Intern, Government Affairs and Strategic Communications, September 2026

🏢 APCO
📍 Beijing, ChinaOn-site
📅 Posted: 2mo ago🔄 Updated: 2mo ago
CV%
🎁 Benefits & Perks
A stipend of RMB 163 per working day will be provided.
Requirements
Candidates must be pursuing or have recently completed a bachelor's or master's degree in International Relations, Political Science, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field. Strong English proficiency is required, with Chinese language skills being a plus for international applicants. Previous experience in public affairs, government relations, strategic communications, or related fields is preferred. Must possess strong research, analytical, and communication skills, and be proficient in Microsoft Office. For non-Chinese citizens, a valid Chinese student visa and eligibility for an internship annotation are necessary.
Description

About the Role  

We are seeking Interns to join APCO's Greater China team in Beijing.

About APCO Greater China: https://apcoworldwide.com/region/greater-china/

At APCO, you will have the opportunity to work alongside colleagues across our global network and gain hands-on experience supporting clients as they navigate complex business, policy and communication challenges.  

As an intern, you will contribute to a variety of projects through research, stakeholder mapping, media and policy monitoring, content development and project coordination. You will collaborate with experienced consultants and gain exposure to the dynamic world of public affairs, strategic communications and advocacy.  

Who You Are  

You are a motivated, curious and collaborative individual who is eager to learn and contribute in a fast-paced professional environment.  

You enjoy researching complex topics, analyzing information and communicating ideas clearly. You are detail-oriented, proactive and comfortable working with diverse teams and stakeholders.  

You bring strong written and verbal communication skills, intellectual curiosity and a willingness to take initiative while supporting project teams in delivering high-quality work for clients.  

What You’ll Do  

  • Conduct research and analysis on policy, regulatory, industry and stakeholder developments.  
  • Monitor media, public policy and current affairs relevant to client priorities.  
  • Support the preparation of client materials, including reports, briefings, presentations and research summaries.  
  • Assist with stakeholder mapping, event coordination and project administration.  
  • Contribute to content development, translation and proofreading in English and/or Chinese.  
  • Collaborate with colleagues across practices and markets to support client projects and business objectives.  
  • Stay informed on current affairs, public policy, business and geopolitical developments relevant to APCO's clients.  

What You Bring  

  • Education  
    • Currently pursuing or recently completed a bachelor's or master's degree in International Relations, Political Science, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field. 
  • Languages  
    • For international applicants, mother-tongue or near mother-tongue level English proficiency is required, with exceptional English writing, editing and proofreading skills. Chinese language skills are a plus.  
    • For local Chinese applicants, mother-tongue level Chinese proficiency is required. Applicants should possess strong English research, writing and communication skills, with proficiency broadly equivalent to IELTS 7.0+ or TOEFL iBT 95+, or comparable demonstrated proficiency.  
  • Experience  
    • Previous internship, academic, extracurricular, or research experience related to public affairs, government relations, strategic communications, consulting, public policy, corporate affairs, or related fields is preferred.  
  • Skills  
    • Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills.  
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  
    • Curious, proactive and eager to learn.  
    • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.  
    • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.  
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.  
    • Interest in public affairs, strategic communications, policy and current affairs.  
    • Familiarity with AI tools and emerging technologies.  

Additional Requirements  

  • Work Eligibility (For candidates who do not hold Chinese citizenship)  
    • For candidates who do not hold Chinese citizenship, a valid Chinese student visa and eligibility to obtain an internship annotation for the duration of the internship are required. Candidates must also maintain an active Mainland China bank account to facilitate stipend payments.  
  • Availability & Commitment  
    • Ability to work onsite from our Shanghai office.  
    • Commitment to a minimum internship period of three months.  
    • Availability to work at least three days per week during regular business hours (9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Monday to Friday).  

Internship Stipend  

A stipend of RMB 163 per working day will be provided.  

Careers at APCO  

Through our recruitment, hiring and retention efforts, APCO is committed to building teams to bring the best possible expertise and robust perspectives to our clients. We embrace differences in experience, viewpoint and ideas, starting with our values and extending to our behaviors, policies and practices. We aim to create a positive work experience and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. 

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🎯 Overalli74%
⚡ Skillsi85%
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Ontology Match: 85.0
Matched:✓ Requirements Matching✓ Ontology Skills Mapping
📜 Eligibilityi49%
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Local: 19600%
🏗️ Career Fiti91%
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Seniority: 91.0
📋 Requirementsi67%
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Domain: 67.0
🔥 Motivationi78%
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Title Fit: 78.00