Communications Intern - Summer 2025 - job 1 of 2

As a Communications Intern at Northwestern Medicine, your responsibilities will include supporting your manager and the communications team in writing and editing various content types for newsletters and other communications projects. You will conduct interviews to gather information for articles, provide ad hoc writing support to team members, and perform additional tasks as needed. This role not only allows you to practice your writing and editing skills but also gives you a front-row seat to the inner workings of healthcare communications.

To be considered for the Communications Intern position at Northwestern Medicine, you must be a degree-seeking student or higher. Key qualifications include excellent written and oral communication skills, the ability to conduct interviews, and proficiency in writing and editing. You should also manage your schedule independently and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment. While the completion of at least the sophomore year is preferred, these skills are essential for success in this role.

During your internship as a Communications Intern at Northwestern Medicine, you'll have the chance to enhance your healthcare writing and editing skills significantly. You'll also sharpen your interviewing techniques as you interact with various sources to create compelling content. This internship positions you to grow in a supportive environment where teamwork is emphasized, and learning is encouraged, allowing you to build a strong foundation for your future career.

The Communications Intern program at Northwestern Medicine is a 12-week internship that begins on May 14, 2025, and concludes on August 5, 2025. This timeline is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience while allowing interns to contribute meaningfully to the communications team. Make sure to apply by January 24, 2025, to be part of this exciting opportunity!

While specific details about compensation for the Communications Intern position at Northwestern Medicine may vary, internships typically offer valuable experience and skills development that can enhance your career prospects. Be sure to inquire during the application process about the specifics regarding compensation and any additional benefits that may be available to interns.

When answering this question, express your genuine enthusiasm for the role and how it aligns with your career goals. Mention your passion for healthcare communication and how you’re excited to contribute to an organization that prioritizes patient interactions and high-quality content.

In your response, detail your steps for effective writing. Discuss brainstorming ideas, conducting research, organizing information, drafting the content, and revising for clarity and accuracy. Highlight your ability to adapt your tone to suit the audience, especially in a healthcare context.

To effectively handle tight deadlines, prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Discuss your strategy for breaking down projects into manageable parts and how you maintain organization using tools like to-do lists or project management apps. Emphasize your ability to communicate with team members to ensure everyone is aligned.

Mention your approach to preparing for interviews, such as researching the interviewee beforehand and preparing open-ended questions. Discuss active listening skills and your ability to ask follow-up questions to clarify or expand on key points. Highlight your adaptability in engaging with different personalities.

To ensure clarity and engagement in your writing, emphasize the importance of knowing your audience and the topic well. Discuss using a strong structure with clear main points, utilizing visuals when applicable, and employing a conversational tone to connect with readers while ensuring the content is succinct.

Articulate that teamwork in communications fosters creativity and diverse perspectives, leading to richer, more impactful content. Discuss how collaboration with other team members allows for sharing of ideas, constructive feedback, and ensuring the final product aligns with organizational goals.

Indicate your receptiveness to constructive feedback as a crucial aspect of personal growth. Explain how you analyze the feedback, seek clarification when needed, and implement the suggestions to improve your writing. Emphasize that feedback is an opportunity to learn and refine your skills.

Identify a specific strength such as your writing clarity, adaptability to different styles, ability to interview effectively, or proficiency in editing. Give examples of how this strength has benefited you in previous experiences or school projects, particularly in a communications setting.

Illustrate your approach to promoting a health awareness campaign through strategic messaging targeted at specific audiences. Discuss your plan for utilizing various platforms like newsletters, social media, and internal communications, along with your techniques for crafting compelling stories that resonate with the audience.

Express your goals for personal and professional development through the internship. Mention your desire to gain hands-on experience, refine your writing and editing skills, and contribute meaningfully to the communications team while understanding the healthcare sector better.