Are you interested in gaining hands-on experience in media relations/PR, working for one of Europe’s largest asset managers in the heart of the City of London?
We have a great opportunity for an undergraduate with excellent writing and organisational skills to join our media relations team on a 12-month placement.
In a fast-paced role, you will learn how a major financial institution deals with the media, gaining experience in corporate communications strategy and, more practically, managing journalists, fielding their queries, and working with AXA IM’s spokespeople to promote the company.
Working in the same offices as portfolio managers, traders and economists, you will also be able to gain knowledge on all aspects of asset management, whether you are curious about the drive to net-zero and responsible investing, or how funds are managed.
You will be an integral part of our team from day one and will work closely with our London and Paris teams.
Description of the department
The Corporate Communication Department of AXA IM brings together roughly forty employees across four departments:
- Media relations
- Internal communication
- Brand and advertising
- Digital communications
The role of the media relations team is to
- Increase the visibility and reputation of AXA IM in the media support the company's strategy and its implementation, to reinforce the understanding of AXA IM's role and ambition to an external audience
- Position the company as a thought leader in its sector of activity on various topics (e.g. responsible investment, active long-term manager)
- Protect the brand and the reputation of the company, especially in times of crisis and handling of sensitive issues
The team you will be working in, the central media relations team, is composed of 6 people divided between London and Paris: 3 people in London and 3 people in Paris.
The main responsibilities of the role
- Assist in drafting communications materials (press releases, market comments, briefing documents)
- Assist in helping prepare our spokespeople for interviews with journalists e.g., compiling briefing notes and organising media trainings
- Helping with ad-hoc and regular projects in London and Paris
- Manage incoming requests from journalists
- Lead the global quarterly reporting of our media relation s achievements alongside our external agency
- Contribute to ideas, content and solutions to help develop AXA IM’s visibility in the media - Position the company as a thought leader in its sector of activity on various topics (e.g., responsible investment, active long-term manager, Technology and Innovation)
- Compile, track and distribute media coverage and assist with maintaining media contact lists
- Update media documents, including distribution lists and spokesperson biographies.
- Help organise press events (drafting invitations with the help of our Design team, logistics, presentation material, spokespeople briefs etc.)
- Update the website with new publications (comments, press releases)
- Manage and track invoices
By the end of the internship you should be able to:
- Write and edit various communications materials, ensuring they are clear, concise, and tailored to the target audience.
- Understand how the relationship between corporations and journalists operates, understanding how corporate comms teams try to keep both their own spokespeople and all exterior content in line with the company’s views and on message.
- Practice crisis communications, developing an understanding of best practices for protecting the brand and reputation of the company during sensitive situations or crises.
- Manage both your time and projects much more efficiently.
Profile
- Currently undertaking a bachelor’s degree.
- This internship requires strong writing skills. You will also need to be very organized and able to juggle multiple and shifting priorities whilst being aware of deadlines.
- It would suit a proactive self-starter who’s curious, eager to learn and with excellent attention to detail.
- Confident with a strong work ethic.
- Interested in the financial sector/media relations/a career in journalism.
- Advanced Microsoft Office
What we offer
We are committed to offer you an environment where you can:
- Grow your potential: Be part of a forward-thinking business with internal opportunities and personalized learning paths available to help constantly develop your skills and abilities.
- Shape the way you work: Work for a company which is highly committed to providing flexibility & balance to its employees, offering you a large range of benefits (hybrid working, competitive health benefits, among many others.).
- Thrive within a diverse community: Play a role within a responsible company that actively recognizes and values individual differences in a diverse and inclusive workforce.
- Move the world forward: Join a responsible employer that acts in favor of societal and environmental causes as an investor, insurer and company, notably through the AXA Heart in Action association. As part of our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, we will celebrate your arrival by planting a tree.
