PUBLIC RELATIONS

EXECUTIVETRAININGPROGRAM

“Men do not sufficiently realize thattheir future is in their own hands.”

– Henri Bergson

Ruder Finn, Inc. has been leading the evolution of communicationsconsulting for more than fifty years. Today, our reputation forimpacting the world of public opinion and achieving positivechange for our leading-edge clients has been extended aroundthe globe and across cyberspace. Our insight and breadth ofhands-on experience have created some of the mostsuccessful communications campaigns of the last fewdecades—for start-ups, as well as Fortune 500 companies,world organizations and cultural institutions.

We are one of the world’s largest privately held agencies. Our independence affords us theopportunity to reinvest in our most profitable assets: our people and their knowledge. Weare a dynamic and energetic group of communications professionals who place a highpriority on using our problem-solving skills, ingenuity, and imagination to help clientsachieve real business results. The Ruder Finn team is committed to the highest standardof professional excellence and integrity. While composed of industry-specific businessunits, we operate as an integrated Agency that calls upon the insight and experi-ence of executives in relevant specialties.

“It is wrong to speak about the past if wedon’t act in the future.”

– Elie Wiesel

THE EXECUTIVE TRAINING PROGRAMRuder Finn’s paid Executive Training Program provides anopportunity to work and learn at one of the world’s leadingPR agencies. It is offered three times a year in our New YorkCity headquarters. Begun in 1978, the Executive TrainingProgram is well known throughout the public relations industry,and entry-level employees are rarely hired without havingcompleted the program. The Agency hires many of theprogram’s best graduates to fill assistant account executivepositions; however, a full-time position is not guaranteed.

“The ET Program gave me the foun-dation and confidence to succeed.”– Account Executive, Healthcare (Former Executive Trainee)

“This program was a great seguefrom college into the working world.It introduced me to areas of PRthat I wouldn’t have had accessto otherwise, including Tech PR,Travel, ePR and Global Issues.”– Senior Account Executive,Corporate Reputation and Responsibility(Former Executive Trainee)

PROGRAM DATESThere are three Executive Training sessions each year—fall, spring and summer. Deadlines for submission andprogram dates, along with a downloadable applicationform, can be found in the Career section on our Website at www.ruderfinn.com.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONAs integral members of their account teams, ExecutiveTrainees (ETs) gain exposure to various facets of thepublic relations business. Trainees learn about thefundamentals of public relations, e.g., writing, mediamonitoring, media relations, new media, event planning,budgeting and financial management, new businesspresentations, and more.

Executive Trainees are assigned to a specific RuderFinn practice area. These include Arts & CommunicationsCounselors, Branding, Corporate Reputation andResponsibility, Corporate Technology, Global IssuesCommunications, Healthcare, Interactive Innovation Studios,Consumer and Business-to-Business Marketing, Broadcastand Media Services, Travel and Economic Development,and Visual Technology. While efforts are made to place ETswith practice areas of interest, it is not always possiblebecause not every practice accepts a Trainee each session.

The first week of the program involves an intensiveorientation to help ETs understand the culture, heritage,philosophy and achievements of Ruder Finn. Weeklyclasses are held thereafter featuring lectures by staffexperts and guests.

Executive Trainees work full time and are paidbased on an annual salary of $24,000, which is pro-ratedfor the four months of the Program. Trainees do not

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?Ruder Finn’s Executive Training Program seeks recentcollege graduates with a passionate interest in developinga career in public relations. Many applicants have little tono prior experience in the field. Program applicants musthave graduated from college before the session for whichthey are applying begins. Candidates with recent advanceddegrees are also welcome to apply. ALL applicants mustbe authorized to work in the U.S.—no exceptions.

receive benefits during this time. Program graduateshired as assistant account executives earn a competitivesalary and are eligible to receive benefits.

Ruder Finn does not provide living quarters, but cansuggest resources to help Trainees find housing androommates. Participants receive a list of ETs in theirsession to enable them to connect with their classmatesbefore arriving in New York.

SELECTION PROCESSOur Executive Training Program has been cited by thePrinceton Review as one of the best internships in theU.S. It is a highly competitive program. The applicationform must be submitted with:

1) Three writing tests described in the downloadableapplication form

2) A current resume

3) One personal, business-appropriate writing sample,no longer than five pages, that exemplifies the appli-cant’s best writing

4) An official college transcript, or unofficial college tran-script, if completing school at the time of application

5) Two signed letters of recommendation from individuals whocan comment on the applicant’s capabilities and potentialin the corporate world, e.g., former supervisor or employer,professor, advisor, etc. Letters should be on corporateor organizational letterhead with an original signature.

All materials must be submitted in one package—notpiecemeal. Letters of recommendation and transcriptsmay be sent in individual, sealed envelopes attached tothe application materials. Staples, folders or bindersshould not be used. Application guidelines should befollowed carefully.

Each applicant will be contacted by phone, e-mailor letter about the status of his or her candidacy afterthe Executive Training Program staff has reviewed allapplications—typically five to six weeks after applicationdeadline. Those selected to move on in the process willbe contacted for an interview, which can take place byphone or in person. Applicants who seem to be the bestfit will then be asked to interview with Ruder Finn execu-tives from specific practice areas—either by phone, or ifpossible in person. Applicants should be prepared toanswer questions about their writing samples, experienceslisted on their resume, and why they believe they wouldexcel in the world of public relations. Questions aretypical of those asked during an employment interview.

Following the interviews, candidates will beselected. There is no set number of Executive Traineesfor each session. On average, class size numbersapproximately eight or nine; some are larger, somesmaller. The summer session is our most competitive.All applicants will be notified in writing about the finalstatus of their application.

To learn more about Ruder Finn, Inc., visitwww.ruderfinn.com. Please contact EllenSchaplowsky at schaplowskye@ruderfinn.comor call (212) 593-6316 with questionsregarding the program.

Applications are evaluated on several criteria includingexperience and skills. One criterion is the technical qualityof the application, including grammar, spelling, punctua-tion and writing skills. Ruder Finn is looking for youngprofessionals with a genuine passion for communicationsand a high level of interest in PR. We’d like to see thatperson express his or her enthusiasm in a unique andcompelling manner. We also look at what others sayabout the applicant, so the letters of recommendationare very useful. Lastly, the transcript helps us understandthe applicant in terms of his or her academic career. Wefind that those who have worked in a business environmentor who have interned in advertising, marketing, or PRtend to make a good transition into the Agency.

FAQs

Q1.What criteria do you use toevaluate the applications?

“I was given an unparalleled opportunity to learnPR from the inside out. Through hands-on accountwork to training sessions that sharpen writing andcommunications skills, it simply cannot be beat!”

– Senior Vice President, Arts & Communications Counselors(Former Executive Trainee)

Every application is read and evaluated on the basis ofan individual’s potential to contribute to Ruder Finn.After the first reading, applications are sorted into cate-gories: those who appear to be a great fit with ourbusiness, those who are “maybe’s,” and those whoseapplications do not meet our quality requirements.Practice groups receive three applications for each openposition. Applicants who meet our criteria will be inter-viewed in person or by telephone. Some groups preferto interview the candidate with all team memberspresent; others prefer to schedule consecutive interviewswith those who will be working with the ET. Each teamchooses the candidate they feel would be the best match.

Absolutely. Writing is a fundamental skill needed topractice public relations. Being articulate and skilledat crafting all forms of written communications—frome-mails to press releases—is critical. We are in thebusiness of “communications,” and technical excellenceand creative writing ability are important assets for ETs,as well as for senior staff.

Sometimes. Applicants who are not selected receive oneof two letters. The first simply states that the applicantwas not chosen for the session. The second offers theapplicant the opportunity to keep an application on filefor consideration for the next session. On a case-by-casebasis, Ruder Finn will contact the applicant individuallyto ask about interest in reapplying.

Hiring an Executive Trainee as permanent staff is a businessdecision. If the ET has done an outstanding job and thefinances are there to support a new staff member, weare eager to accept new talent. Ruder Finn has a lengthytrack record of hiring the majority of ETs from each class.To be sure each ET develops to his or her fullest potential,there is a formal mid-term evaluation as well as frequentcontact with managers and the head of the ET Program.

Our goal is to train talented junior staff so that theycan grow as young PR professionals and make a contri-bution to Ruder Finn. We are proud that so many of ourETs choose to remain with the Agency for years. Today,many former ETs continue to enrich the creative abilitiesand growth of Ruder Finn.

Q2.What is your selection process? Q4.

What are my chances of gettinghired if I complete the program?

Q5.I’ve been told you place a heavyemphasis on writing skills?

Q3.Can I apply more than once?

Ruder Finn accepts summer interns through an on-lineapplication process. These internships are for coursecredit only. The Agency also selects summer internsthrough the University of Dreams (www.uofdreams.com).

Q8.How can I apply for asummer internship?

The ET program seeks young professionals with integrity,intelligence, skills, personality and insight. Over the years,we have chosen many college graduates with degrees ina broad range of subject areas. We look for individualswho can bring a unique background and experience tothe Agency and express an interest, not just in PR, butalso in the world as a whole. Graduates with advanceddegrees also apply, with many having a degree in PR,marketing, journalism, or communications.

Q7.Do you only select graduateswho have majored in PR and/or journalism?That’s a difficult question. Each practice area at Ruder

Finn has its own unique personality. While strong verbaland written communications skills are essential for eachpractice, it is equally vital to have the right personalityand fit—not only for PR, but for a particular practicearea, as well. Selecting an ET is a serious matter. Findingthe appropriate balance between creative and technicalskills as well as personality and chemistry with accountteam members is essential.

