At PLUS, we view internships a little differently. Each summer, we welcome a highly competitive cohort of college students and recent graduates into our fellowship program – an immersive, eight- to 12-week experience designed to provide meaningful exposure to the world of public affairs. From day one, our fellows are integrated into the core of our work: supporting client teams, contributing to real-time strategy and engaging in a range of projects.
Fellows are placed on specific account teams, take on core responsibilities such as media monitoring, research, content creation and strategic planning, and receive ongoing guidance from mentors invested in their growth.
In addition to client work, fellows participate in PLUS University, our in-house training series, and collaborate on a capstone project that ties together everything they’ve learned. It’s a fast-paced, hands-on and team-driven experience – and for many, it’s a launchpad into a career in public affairs.
We asked this summer’s fellows to reflect on their experiences. Read on to hear what they had to say about what sets the PLUS fellowship apart.
Colette (Public Affairs/Operations): My favorite part of working at PLUS has been the people. Whether it’s cross-department collaboration, group volunteering, working lunches, or pickleball games, you can immediately tell PLUS is a place where people genuinely enjoy working together and supporting one another.
Mallory (Public Affairs): My favorite part of working at PLUS this summer has been getting to know my coworkers and spending time with the other fellows. The six public affairs fellows all sit together in the bullpen on the eighth floor, and some of the best parts of my day are when we are all at our desks, catching up and learning from one another.
Kaky (Public Affairs): The three people who have had the most significant impact on me during my time at PLUS are Claire Rooney, Patrick Stanton and Ryan Hoffman. All three have offered me the perfect balance of guidance and trust as I learn new skills. Their support and reassurance have made a lasting impression on me, and I will remember what I have learned from them as I continue developing my public affairs abilities.
Logan (Public Affairs): All of my points of contact and mentors at PLUS have been very supportive of my learning and growth. However, I would have to say that the manager of the fellows’ program, Timmy, has been the most impactful. Timmy has been extremely helpful and welcoming throughout my time at PLUS, and has provided the fellows with the resources needed to ensure our success.
Peyton (Public Affairs): The person who has had the most impact on me is Julia Monahan. I was assigned to two accounts and a group project with her, so we got to know each other very well. She’s not much older than I am, so working with her gave me a good glimpse of what it’s like working right after college and of her day-to-day responsibilities.
Ava (Public Affairs): Working at PLUS has given me a greater understanding of how strategic communications shape public perception and policy. I have gained insight into navigating politics and media, and I look forward to using that knowledge in the future.
Jack (Public Affairs): Working at PLUS has given me valuable, hands-on experience, which has provided me with a clearer understanding of the kind of work I want to pursue long-term. It helped me build practical skills, grow more confident professionally and confirmed that I am on the right path.
Emma (Research): So far, my favorite projects have been the ones related to the legislative and policy-making process. It has been fascinating to explore the research side of the political sphere, which is often less visible, but absolutely critical to effective strategy and decision-making. Getting to analyze data, understand voter behavior and contribute to the research that informs real-world policy efforts has given me a whole new perspective. It has deepened my appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that drives campaigns and has reaffirmed my interest in pursuing a career that bridges research and public impact.
Bryce (Public Affairs): My favorite project this summer was supporting a Texas-based technology company. I loved working on something close to home, especially because the product was genuinely innovative and exciting to learn about.
Matty (Public Affairs): My favorite project this summer has been working on marketing and new business at PLUS. I’ve written content for social media and blogs, which helped me sharpen my writing and marketing skills while learning from experienced and supportive mentors.
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