An Internship Program Only Targets Women Over 40

An Internship Program Only Targets Women Over 40

By: Daniel Steingold | August 02, 2016

Most internships are thought to be for college students and those fresh out of college.

A New York City-based public relations firm has looked to shift that paradigm with its unique internship program— it specifically hires women over the age of 40.

Wunderlich Kaplan Communications (WKC) was inspired by the film The Intern, which stars Robert DeNiro. In the film, DeNiro is unsuccessful in his hunt for a traditional job, so he accepts an internship at a digital fashion startup.

WKC’s program, called “The Enternship,” targets women over 40 by teaching them PR and digital communications skills. The Enternship currently has eight interns in their 40s, 50s, or 60s.

The former professions of the interns in the program include being a lawyer and CNN producer. Many of WKC’s interns left high-paying or prestigious jobs in order to gain flexibility and refine their skills in the digital world.

It should be noted that many of these experienced professionals find this retraining to be necessary, as they claim to have often been overlooked due to being deemed “too old” or to have “too much” work experience.

The program ended up having to be very selective for its eight spots, as there were over 600 applications.

Some of the skills taught in the program include how to write PR campaigns, how to run events, how to write pitches and press releases, and how to pitch media. There is also a focus on social media and blogging.

WKC hopes they can set a precedent for getting more women back into the workforce.

As for their future plans, they do not plan on expanding their program to men, although they are quick to say “never say never.”


Find the Perfect Job for You

DreamHire recommends you jobs that fit your
skills, experiences, career goals, and more.