ETs tend to be high-energy, passionate, team-oriented individuals who have the ability to interact andcommunicate well with others in both personal andprofessional settings. Emotional intelligence is a vital assetfor PR. ETs are generally goal-oriented, flexible andexcellent multitaskers. They are enthusiastic, eager to learn,unafraid to ask challenging questions and have an abun-dance of stamina. Above all, they understand that publicrelations is a service business, in which there are nomenial tasks and attitude is everything!

Q6.What characteristics doyou look for in an ET?

“I built a solid foundation for a steadily advancing careerin my specialty area. I went from media monitoringand answering photo requests, to escorting presstrips abroad and managing my own account!”

– Senior Account Executive, Travel & Economic Development(Former Executive Trainee)

If a team chooses to extend an offer to an ET, it will befor an assistant account executive position (AAE). TheAAE then becomes a permanent Ruder Finn staffmember with benefits who develops his or her PR skillsin cooperation with a supervisor. Typically, individualsadvance through the following positions: assistantaccount executive (AAE), account executive (AE), senioraccount executive (SAE), account supervisor (AS), senioraccount supervisor (SAS), vice president (VP), senior vicepresident (SVP), and executive vice president (EVP).

Yes. Ruder Finn feels that continual professional devel-opment not only benefits the individual, but also thecompany as a whole. For our permanent staff, we offerSTEP (Strategic Training and Enrichment Program) on aregular basis to help employees cultivate various skillsand learn more about our industry. STEP includes monthlycomputer brush-up classes on Word, Excel and PowerPoint.Past STEP offerings have included time management,writing, ethics in business, and presentation training,among others.

Q10.Does Ruder Finn offeradditional training?

Q9.In general, what kind of careerpath can I expect if I get hired?

“This program gave me access tothe Agency’s top managementand best thinking. I became anintegral teammember right away.”

– Senior Account Executive,Branding (Former Executive Trainee)

Ruder Finn conducts three four-month sessions at itsNew York City headquarters. The Executive TrainingProgram has evolved over several decades, and isdesigned to acclimate participants to the working worldand to public relations. ETs work full time as integralmembers of their teams. Weekly classes are held tointroduce ETs to the fundamentals of PR that may ormay not be encountered in their specific day-to-dayaccount work.

Senior executives of the Agency as well as severaloutside professionals teach seminars. Subjects includepress release writing, media pitching, understandingagency financing, how to build new business, etc. Thereare also various business and social outings to help fostercamaraderie, including a two-day retreat out of the officewhere ETs work on teambuilding and presentation skills,as well as participate in a new business pitch. ETs aresometimes asked by teams outside their practice areato help out at high-profile events or with projects.

Q12.What is the actual program like?

Keep in mind that Ruder Finn is primarily looking for ETswho are a good fit for our unique arts-influenced culture.Applicants are reminded to let their special personalitiesand best qualities shine through in their applications.Those who are honest about their interests and idealsare preferred over those who try to write what they thinkRuder Finn wants to hear.

Q11.What advice do you havefor applicants?

Ruder Finn is unable to provide housing for ETs. We arehappy to share information we have gathered to helpETs find housing. We have had ETs from all over theU.S. Some stay with college friends, or relatives;some look for housing in the less expensivesuburbs of New York, and some room together.

Q14.Do you provide housing for ETs?

“The ET Program taught me thebasics of PR and set me on ahigh-speed course to a topposition that I never wouldhave reached with just acollege education.”– Senior Content Strategist, Interactive Group(Former Executive Trainee)

“This program had aprofound impact on mycareer and professionaldevelopment. It providedpersonalized interactionwith senior executivesand practices at RuderFinn, allowing me tounderstand the insand outs of PR andthe role best-suitedto my skills.”– Research Manager(Former Executive Trainee)

The duties vary depending on the practice area andaccount needs. Responsibilities include media moni-toring, developing editorial calendar and media lists,research, compiling and formatting client reports,drafting press materials, researching and pitching storiesto reporters. Since each practice area is different, ETsmay not be exposed to all these activities, while othersmay be asked to handle more. Generally, ETs aregiven a significant level of responsibility. Those whodemonstrate unusual talent and drive are often givenopportunities that exceed their title. Adaptability andflexibility are other qualities that we look for in ETs.

Q13.What are the typical duties ofan ET?

“There is more to life thanincreasing its speed.”

– Gandhi

MAIL COMPLETEDAPPLICATIONS TO:

Ellen SchaplowskyExecutive Vice PresidentDirector of TrainingRuder Finn, Inc.301 East 57th StreetNew York, NY 10022

www.ruderfinn.com Photographs by David Finn