Ohio State Fair PR & Marketing Internship Program

Apply by Wednesday, Dec. 18

• Complete the application through the portal below. Be sure to complete each question and upload a resume, as well as, three writing samples (such as press releases, newsletters, blog posts, magazine articles, etc.).

Opportunities

• Preview the real world of public relations in an exciting setting.
• Be treated as a professional communicator and assigned important projects such as writing news releases, contributing to social media content, creating brand journalism content, collaborating on the Fair’s media kit, organizing events, writing newsletters, and more.
• Pitch stories, set up interviews and coordinate live broadcasts when working directly with media, one-on-one, during the Fair.
• Serve as the key contact to radio and television stations regarding their promotions and remote broadcasts at the Fair.
• Complete important assignments in media relations, promotions, desktop publishing and project management.
• Enhance your formal education with great on-the-job training.

Qualifications

• Be a current college junior, senior or recent graduate studying public relations, communications or journalism.
• Have experience writing news releases, organizing events, pitching stories and designing and writing newsletters; desktop publishing or basic design experience (such as Adobe InDesign and Canva) is a plus.
  
• Be detail-oriented, respectful of deadlines, and conscientious.
• Be self-motivated with the drive to follow through. Work will be completed as a team as well as individually in a fast-paced, fun atmosphere.

When You'll Work

• Hours: Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in May, June and July. You will be required to work shifts on Saturdays, July 12 and July 19, 2025.
• Dates of employment: Monday, May 12 - Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, (tentative based on school schedules). The entire internship cannot exceed 14 weeks. There is no work on state holidays: May 26, June 19, and July 4. Extended hours during the Fair: During the 12 days of the Fair, July 23 - Aug. 3, 2025, extended hours will be required (at least a 14-hour shift daily). Interns cannot take time off during the Fair.

Questions?

What do past interns say this experience?

“I feel so lucky to have spent my summer as a PR/Marketing intern for the Ohio State Fair. I am walking away with strong connections, experience gained, and a new perspective on the professional media scene. From start to finish, I could feel that the other interns and I were doing work that was crucial and relevant to the success of the Fair. It was really special to see all of our projects come to fruition around the fairgrounds. The Fair team prepped us with all of the knowledge we needed and more to be equipped to serve as a point person to local media partners. Working directly with these partners opens so many doors to learn about public relations and journalism on a professional level and this experience was invaluable. If you are seeking a fun, challenging, and meaningful summer, you’re in the right place.”

“It was a great privilege and honor to spend the summer as an Ohio State Fair PR and Marketing Intern. Throughout the summer, I gained more than I have ever thought possible. While I did gain critical and valuable career skills that will help me in the future, I gained something more. I gained confidence in my ability to create connections with others whether they are a close friend or a stranger. It has never been a strong suit of mine to connect with others and break outside of my shell, but this internship pushed me in the right direction. The Ohio State Fair PR and Marketing Internship Program is an excellent experience and will prepare you for whatever you decide in your future career.”

“Working as a PR and Marketing Intern at the Ohio State Fair is an experience I do not think I will ever be able to replicate. Not only am I walking away with enhanced skills in journalism, marketing, and public relations, but I now feel comfortable and confident as a professional. It is beyond special to see your own work around the Fairgrounds and know that you are crucially contributing to an event that brings thousands of people joy. I am beyond thankful that I had the chance to experience the Ohio State Fair through an incredible and immersive internship program that leaves you feeling prepared for your future.”