Placement Year - NWE/UK Communications Intern

The HP Europe Communications team (a member of BCF) are looking for an enthusiastic individual with creative, fresh ideas to work for a world-leading technology company. The successful candidate will take on international roles and responsibilities to ensure the functioning of global communication campaigns and events. This unique opportunity offers valuable insights into the communications sector, working in international teams. With hands-on experience in a multifaceted industry, individuals will be offered the chance to include their valuable input and take ownership of pan-Europe projects.

HP divisions are full members of the British Coatings Federation, which is the sole trade association for the UK paints, coatings, printing inks, and wallcoverings industry.

Key tasks include developing coverage reports to increase the communication team’s visibility to HP stakeholders, support the Corporate Affairs team in the day-to-day running of communication priorities, collaborating closely with external agencies in coordinating events, social media, press releases and reports.

During your internship, you will have the opportunity to interact and explore other areas of the business through the mentor scheme, being able to experience and participate actives outside of your core responsibilities. As an intern, you will also be able to immerse yourself in the charity and volunteering committee, raising money and volunteering hours towards charity.

Core Responsibilities

• Analyse and produce product specific coverage reports on a weekly and quarterly basis 
• Assist with campaigns and events, including logistics support and briefing books 
• Attend and support influencers and press events (logistics, badging, social support etc) 
• Support pan-Europe managers aligning markets with communication priorities 
• Produce LinkedIn posts that can be leveraged across European markets 

Knowledge and Skills

• Adaptive and resilient – in an ever-changing technology environment we require individuals who can work dynamically to handle unique situations 
• Demonstrate initiative and confidence in their ability to work on their own with minimal direct day-to-day supervision 
• Strong time and project management skills with a positive work ethic 
• Self-motivated with an inquisitive and inquiring mind who can work individually and as part of a team
• Strong interpersonal skills to work as part of HP team and with external agencies 
• Eager to perform and exceed expectations
• Can demonstrate flexibility to assist on ad hoc tasks from both the HP team and with external agencies
• Proactive in finding further opportunities to support the comms team and other business functions of HP
• Strong written/oral communication skills and analytical, with high degree of personal credibility and professionalism 
• High attention to detail 
• Understanding of LinkedIn for communications purposes 
• Solid writing skills to create multiple, distinct draft posts, utilising the same information
• Strong PC skills – Microsoft Office: Excel, PowerPoint, Word and SharePoint 
• Excellent knowledge of the English language required; Intermediate/workplace proficiency of the German would be highly beneficial, although not necessary

Key Requirements for this internship

• This role is a 13-month industrial placement, running from 1st July 2027 to 31st July 2028, and is intended to form part of a recognised sandwich / placement year.
• You must be currently enrolled in University degree programme and required to complete a formal placement year as part of your course.
• Work onsite at HP’s Reading headquarters (with occasional additional travel as required) / Hybrid working as standard.

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