Virtual Agency Visit: FleishmanHillard

By Helen Nguyen, PRSSA General Body Member

James Madison University’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) recently had a valuable virtual agency visit with FleishmanHillard. During this time, we learned more about one of the biggest global PR agencies from Devon Graziano and Julia Wunning-Zimmer. The Zoom meeting opened the students’ perspective on their major and many opportunities for their careers.

Here are six important takeaways:

Background and Opportunities

Founded in 1946, FleishmanHillard has become a global PR agency with more than 2,000 employees worldwide. Therefore, the agency provides many opportunities for connections, learning about cultures, diversity, and a variety of projects. At FleishmanHillard, diversity is one of the core values. As the agency is trying to be the most inclusive workplace, it continuously provides opportunities such as internships throughout Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters or Alfred Fleishman Diversity Fellowships for diverse talent, which last from 6 to 12 months.

Public Affairs Practice Group

FleishmanHillard’s Public Affairs Practice Group offers a dedicated team of experts in politics and policy, backed by the firm’s global communications network. This group provides experiences in government relations, stakeholder relations, crisis communications, corporate reputation and though leadership, and issue and risk management.

Social and Innovation Practice Group

This group helps brands adapt and pick up new innovative technology. With the help social capabilities, the Social and Innovation Practice Group focuses on connecting the values of brands and organizations online with the values of their customers to create meaningful relationships.

Corporate Reputation Practice Group

The Corporate Reputation Practice Group offers an authentic, campaign-style approach that incorporates strategic planning, research, message testing and development, audience targeting and tactical implementation across multiple on and offline communication platforms. The group provides expertise in media relations, executive visibility, Purpose and ESG, DEI and stakeholder engagement.

Healthcare Practice Group

The Healthcare Practice Group delivers a diverse communications counsel that today’s healthcare organizations need. This group offers expertise in reputation management, product launch and marketing, clinical trial recruitment, public and government affairs, crisis communications, behavior change communications campaigns, executive visibility and thought leadership.

Creative Studio

The FleishmanHillard Creative team includes experienced producers, designers, writers and animators who help develop and implement sound, integrated communications strategies. This group focuses on branding, advertising, concept development, digital design and many more capabilities.

A special thanks to both Devon Graziano and Julia Wunning-Zimmer who took the time to share about their time so far at FleishmanHillard! Their experiences and knowledge proved a huge help for students who are seeking for opportunities in the communication industry, especially those who want to work at a PR agency.