Strategic planning skills in public relations require a knowledge of a client's business, an awareness of social, economic and political trends and a capacity to develop a perspective on future trends. Ruder Finn's background as an intellectual and cultural leader in the field of public relations, combined with its extensive involvement with the top management of major corporations, its unique research capability and its strong marketing orientation, has enabled the firm to function at the highest level of strategic planning for its clients.

Ruder Finn has the most comprehensive executive development program in the public relations business. Between thirty and forty interns are selected each year for a 4-month training program in which there are regular classes as well as work assignments. Five hundred to six hundred applications are received each semester from individuals with undergraduate degrees as well as M.A., M.B.A. and Ph.D. degrees. Interns also include young executives who have had work experience in other fields and would like to change to public relations. The firm usually hires the top individuals from this program for its permanent staff.

There are many specialists at Ruder Finn who have extensive experience in different fields. There are also a number of subsidiary divisions which represent key elements of the company's structure.
•Arts & Communications Counselors is the largest organization of its kind in a public relations agency. It provides services for corporations sponsoring arts programs as well as for museums and arts groups.
•Ruder Finn Design is one of the most outstanding design facilities in any public relations firm and represents Ruder Finn's commitment to visual as well as verbal communication.
•Visual Technology produces VNRs, video and film features, hologram and laser displays and other projects involving cutting edge technology.
•Public Relations Production (PRP) is responsible for all of Ruder Finn's extensive printing and mailing services, maintaining client mailing lists on computer tapes and producing and distributing an enormous volume of printed materials each year. PRP is also a Specialty Advertising Agency, a prime source of advertising specialties and premium gifts.

Over the years members of the staff have written many articles and given speeches at important occasions. Reprints are available for members of the staff as are a series of brochures describing Ruder Finn capabilities in different fields. Case histories of work done for clients in a variety of fields are also available.