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return to careersRuder Finn Executive Trainee (ET) Program

Ruder Finn's paid Executive Training Program is well known throughout the public relations industry. This 30-year-old program is offered three times a year in our New York City headquarters.

The Executive Training Program is for recent college graduates who are interested in exploring a career in public relations.

  • Many of our new trainees have little to no prior experience in the field.
  • Executive Trainees work full time, 35 hours per week, and attend weekly classes.

There is no set number of Executive Trainees per session. The class size varies widely from session to session. We receive the largest number of ETs participating in the summer program.

 

 

Program Eligibility

Executive Trainee applicants must have graduated from college before the session they apply for begins. Candidates with graduate degrees are also eligible to apply, but a graduate degree is not a requirement.

All applicants must have a social security number and be authorized to work in the U.S. permanently - no exceptions.

 

Program Description

Executive Trainees gain exposure to every facet of the public relations business. Ruder Finn educates Trainees on the fundamental skills of public relations, including:

  • writing,
  • media monitoring,
  • media relations,
  • electronic media,
  • special event planning,
  • new business presentation, and more.

Executive Trainees are typically assigned to a specific practice area of the Agency.


Ruder Finn's practice areas

Arts & Communications CounselorsBrandingCorporate Reputation & Responsibility (CoRR)
Corporate TechnologyGlobal Issues CommunicationsHealthcare
RF Innovation StudiosMarketingVisual Technology
Travel and Economic DevelopmentBroadcast and Media ServicesMulticultural Marketing

Executive Trainee classes

Classes are held every day for the first week of the Executive Trainee Program. After the first week, classes are held once a week during the course of the regular workday. Classes feature lectures by staff experts, discussions emphasizing the fundamental skills of public relations, and experiential workshops.

Executive Trainee pay

Executive Trainees work full time and are paid based on an annual salary of $24,000, which is pro-rated for the four months of the Program. Trainees do not receive benefits during their tenure in the program. Program graduates hired as assistant account executives are hired at a competitive salary and begin to receive benefits immediately.

Living in New York

Ruder Finn does not provide living quarters, but can suggest resources to help Trainees find housing and roommates. Trainees sometimes rent apartments together; a list of all Trainees for the session is sent to participants as early as possible.

 

Executive Trainee Program Sessions

There are three Executive Training sessions each year:

SessionsPeriodApplication Deadline
Spring 2010February 8, 2010-June 4, 2010in our hands November 5, 2009
Summer 2010June 14, 2010-October 1, 2010in our hands February 12, 2010
Fall 2010October 4, 2010-January 21, 2011in our hands June 25, 2010
Spring 2011January 31, 2011-May 27, 2011in our hands October 22, 2010
Summer 2011June 13, 2011-October 7, 2011in our hands March 11, 2011
 
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