Pros
Edelman has an excellent reputation in public relations. The Portland office is up-and-coming and making a big splash within the global company. The staff is fun and there are many talented people in the organization. Educational opportunities are abundant. Clients are among some of the best in their respective industries - Microsoft, Columbia Sportswear and Starbucks to name a few. The company has excellent benefits and provides flexibility during the work week with work from home options. Working for a large agency provides instant credibility for someone just starting out in public relations. Management involves interns at various levels providing for an excellent internship experience. An especially great place to work if you value a casual work environment including off color humor, inappropriate remarks and foul language.
Cons
Unfortunately interns are supervised by Account Executives (typically only 2 years experience). This role provides a first opportunity for an Account Executive to manage another person, which is good for the company, but its also a gamble as to whether or not the person is up for the task. Since each intern has only one supervisor and one main point of contact, it can ruin much of the experience to have someone who struggles communicating and leading giving oversight. My supervisor was unable to provide helpful feedback on work (struggled with people pleasing). Rather than teaching and instructing, my supervisor was passive and sidestepped issues instead of dealing with them head on. I had hoped for a tremendous learning experience, and it was, but Edelman also provided the worst boss I have had in 9 years of work.
