the job easier. Try new apps or software to streamline workflow. Also, when covering a story, it's not just about taking notes. Snap some photos to promote your information on social media. Record an interview you can use as a video or audio clip on the website with your article. And you don't need heavy or complicated equipment. Smartphones take some pretty good photos and videos. And the audio isn't half bad. That's probably an area where we'll see a fair amount of improvement in handheld devices in the next five years. And if you don't know how to use something new, don't be shy about trying it out. There are so many tutorials on YouTube.
One last thing: I think journalists must filter out haters and skeptics who point fingers and accuse us of reporting "fake news" anytime they hear something they don't like. The optimist in me chooses to believe that the audience will figure things out in time. Some people need their beliefs reinforced and refuse to accept anything else. But truth has a way of coming out eventually. We aren't usually the ones that handle placating audiences. Our job is to inform them: tell the truth to the best of our abilities as clearly and transparently as possible. I would like to believe that if we do our jobs and stay the course, we will win back the public's trust. We cannot control what another person feels or believes. We can control what we write and say. The truth has a way of coming to light in time. We want to be on the right side of history.