Ketchum PRISM Fellowship 2026 for Excellence in Public Relations Research, Insights, Strategy, and Measurement 

Deadline: April 17, 2026

Applications are open for the Ketchum PRISM Fellowship for Excellence in Public Relations Research, Insights, Strategy, and Measurement 2026. The Ketchum PRISM Fellowship for Excellence in Public Relations Research, Insights, Strategy, and Measurement provides a public relations/communications or business school graduate student with the opportunity to gain practical experience in public relations research at Ketchum and learn the meaning of “research that matters to the practice.”

The Fellow will also have the opportunity to gain true hands-on experience in the public relations industry and have their resulting research paper published on the Institute for Public Relations (IPR) website.

Benefits

The selected Fellow will complete an eight-week, in-person public relations research fellowship at Ketchum during the summer of 2026, earning $22/hour.

• The Fellow will be required to work at least three days per week in the office at one of Ketchum’s locations in New York City, Chicago, or Dallas.
• They will work an average of 40 hours per week with Ketchum’s Analytics and Strategy teams, gaining hands-on experience with a variety of clients and challenges. Their projects will range from measurement and analytics to strategic positioning research, with exposure to all areas of the full-service PR agency and its resources.

At the end of the fellowship, the Fellow will produce a research paper intended for industry practitioners. While not an academic paper, it should be rigorous and incorporate the latest, best-in-class technologies/tools for generating insights on PR strategies.

• Development of one or more nontraditional components (infographics, video, etc.) to present the aforementioned research is encouraged.
• Upon acceptance for publication by IPR, the Fellow will receive a $2,500 grant for the research paper.
• The Fellow will be recognized at the 2026 IPR Annual Awards Gala in New York City on December 3, 2026

Eligibility

• Graduate students pursuing a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in public relations, communications, business, or research who have completed at least one year of study are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Post-doctoral candidates are welcome to apply.
• The successful candidate must demonstrate complete fluency in written and spoken English.

Application

Required application materials include:

• Statement of Interest: Explain why you feel you should be considered for the The Ketchum PRISM Fellowship
• Research Prospectus: In 1000 words or less, explain the topic of research you plan to cover
• Resume: Include public relations-related work/research experience and/or other pertinent experience

Click here to apply

For more information, visit Ketchum PRISM Fellowship.