Ketchum PRISM Fellowship 2026: Apply Now
Are you a graduate student passionate about public relations research? The Ketchum PRISM Fellowship 2026 offers a paid summer opportunity to gain real-world experience in research, insights, strategy, and measurement at a top PR agency.
This fellowship targets students in public relations, communications, or business fields. It lets you work hands-on with Ketchum’s teams on client projects. At the end, you create a research paper for publication.
What Is the Ketchum PRISM Fellowship?
The Ketchum PRISM Fellowship focuses on excellence in public relations research, insights, strategy, and measurement. It runs for eight weeks in the summer of 2026. Fellows work in person at Ketchum offices in New York City, Chicago, or Dallas.
You will join the Analytics and Strategy teams. Expect to handle projects on measurement, analytics, and strategic research. These tasks expose you to a full-service PR agency’s resources and clients. The goal is to learn what makes research useful for PR practice.
Your final output is a research paper for industry pros. It must use top tools for insights on PR strategies. Add creative elements like infographics or videos if you want.
Key Benefits
Fellows earn $22 per hour. You work an average of 40 hours per week, with at least three days in the office. This setup gives deep exposure to PR challenges.
After finishing, submit your paper to the Institute for Public Relations (IPR). If accepted, you get a $2,500 grant. IPR will publish it on their site.
You also earn recognition at the 2026 IPR Annual Awards Gala in New York City on December 3. This boosts your resume in the PR field.
Eligibility Requirements
Open to graduate students in Master’s or PhD programs in public relations, communications, business, or research. You need at least one year of study completed. Post-doctoral candidates can apply too.
You must show full fluency in written and spoken English. Highlight any PR-related work, research, or relevant experience.
How to Apply
Gather these materials:
- A statement of interest. Explain why you deserve the Ketchum PRISM Fellowship.
- A research prospectus. Keep it to 1,000 words or less. Describe your planned research topic.
- Your resume. List PR work, research, or other key experience.
Submit via this application link. For details, check the Ketchum PRISM Fellowship page.
Deadline
Applications close on April 17, 2026. Apply soon to secure your spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ketchum PRISM Fellowship?
It is an eight-week paid summer program in 2026 for graduate students to gain hands-on experience in PR research, insights, strategy, and measurement at Ketchum offices in New York, Chicago, or Dallas.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Graduate students in Master’s or PhD programs in public relations, communications, business, or research with at least one year completed, plus post-doctoral candidates fluent in English with relevant experience.
What are the benefits of the fellowship?
Fellows earn $22 per hour for 40 hours a week, submit a research paper for a possible $2,500 grant and publication by IPR, and get recognition at the 2026 IPR Awards Gala.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
Submit a statement of interest, 1,000-word research prospectus, and resume via the SurveyMonkey link by April 17, 2026.