Smithfield Analyst Program

Role & Opportunity Overview

• Eligible for 2027 college graduates with a start date in July 2027.
• Application deadline: October 31, 2026.
• Launch your career in financial communications with a boutique firm that has the full reach and resources of Edelman.
• Edelman Smithfield is a global financial communications firm, part of Edelman, the world’s largest integrated communications agency.
• We advise senior leaders and management teams on complex matters impacting reputation and valuation, with deep expertise in serving and communicating to the financial markets.
• Serving clients across the United States, Canada, EMEA, APAC, and beyond.
• Offers a deep and talented bench of approximately 250 financial market specialists across more than 25 cities and 15 countries.
• The Analyst Program provides college graduates the opportunity to launch their careers in financial communications.
• A full-time, 15-month-long program designed to develop the next generation of financial communications leaders.
• Analysts will work alongside global companies and financial services brands, including pre-eminent financial services firms and Fortune 500 companies.
• Develop media relations, research, and writing skills while learning the intricacies of financial services, deal work, special situations, investor relations, and digital financial communications.
• Opportunity to be promoted into the Account Executive role upon successful completion of the program.
• Opportunities available in New York, Washington DC, Chicago, and San Francisco offices.
• Offers a flexible, hybrid work schedule with at least three days per week in the office.

Hands-On Experience and Opportunity

Analysts will gain exposure to all aspects of the financial communications verticals within Edelman Smithfield, participating in both tactical and strategic elements of account management and client counsel, including:

• Drafting and editing materials including press releases, investor presentations, Q&As, and other materials.
• Conducting in-depth research and peer benchmarking of financial metrics, company disclosure, sell-side analyst commentary, and estimates.
• Working with various media outlets to manage reporter contacts, inquiries, and interviews.
• Monitoring client-related news and filings daily, and alerting teams to breaking news events.
• Demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of clients’ businesses and key stakeholders.
• Honing exceptional writing, narrative development, messaging, and creative skills.
• Acting as a collaborative team member and serving as daily client support.
• Participating in new business processes including research, proposal, and pitch preparation.

Additional Skills and Experiences Include:

• Creating financial communications plans for strategic situations and investor relations.
• Aiding in providing counsel to clients on messaging and positioning across all external investor and financial communications.
• Supporting traditional “retainer” based clients as well as transaction-oriented project work (including M&A, IPOs, shareholder activism, and investor days).
• Interacting with client shareholders and sell-side analysts.

Skills & Qualifications

This position is ideal for an individual looking to take part in a fast-paced, intellectually challenging environment and to acquire the experience necessary to become a successful financial communications practitioner and advisor. The following skills and experience will be prioritized:

• Excellent organization, keen attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to new conditions, assignments, and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills and ability to delegate tactical assignments and accurately judge and edit work of others.
• Strong analytical skillset, including comfort synthesizing company disclosures and financial data.
• Ability to take ownership of assigned projects and accountability of deliverables and tasks from start to finish.
• A solid knowledge of MS Office Suite.
• A strong work ethic and consistent dedication to providing quality work.
• Demonstrate personal initiative and leadership skills through internships, student organizations, prior work experiences, and/or volunteerism.
• Interest in experience in financial communications and/or related experience in research, investment management, consulting, marketing, and finance.
• Previous internship experience with financial communications, investor relations, investment banking, management consulting, or other communications agencies is a bonus.