Introducing: The PR Twintern!

by megan ~ April 23, 2009

I think it’s pretty safe to say that if you still do not know what Twitter is that you are living under a rock.   In recent months, Twitter (a micro-blogging platform that challenges users to think in 140 characters or less) has become an overnight sensation.  Today, you can’t turn on the TV, read a newspaper, or even listen to the radio without hearing a mention of the popular social network.Yesterday, Pizza Hut announced the development of a new utilization of Twitter:  A search for a new intern within its team that will manage Pizza Hut’s voice on Twitter: introducing the Pizza Hut “Twintern.”   According to the pizza chain’s press release, “Pizza Hut is searching for an online-savvy applicant to manage the company’s new Twitter page, @PizzaHut, as well as handle additional social media and PR activities.  Pizza Hut continues to serve as a digital marketing leader. The company is looking forward to welcoming a unique perspective to the team who will serve as the company’s voice on Twitter.”

To reach applicants, Pizza Hut launched its search in The New York Times on April 19. In addition to utilizing its digital tools such as its Facebook page for the effort, the company has reached out to bloggers, who write about the work environment, tech, and marketing.  According to Chris Fuller, Pizza Hut’s Senior PR Manager, the position is intended to help the company assess both its broader online strategy and connect with its key college student demographic.

“This is definitely a hybrid position and is part of a larger discussion as to where does social media belong within a marketing group,” Fuller said. “For us, right now, it’s really PR, and that’s who’s taking the lead on this.”

In development before the Domino’s Pizza’s YouTube fiasco, the company will utilize the twinternship to determine whether the company should turn the position into a full-time job or assign the role to its AOR, Zeno Group.