Associates Program – Role & Opportunity Overview
Eligible for 2025 Graduates with a start date in July
Launch Your Career in Financial Communications | Learn from the Boutique with the Full Reach and Resources of Edelman
Edelman Smithfield is a global financial communications firm with the power and scope of Edelman, the world’s largest integrated communications agency. We advise senior leaders and management teams navigating complex matters that impact reputation and valuation and have deep expertise in serving and communicating to the financial markets. Serving clients in the United States, Canada, EMEA, APAC, and beyond, Edelman Smithfield offers a deep and talented bench of approximately 250 financial market specialists across more than 25 cities and 15 countries.
Edelman Smithfield’s Associates Program offers postgraduate students the opportunity to launch their careers in financial communications at the largest communications agency in the world. Our full-time, year-long program is designed to develop the next generation of financial communications professionals. Associates will work alongside global companies and financial services brands - including some of the world’s preeminent financial services firms and Fortune 500 companies- and develop media relations, research and writing skills while learning the intricacies of financial services, deal work, strategic situations, investor relations, digital financial communications and ESG.
Following the successful completion of the program, Associates will have the opportunity to be promoted into the account executive role to continue their career at Edelman Smithfield. The Associates Program has opportunities in our New York, Washington DC, San Francisco, and Chicago offices. We offer a flexible, hybrid work schedule with at least three days per week in the office.
Hands-On Experience and Opportunity - Associates will gain exposure to all aspects of the financial communications verticals within Edelman Smithfield, participating in both tactical and strategic elements of account management and client counsel. By the end of the program, Associates will obtain the following skills:
- Drafting and editing materials including press releases, investor presentations, Q&As and other materials
- Working with various media outlets to manage reporter contacts, inquiries, and interviews
- Monitor client-related news and filings daily, and alerting teams to breaking news events
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of clients’ businesses and key stakeholders, and impart critical knowledge to account team members
- Demonstrate exceptional writing and hone narrative development, messaging and creative skills
- Be a collaborative team member and serve as daily client support, partnering with the client lead when appropriate
- Participate in new business processes including research, proposal and pitch preparation
A Selective Program for the Leaders of Tomorrow - This position is ideal for an individual looking to take part in a fast-paced, intellectually challenging environment and to acquire the skills necessary to become a successful financial communications practitioner and advisor to companies of all sizes and industry sectors. The following skills and experience will be prioritized when seeking candidates:
- Excellent organization, keen attention to detail and the ability to adapt to new conditions, assignments and deadlines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to delegate tactical assignments and accurately judge and edit work of others
- Ability to take ownership of assigned projects and accountability of deliverables and tasks from start to finish
- A solid knowledge of MS Office Suite
- A strong work ethic and consistent dedication to providing quality work
- While direct financial experience is not required, candidates should be interested in experience in financial communications and/or related experience in research, investment management, consulting, marketing and finance
- Previous internship experience with other public relations, management consulting or communications agencies a bonus
