At a Glance
- Tasks: Support client teams with media monitoring, research, and content creation.
- Company: Join Kekst CNC, a leading global strategic communications firm.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, extensive training, mentorship, and dynamic work culture.
- Other info: Gain exposure to diverse industries and work alongside experienced professionals.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in PR and strategic communications with hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for news, strong interpersonal skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
We counsel CEOs, boards, and leadership teams as they seek to grow, transform and protect their businesses. For more than 50 years, companies and institutions have turned to Kekst CNC in high-stakes situations - transactions, transformation, shareholder activism, crises and regulatory scrutiny. In these moments, how a business defines its reputation shapes its future. Our heritage lies at the intersection of strategy, capital markets and reputation. We combine senior counsel, deep insight, critical judgement and rigorous execution so that strategy and communication reinforce each other and drive measurable outcomes.
To support our growing London Office, we are offering competitively paid ten-month graduate placements from September 2027.
If you are looking for the chance to gain experience in PR and strategic communications, while contributing to an ambitious organisation, then this opportunity is for you. We are looking for multiple proactive, curious and motivated graduates to join our growing London office this September for a ten-month graduate placement.
As a Graduate Associate, you form an important part of our London team. At the beginning you will receive varied training sessions to help you succeed in your role and prepare you for when you start working directly with our client teams. This ten-month program will allow you to gain exposure to a range of well-known companies and industries, as well as hands-on experience across several disciplines - for example: Corporate, Financial and Digital Communications, as well as Public Affairs. The work varies from media monitoring, new business research projects, drafting content for social media and press releases, tracking parliamentary debates and select committee hearings. This graduate program can be a great stepping-stone towards a career in strategic communications!
Responsibilities
- Monitoring for client coverage and sending daily coverage reports
- Building relevant media lists for client announcements
- Research for new business opportunities and supporting teams with new business pitches
- Research for existing clients e.g. potential media and high-profile speaking opportunities
- Developing detailed briefing materials for clients e.g. media engagements and meetings with key stakeholders
- Completing transcripts of client interviews and developing impactful long-form written content
- Supporting with account administration and attending team meetings
Qualifications
- Have an aspiration to pursue a career in strategic communications
- Are passionate about news, current affairs and the media
- Enjoy working both independently and as part of high-performing teams
- Excel with strong interpersonal skills
- Have excellent attention to detail and the ability to deliver high-quality work to tight deadlines
- Are proactive with a can-do attitude and an ability to manage multiple tasks at a time
- Have Microsoft Office proficiency with a command of the MS Office package (especially PowerPoint and Excel)
- Are proficient and curious in using AI-powered tools, such as Microsoft Copilot, Claude and other emerging platforms, to enhance research, drafting and problem-solving.
- Are a creative writer with excellent written and spoken English skills. Additional languages would be of benefit e.g. German, French
- Have the right to work in the UK - the role is conditional on you having, or obtaining, the right to work in the UK
Additional Information
Kekst CNC offers a dynamic working environment, characterised by the highest level of professionalism, challenging work, a lot of fun and an open corporate culture. This graduate placement provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience in a leading global strategic communications firm. Graduates will gain broad exposure to the company’s accounts and mandates by providing support to a variety of client teams. Graduates will gain an insight into how their and others’ work contributes to the account and wider business by working closely with colleagues. In addition to working with and learning from highly experienced advisers, you will have access to extensive in-person and online training throughout the Graduate placement. Finally, an internal mentor will be assigned to each graduate for support and guidance.
Graduate Associate employer: Publicis Groupe UK
Publicis Sapient is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Digital Transformation Associate Consultant, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, working alongside industry leaders while contributing to impactful projects for diverse clients. With a focus on a start-up mindset, the company encourages creativity and agility, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a vibrant environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Associate
✨Get Involved in PR Communities
Dive into local PR communities or online forums like PR Week and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR). Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can help you get noticed and might lead to placement opportunities with companies like Publicis Groupe UK.
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're currently in uni, make the most of your career services. They often have connections with PR firms looking for placement students, and they can help you polish your interview skills specifically for PR roles.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills Publicly
Create a portfolio showcasing your PR projects, whether they're university assignments or small freelance gigs. This will not only serve as a strong visual reference when talking to potential employers but also highlight your creativity and communication skills.
✨Explore PR Events and Workshops
Attend PR events, webinars, and workshops in your area. These gatherings are gold mines for networking, where you can meet industry professionals who might just have their eyes on a placement candidate like you. Plus, it’s a chance to get your name out there in the PR scene!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:When applying for a public relations placement, we want to see your exceptional communication abilities shine through. Use your CV and cover letter to highlight experience in writing press releases, managing media lists, or any relevant coursework. Make it engaging—this is your chance to showcase how well you can convey messages!
Include Your Portfolio of Work:If you’ve worked on any PR campaigns or have samples of press materials, don’t be shy—include a link to your portfolio! We at Publicis Groupe UK love seeing real examples of your creativity and initiative. Even if it’s from school projects or internships, it demonstrates your hands-on experience and passion for the field.
Tailor Your Application to Us:Make sure your application reflects your interest in Publicis Groupe UK specifically. Research our recent campaigns or initiatives and mention in your cover letter how your skills align with our goals. Demonstrating knowledge about our work really shows you’re serious and ready to contribute!
Share Your Enthusiasm for Learning:As this is a placement, we’re especially keen on your motivation to learn. Use your cover letter to explain why you're interested in PR and what you hope to gain from this placement. Highlighting your willingness to dive into tasks and absorb knowledge demonstrates that you’re ready for the exciting challenges ahead!
How to prepare for a job interview at Publicis Groupe UK
✨Get Your Story Straight
In public relations, storytelling is everything. Before your interview with Publicis Groupe UK, think about your own story and how it relates to the role of a PR intern. Have a couple of compelling examples ready that showcase your communication skills, creativity, and any relevant experience, even if it's just from your studies.
✨Show Off Your Media Savvy
Familiarise yourself with current trends in the media and think about how they impact public relations. When discussing your knowledge, mention specific tools like Canva or social media platforms you’ve used in projects. This will demonstrate that you’re not just academically aware; you’re ready to jump into the fast-paced world of PR at Publicis Groupe UK.
✨Prep for Scenario Questions
PR roles often involve dealing with unexpected scenarios, so be prepared for situational questions during your interview. Think about how you would respond to a PR crisis or manage client relationships. They want to see how you think on your feet, so don’t shy away from showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
As a placement student, show how eager you are to learn and grow in the industry. Talk about what you hope to gain from the experience at Publicis Groupe UK, apart from just padding out your CV. This will convey your motivation to get involved and make the most of your time with them.
