Saint Anselm College has partnered with Montagne Powers, a leading strategic communications firm, to provide students with impactful experiences in communications and public affairs through a new internship program. The collaboration caters to students interested in getting hands-on experience in public and community relations, corporate communications, public affairs, digital and social media, and marketing.
The program represents a unique collaboration between industry and academia, providing students with direct access to the fast-paced environment of a full-service agency, and opportunities to work on real client projects.Participants will dive into projects spanning the various fields of communications and marketing, while learning from the experts behind some of the region’s most recognized brands and organizations.
Interns at Montagne Powers will write and deliver press releases, conduct research, engage with local, regional, and national media outlets, and attend press conferences and client video shoots.
In addition to gaining valuable skills and experience, students will walk away with a portfolio of work to help launch their professional post-graduate careers.
Montagne Powers Partner, E.J. Powers ’05, graduated from Saint Anselm with a degree in politics. He credits his networking opportunities at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics (NHIOP) with his two-decade career in strategic communications.
“I was able to launch my career thanks to an internship I identified while studying at the NHIOP and it changed the course of my life,” says Powers.
“[Montagne Powers] has long welcomed interns from Saint Anselm and found them to be exceptionally smart, curious and motivated. We are passionate about creating the same opportunities for the next generation and helping students get their start in the industry.”
English Professor and Internship Coordinator Jennifer Thorn, Ph.D., has assisted previous Montagne Powers interns and is thrilled that the firm and College established a more formal relationship.
“[This] internship allows [students] to develop their already-strong skills in a professional and supportive environment,” she says. “I’m eager to work with students who want to be and will be on this path.”
Powers is joined at the firm by fellow alumnus Charlie Sebastyn ’21. As an emerging professional himself, Sebastyn enjoys connecting with interns and being a helping hand.
Montagne Powers says an ideal intern is a self-starter who doesn’t shy from challenges. Qualified students must be team players with excellent organization, verbal, and written communication skills. Understanding social media channels, influencer marketing, and standard news practice is equally beneficial.
“We are grateful to Powers for his ongoing commitment to [his alma mater] and eager to see our students grow and learn with this exceptional internship opportunity,” says Saint Anselm’s Executive Director of Partnerships and Philosophy Professor Max Latona, Ph.D.
The Strategic Communications Internship is recommended to Communication, English, and Politics majors or minors, but open to any students considering a career in for-profit, non-profit, or government sectors. It is open to rising juniors and seniors for academic credit or professional development.
For further information on the internship, students can contact Professor Thorn or the Career Development Center.