Who we are:
Burson is the global communications leader built to create value for clients through reputation. With highly specialized teams, industry-leading technologies and breakthrough creative, we help brands and businesses redefine reputation as a competitive advantage so they can lead today and into the future. When you work at Burson, you are part of a global community of lifelong learners who thrive at the edge of innovation.
Burson is part of WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company. For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Burson is where sharp thinkers and bold communicators come together to shape the conversations that matter – especially in health. We build integrated, headline-worthy public affairs and communications campaigns across government, media, and digital channels, helping organizations navigate the policies, people, and pressures shaping Canada’s health system.
And right now, there’s a seat open for someone who wants to jump into the heart of it.
We’re looking for a Public Affairs Intern to support our Health & Wellness team on major health clients – from pharmaceutical organizations to patient advocacy groups to national healthcare associations. If you’re curious about how policy becomes reality, how public opinion shifts, or how stakeholders influence decision-making, you’ll fit right in.
This is your backstage pass into how high-profile organizations engage governments, media, and the public – and how communications can shape better outcomes for patients and the health system (both in Canada and globally). You’ll work with senior experts, collaborate across our integrated teams, and gain hands-on experience inside a fast-paced agency that really loves what it does.
What you’ll be doing (and genuinely learning from):
Crafting client-ready materials and insights (yes, your work will make an impact), including supporting the preparation of presentations, briefing documents, and client reports
Conducting in-depth research on health policy issues, legislative proposals, and regulatory changes
Monitoring policy debates, committee hearings, media coverage, and social conversation
Tracking political developments, media narratives, and emerging issues within the healthcare landscape
Drafting pitches, reports, stakeholder maps, meeting briefs and summaries, government communications, and more
Contributing to internal brainstorms and strategic planning sessions, offering your perspective and ideas
Collaborating closely with account teams to support client objectives and deliver impactful results, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail in all deliverables
Developing a foundational understanding of public affairs, government relations, and strategic communications within the healthcare sector
One day you might be tracking updates on federal legislation; the next you could be supporting a patient advocacy campaign, analyzing a provincial health announcement, or preparing insights for a CEO briefing. No two days are the same.
What makes you a strong fit – you are:
Recently graduated from a program in communications, public affairs, political science, public policy, PR, or a related field
A multi-tasker who thrives in fast-moving environments
Detail-driven and catch the things others miss
Proactive, curious, and eager to dive in
Tuned into politics, news cycles, social content, and public conversation – and love analyzing what’s behind the headlines
Why Burson:
Work with some of Canada’s most respected organizations in health
Access mentorship from senior strategists and policy professionals – across Canada and beyond
Build a portfolio that shows real impact
Be part of an ambitious, collaborative, high-energy team that cares about the work and each other
If you want to help shape the future of health communications and public affairs – and learn from a team that will challenge, support, and champion you – we’d love to hear from you.
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You belong at Burson:
Our vision is for Burson to be the leading ‘academy company’ for creative communications professionals and emerging leaders. We provide a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues come to elevate their skills, expand their networks, and ultimately, produce the best solutions for today’s leading brands. Our commitment to your growth is reflected in our robust benefits and people programs, which include professional development opportunities, mentorship programs with industry leaders, a vibrant and inclusive company culture fostering collaboration and innovation and packages designed to reward and retain top talent. We invest in our people because we believe their success is our success.
At Burson, we’re an agency of learn-it-alls. We recognize that the things we do best, creativity and communications, require a level of nuanced understanding. That’s why it’s imperative for us to hire extraordinarily talented people of all backgrounds and identities. Without that we can’t do the essential work of inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, cultivating meaningful experiences, and driving innovation and creativity for our partners. Your unique point of view—your talent—is what makes you a #BursonPerson, and it’s how we deliver exceptional results for our clients, together.
We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
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