The International Center for Performance Excellence (ICPE) is seeking qualified public relations and marketing interns for its book publishing unit, Fitness Information Technology (FiT). Internships are volunteer-based. If applicable, the ICPE will work with students to secure course credits for the FiT internships. Candidates will gain hands-on experience in international public relations and marketing practices of academic books and digital products in physical activity and sport sciences. Students will learn all aspects of writing press materials including, but not limited to, press releases, pitch letters, author bios, and publicity review reports in all formats, including broadcast, print, and electronic mediums.
Two internships are available for the summer, and three positions will be available in the fall 2010. At a minimum, required skills include strong public relations and business writing, Internet research skills, basic sales and arketing experience/studies, and familiarity with direct marketing techniques. Qualified candidates are organized, capable of multi-tasking and confident in verbal and oral presentation skills. Students will have experience using MS Office products (MS Word, Excel, Access, etc), and experience using social media for professional purposes.
Students are expected to work well in a group setting and work independently – without supervision. Students must comply with professional confidentiality policies enforced by the University. Prior to publishing, all student-generated communication created on behalf of the organization must be approved by the FiT PR/marketing manager and/or editors.
The majority of work will occur at the ICPE-FiT office located at the Coliseum; however, some work may be conducted off premises. Copy will be created on a regular basis (daily – several times a week) throughout the internship.
A few sample intern projects may include:
1. Marketing products published by FiT to consumer groups in multiple countries. Students will
primarily use social media, Web and email communication to reach target audiences. Special
focus will be placed on advancing our eTextbooks and other digital products.
2. Data entry of existing and new Web site content using basic content management system.
Create cross promotional campaigns using multimedia platforms (Web pages, eNewsletter, email
campaigns, blogs and social media networks – Facebook, Twitter, etc) and monitoring campaigns
using Web analytic programs such as Google, Statcounter, etc.
3. Securing, monitoring and publicizing book reviews with external target publics.
4. The development of an overall marketing plan for the ICPE and FiT. Students will not have
access to confidential and financial information. Deliverables include a draft of plan due by late
August with implementation of the final plan beginning in mid September 2010.
FiT Office Hours:
Monday – Friday; some weekend work may be required.
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (alternative arrangements may be considered)
For information about the ICPE and FiT, visit fitinfotech.com.
To apply, contact Sheila Saab: fitmarketing@mail.wvu.edu.