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Intern - Earned Media

Medical College of Wisconsin · Wauwatosa, WI · Part time

Posted Sep 28, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a piece of writing you're proud of. How did you get it from draft to final?

What they are checking: Whether they have real writing samples and take editing seriously.

How do you keep up with what local, regional and national outlets are covering?

What they are checking: Whether they already follow the news and know the media landscape.

Tell me about a time you had several deadlines at once. How did you manage?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle the pace of a communications team.

What would you do

The posting asks for a nose for the news. Pitch me a story idea about MCW research that a Milwaukee TV station would cover.

What they are checking: Whether they can find what makes a story newsworthy for a real audience, not just restate an announcement.

A reporter calls asking for a comment on a sensitive health topic, and your supervisor is out. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they know not to speak for the institution without approval and how to handle inquiries properly.

About the work

What is the difference between a news release, a media alert and a pitch email?

What they are checking: Whether they know the basic formats of media relations and when each one is used.

How would you interview a faculty researcher whose work is very technical so you can write about it in plain language?

What they are checking: Whether they can ask good questions and turn complex science into clear writing.

Why is fact-checking and approval so important for health sciences communications?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that errors about health research can mislead the public and harm credibility.

How would you build or update a media list for a story about a new clinical trial?

What they are checking: Whether they can research the right reporters instead of mass-emailing everyone.

How would you measure whether a media pitch was successful?

What they are checking: Whether they think about results and reporting, which the role supports.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Medical College of Wisconsin from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Medical College of Wisconsin.

Summary The Earned Media intern is a member of the Communications team responsible for supporting efforts to secure media coverage (broadcast, print, online) that showcases MCW’s value and impact on the health sciences. This position will also prepare communication deliverables for a variety of external audiences and channels including, but not limited to, news releases, online articles, fact sheets/backgrounders, and reports to support media outreach and related results. Ideal candidate will be curious and have a “nose for the news,” proactively identifying and developing story ideas for local, regional, and national media that highlight MCW’s key strategic priorities. Primary Responsibilities • Write materials for the media (i.e., news releases, media alerts, pitches) and perform related duties, including gathering information; interviewing faculty, staff, and students, as needed; and following fact-checking and approval processes to prepare materials for distribution • Assist or lead in finding compelling story ideas and coordinating with PR/media team to develop and proactively pitch local, regional, and national media • Assist in responding to inbound media inquiries • Monitor local, regional, and national media outlets and corresponding opportunities • Update media lists and research appropriate contacts • Support earned media reporting • Assist with public relations, social media, and other marketing team duties to propel priority initiatives and campaigns forward • Provide suggestions for social media content • Coordinate/manage ad hoc projects, as assigned • Share progress with External Communications staff on a regular basis • Collaborate with broader Communications team • Perform other duties as assigned. Knowledge - Skills - Abilities • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including precise, accurate writing. • Professional demeanor and excellent human relations/customer service skills. • Ability to effectively plan, prioritize and organize work assignments and meet deadlines • Ability to write in AP style. • Ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities. • Comfortable with Microsoft Office applications. Qualifications Minimum Education: Student must be in good academic standing in a bachelor’s or graduate level program in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field. Minimum Experience: Experience writing for media, publications or previous internships preferred. Media relations experience preferred, but not required. Physical Requirements Work requires occasionally lifting moderate weight materials, standing, or walking continuously. Work Environment Occasional exposure to dust, noise, temperature changes, or contact with water or other liquids. Work is performed in an environmentally controlled environment. Sensory Acuity Ability to detect and translate speech or other communication required. May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects. Why MCW? • Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental. Along with Flexible Spending options • 403B Retirement Package • Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered • Tuition Reimbursement • Paid Parental Leave • Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) • Pet Insurance • On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes • Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc. For a brief overview of our benefits see: Benefits Overview For a full list of positions see: MCW Careers At MCW all of our endeavors, from our internal operations to our interactions with our partners, are driven by our shared organizational values: Caring – Collaborative – Curiosity – Inclusive – Integrity – Respect. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives through merit-based processes and in alignment with all applicable laws. We believe that embracing human differences is critical to realize our vision of a healthier world, and we recognize that a healthy and thriving community starts from within. Our values define who we are, what we stand for and how we conduct ourselves at MCW. If you believe in embracing individuality and working together according to these principles to improve health for all, then MCW is the place for you. For more information, please visit our institutional website . MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination: The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.

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