Intern, Communications

ASTM International is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. Approximately 12,575 ASTM voluntary consensus standards operate globally. Defined and set by ASTM, these standards improve the lives of millions every day. Combined with our innovative business services, they enhance performance and help people around the world have confidence in the things they buy and use. The organization's headquarters is in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, about 5 mi (8.0 km) northwest of Philadelphia. Founded in 1898 as the American Section of the International Association for Testing Materials, ASTM International predates other standards organizations such as the BSI (1901), IEC (1906), DIN (1917), ANSI (1918), AFNOR (1926), and ISO (1947).

Role Description:

The Communications Intern at ASTM International will be treated as a contributing member of the team, with responsibilities to include writing, editing, and amplifying content for news releases, social media, magazine, and other corporate communications materials. The intern will gain valuable experience working in a nonprofit, membership-based organization with a global reach.  

The intern will be given some specific responsibilities and tasks (see below), but they will also be expected to find new ways to develop and add value to ASTM communications. The intern will be coached and mentored by members of the Corporate Communications team, and they will have opportunities to interact with other ASTM staff teams and leaders. 

The internship is designed to provide an individual the experience of working both virtually and on-site with the Communications department. Working with multiple stakeholders across different departments, the intern will have an opportunity to develop content across all forms of communication vehicles including press releases, articles, social media, video, podcast, and more. By the end of the internship, the intern will have a robust portfolio of work to showcase. 

General Responsibilities:

• Draft news releases as needed 
• Draft articles for magazine (Standardization News) as needed 
• Help increase social media engagement with ASTM on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other channels 
• Support video and podcast production as needed 
• Support annual Board of Directors meeting 
• Refine and enhance media contact lists 
• Work collaboratively with other departments (marketing, design, etc.) 
• Support comms manager, magazine editor, corporate communications director and other team members with tasks, projects, community relations activities, and events as needed 
• Attend communications department meetings

Key Requirements:

• At least two years of pursuit toward a bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, strategic communications, or a related field (preferably a rising junior or senior) 
• Excellent writing and editing skills (writing samples will be required for interviewees) 
• Strong social media skills 
• Key Competencies 
• Sound judgement 
• Quick learner 
• Self-motivated with strong work ethic 
• Eagerness to help all teams as needed 
• Problem-solving and negotiation skills 
• Basic level of curiosity about technical standards and related business issues 
• Ability to accept feedback 
• Interest in working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment 
• Ability to work under pressure

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent and close visual work at desk or computer 

• Frequent sitting and working at desk 

• Frequent verbal and written communication with team and other business associates by telephone, Microsoft Teams, or collaborating in meeting rooms in person 

Time Requirements & Compensation:

35 hours per week, May / June through August.
Compensation: $18 / Hour


This job description is not intended to provide an all-inclusive listing of related job activities. Associates may be requested by management to perform other related activities in place of or in addition to those representative activities noted in this job description.


ASTM International is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans.