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icf next

communications specialist intern 

Summer 2025

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Headquartered in the D.C. area, ICF is a global consulting and technology services firm that partners with government and commercial clients to solve complex challenges. As a remote summer intern within ICF Next (the firm’s creative communications division) and its Digital Media & Experience (DMX) line of business, I supported social media strategy, analytics, and creative content development for major public health, housing, and education initiatives. My team specialized in digital engagement for clients such as the CDC Division of Diabetes Translation, Rise Homes, ChristianaCare, and the U.S. Department of Energy.

 SOCIAL LISTENING & ANALYTICS

  • Delivered 3 cross-platform reports (TikTok, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook) for federal and nonprofit clients.

  • Built custom Boolean queries in Brandwatch to track engagement, misinformation, and campaign trends. ​​

CONTENT DEVELOPMENT & STRATEGY

  • Wrote and edited 75+ pieces of social content, including evergreen graphics, platform copy, and compliance reviews.

  • Co-authored a 23-page social media strategy for Rise Homes, featuring KPI design, hashtag research, and cadence plans.​

COMPETITIVE & MARKET RESEARCH

  • Conducted competitive audits for CDC and Virtua Health campaigns.

  • Authored 2 case studies/proof points used in new business proposals.​

INTERNAL RESEARCH: AI & TOOL EVALUATION

  • Interviewed 5 cross-team members for an AI usage study; summarized primary and secondary research findings and presented workflow recommendations to my team.

  • Evaluated 8 social media management platforms (Sprout, Hootsuite, Brandwatch, etc.) and presented findings to executives to aid budget decision.

AI usage report

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Please note that I’m unable to share most written or visual deliverables, as they are protected client work.

I deeply appreciated my time at ICF, as it showed me what it means to work at an agency with purpose behind everything it does. Every project had a mission that extended far beyond marketing; it was about driving awareness, trust, and tangible impact in people’s lives.

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I loved being part of a team that balanced creativity and strategy across such a diverse range of clients and industries. Working within the public sector gave me a front-row seat to how social media and communication can be used to inform and empower communities.

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Because many of our clients were federally funded, I also witnessed the real-world implications of federal budget cuts, creating moments that challenged my team to pivot quickly and think creatively under new constraints. Watching my team members handle those challenges with adaptability and optimism was inspiring, and it reinforced my respect for the collaborative, mission-driven culture ICF is known for.

Certifications Skills Gained

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CERTIFICATIONS AND TOOLS meta business suite & ads manager, google ads, google analytics, excel 2025, excel for project management, brandwatch listen & publish, powerpoint SKILLS social listening, content strategy, data visualization, ai research, kpi development, long-form case study writing, campaign benchmarking, competitive analysis, copywriting across platforms, boolean query construction, hashtag & keyword research, content calendar planning, creative & analytical reporting, audience segmentation, brand positioning, presentation & communication skills, collaboration across cross-functional teams

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