Growing up in the Bay Area, I had no idea what I wanted to do when I grew up. I was fortunate to have all options open to me, and during college, I indulged myself in taking classes in whatever piqued my interest. From teaching and technology to politics and environmental studies, I investigated everything, hoping that something would stick.
When I graduated from college in June 2024, campaigning was in full swing. So I asked myself, “Why not a political campaign?”
While searching for a candidate or cause that resonated with me, I eventually landed on a race in Wisconsin. I was thrown right into a chaotic and critical race. I met a lot of amazing people and thoroughly enjoyed my time, but when returning to the Bay Area, I realized the excitement and the draw of the tech world were more my style.
I was back to what I knew: technology, networking and a fast-paced life. I didn’t realize how much I missed it until I left.
When I researched and interviewed with The Hoffman Agency, I knew it would be a great fit for me. The combination of public relations and a great, welcoming community has made for a smooth transition. Originally, I thought my two post-graduation roles would be quite different from each other; however, the more I see and do, the more I realize that political campaigns are just public relations for a candidate.
This start to my post-college life has been full of twists and turns, but through it all, I have learned some very important lessons that I will take with me.
First: Trust my intuition
When college was ending, I knew I wanted to join a campaign. I was certain it would be a great experience and that it was the right thing to do. However, when I made the decision to go to Wisconsin, I constantly worried I was making a mistake.
This thought followed me during my three-day drive to the state, but when I arrived and started to learn and grow, I realized there was no way I could look back on it as a mistake. I jumped into something I was excited about, which is never a mistake.
Second: Embrace the discomfort of a situation
On the first day of any job, I am always worried about doing the wrong thing or drawing too much attention to myself.
Nothing was different about that on my first day at Hoffman, but after just two weeks, I can already feel my confidence building each day. Without that initial discomfort, I wouldn’t be growing and learning, which is what I came to do.
The most important thing: People are everything
Over the past few months, I have been on my fair share of screening calls and informational interviews, but nothing felt quite like my initial call with Tori Quinn. She made it very clear how important community is at Hoffman and how valued the intern program is.
Since joining, I have felt nothing but a warm and comforting environment, where everyone wants to help in any way they can!
As I look forward to my time at Hoffman, I am ecstatic to be joining such a vibrant and friendly team. I am excited to develop my writing, technical and critical thinking skills at a place I know will support my development and cheer me on.
