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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.
how to apply for the ruder finn executive trainee program
download executive trainee brochure (450.5 kb)
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 Counselors | Branding | Corporate Reputation & Responsibility (CoRR) |
| Corporate Technology | Global Issues Communications | Healthcare |
| RF Innovation Studios | Marketing | Visual Technology |
| Travel and Economic Development | Broadcast and Media Services | Multicultural 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:
| Sessions | Period | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2010 | February 8, 2010-June 4, 2010 | in our hands November 5, 2009 |
| Summer 2010 | June 14, 2010-October 1, 2010 | in our hands February 12, 2010 |
| Fall 2010 | October 4, 2010-January 21, 2011 | in our hands June 25, 2010 |
| Spring 2011 | January 31, 2011-May 27, 2011 | in our hands October 22, 2010 |
| Summer 2011 | June 13, 2011-October 7, 2011 | in our hands March 11, 2011 |
