Are you a graduate student dreaming of a career in public relations? The Ketchum PRISM Fellowship 2026 could be your ticket to hands-on experience and real industry impact. This paid summer program helps you blend research with practical PR work, and applications close soon on April 17, 2026.
About the Ketchum PRISM Fellowship
The Ketchum PRISM Fellowship for Excellence in Public Relations Research, Insights, Strategy, and Measurement targets graduate students in public relations, communications, business, or similar fields. Ketchum Analytics runs it with the Institute for Public Relations. The goal is to connect classroom research with everyday PR jobs.
This eight-week program happens in person from mid-June to mid-August 2026. You will work at a Ketchum office in New York City, Chicago, or Dallas. Fellows join the Analytics and Strategy teams on actual client projects. You also create a research paper using new tools and ideas. That paper might get published on the Institute for Public Relations site.
Benefits You Will Gain
The fellowship pays $22 per hour for about 40 hours a week. You get real exposure to PR projects alongside pros. Your research paper could earn a $2,500 grant if accepted. Plus, you attend the IPR Annual Awards Gala in New York City for networking.
You build skills in analytics, strategy, and research. This sets you up for jobs in public relations, communications strategy, or data analysis. The mix of pay, experience, and visibility makes it a strong step forward.
Why This Fellowship Stands Out
Public relations today relies on data to understand audiences and measure campaigns. The Ketchum PRISM Fellowship 2026 trains you to deliver insights that shape business choices. It prepares you for a field where research drives success.
Publishing your work and meeting leaders gives you an edge in job hunts. You gain credibility and connections early on. For anyone in a tough job market, this program offers skills and proof of your talent.
Who Can Apply
You must be a graduate student in Master’s or PhD programs related to public relations research. Post-docs are welcome too. You need at least one year of study done. Speak and write English well. Work in person at least three days a week in New York, Chicago, or Dallas. Be free for 40 hours weekly during summer.
Show passion for PR research, measurement, and strategy. You should turn complex ideas into useful advice.
How to Apply
Submit a statement of interest explaining your fit. Include a research prospectus up to 1,000 words on your topic. Add your resume with school, research, or work experience.
A panel of experts reviews entries. Top picks get interviews with Ketchum. Deadline is April 17, 2026. The fellowship starts mid-June, and the final paper is due November 10, 2026. Check the official site at the Institute for Public Relations for details. Act fast to join the Ketchum PRISM Fellowship 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ketchum PRISM Fellowship 2026?
It is an eight-week paid summer program for graduate students that blends PR research with real client projects at Ketchum offices.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Graduate students in Master’s or PhD programs related to public relations, communications, or business, with at least one year of study completed, and able to work in person in New York, Chicago, or Dallas.
What benefits does the fellowship offer?
You earn $22 per hour for 40 hours a week, gain hands-on experience, create a publishable research paper, and network at events like the IPR Awards Gala.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
Submit a statement of interest, a research prospectus up to 1,000 words, and your resume by April 17, 2026, through the Institute for Public Relations website.
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