Intern, Government Affairs and Corporate Communications

Job Description
APCO Shanghai is currently recruiting interns for a program starting in mid-September or the end of October 2025.

Brief Description
APCO's internship opportunities provide both Chinese and international students with valuable and substantive work experience. Our program strives to involve interns in all aspects of the company. APCO's interns become integral team members on a wide range of accounts, providing critical support while learning more about the industry.

While APCO can be flexible to the schedules of our candidates, we would require the internship length to be for a minimum of three months and a maximum of six months. (Preference will be given to candidates who can commit to working full time (8 hours per day, Monday-Friday) over a six-month period)

Outstanding interns may be given the opportunity to transition to permanent, full-time employment. It depends on the result of performance review and full-time vacancy situation.

Interns are responsible for supporting assigned staff on all projects across APCO's wide range of services including government relations, strategic communications, risk analysis and market entry. Interns will take the following responsibilities under the guidance of project managers or the Intern Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities

• News monitoring and analysis;
• Conducting research for existing projects and new business opportunities;
• Providing support in content drafting, media relations, online community engagement and event management;
• Assisting with business proposal development;
• Active participation in brainstorming and strategy planning sessions;
• Performing similar duties as assigned

Qualifications And Standards

• Work in the office,
• Work for at least 3 months,
• Work at least 3 days a week during the office hour (9:30 – 18:30, from Monday to Friday),
• Stipend for full-time intern colleague is 3550 RMB per month, part-time would be prorated.

And for candidates who do not hold Chinese citizenship

• Our preference is for candidates based in Mainland China who can work onsite at our office, hold a valid Chinese student visa, and are eligible to receive an internship annotation for the duration of the engagement.
• Please note that APCO cannot provide candidates with visa support, but will provide the required documentation for successful candidates to apply for the internship annotation
• APCO can offer compensation to interns with an active bank account in Mainland China. If this does not apply, we will accept candidates on the understanding that their internship would be unpaid

EDUCATION:
Bachelor or master's degree in progress, preferably in international relations, political science, communications, public relations, or related fields

Languages

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in Mandarin and English required
• Please note that for expatriate applicants, proficiency in spoken Chinese is highly desirable but not a must requirement

Experience
Relevant internship experience preferred

Core Skills

• Strong interest in pursuing a career in corporate communications and/or government relations;
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and with analytical thinking;
• Able to balance multiple tasks and work in a fast-paced environment
• Able to work as in a team and independently;
• Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;
• Proficiency with design and video editing tools (e.g. Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and Premiere) preferred

APCO IN GREATER CHINA
Having entered the China market as one of the first consultancies in 1989, APCO has helped a wide range of organizations succeed in this complex but rewarding environment. We are keenly sensitive to changes in the political, regulatory and business landscape across China and advise business, government and non-profit organizations on issues critical to their success through our offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

We provide our clients with business advisory and public affairs offerings ranging from market entry strategy and government relations to risk assessment. Our strategic communications expertise in crisis management, media engagement and digital communications help our clients protect and enhance their reputation in this fast-moving market.

Our multilingual, cross-cultural team of more than 50 is made up of professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds, including business, government, journalism, academia and non-profit. This breadth of experience and perspective allows us to provide integrated solutions tailored to the specific goals of our clients.

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Careers at APCO
Through our recruitment, hiring and retention efforts, APCO is committed to building teams to bring the best possible expertise and robust perspectives to our clients. We embrace differences in experience, viewpoint and ideas, starting with our values and extending to our behaviors, policies and practices. We aim to create a positive work experience and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.

About APCO
ABOUT US
APCO is a global advisory and advocacy firm helping leading corporations, foundations and governments navigate a complex world and create lasting impact.

Founded in 1984, with one woman's vision and bold action, APCO has grown into an independent, majority women-owned firm of more than 1,200 employees with work spanning 80 markets around the world.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO is comprised of strategic advisers, consultants and creators, working together across borders and functions, to provide services and expertise on financial, competitive, political and societal issues.

APCO is a trusted partner to bold purpose-led leaders, lawmakers, government officials, NGOs, the media and other stakeholders in the health, energy, technology, transportation & infrastructure and food & consumer products sectors. For 40 years, the firm has provided public affairs, crisis & reputation, impact, corporate reputation and global solutions services.

APCO is renowned for its ability to champion clients' interests and permission to operate , build their reputation and strengthen their standing. APCO's integrated approach and team of tenacious and empathic talent create connections and winning strategies that accelerate progress and deepen impact.

By bringing diverse people and ideas together, and working beyond traditional boundaries, APCO builds the un/common ground upon which progress is made.