By Avni Gupta, Intern
Moving things around in my room, trying different settings, taking measurements, and finding the perfect home office desk – this is how I started my post-grad, professional life. Who would’ve thought that I would be job hunting through a global pandemic? Definitely not on my radar, let alone be my utopia.
Moving things around
After relocating to the Bay Area post-graduation, my plan was simple. I was going to take some time off, travel, visit my family and friends in India, and dive into job applications. Clearly, destiny had different plans.
I was suddenly lost with no idea of what to do and how to do it. Asking anyone for advice or direction didn’t prove to be of much help; it was a first for everyone. After struggling for months, I realized I needed to pivot, change it up and try a new approach.
Trying different settings
After taking a couple of public relations (PR) courses over the summer, I had a fresh perspective. I started connecting with industry professionals, trying to understand what they were looking for in their entry-level candidates, and applying for positions that were out there. My aim was to learn and ultimately it paid off. I was ecstatic to report the good news to everyone around me, for the first time in months, it felt like 2020 wasn’t doomed after all – I got the fall PR internship at The Hoffman Agency!
Taking Measurements
So then, why tech PR? Usually people assume that PR is all about glamour; we get to hang out with influencers, try the latest products, eat at fancy restaurants and walk the red carpet (some of us do). But not in tech PR. My motivation comes from the very fact — if I can find the story in that deep tech and convey it to an audience who might not understand every minute detail, my job is done! I see myself as a part of the audience for whom I’m drafting the message, so I think my inexperience in the tech industry in fact gives me a leg up.
Moreover, if this year has taught us anything, it is that our worlds are still functioning only because of technology. Without all the countless e-mails, numerous Zoom calls and constant IMs on Skype, I would not have been able to do this internship. As Senior Account Executive Jackson Dulzo likes to put it, “where’s the fun in bread PR?”
Finding the perfect home office
When I first got into PR a few years ago, I never thought that I would be drafting social media copy for semiconductors. As I nervously gave it my first shot, I found it to be more challenging than I’d nascently expected — and finally even more rewarding!
Working from home was not how I imagined to start my professional life, but it certainly has a certain je ne sais quoi about it.
In my head, I was going to be rushing for work, brainstorming ideas in the bullpen and having numerous inane conversations with colleagues. But here I am with my commute of 10 seconds that brings me to my home office – a desk in front of the window looking over a beautiful view all day.
It reminds to be open to ideas, welcome criticism and keep looking at the same things differently. I am so excited about my journey at The Hoffman Agency and cannot wait to see where it takes me!
