Prepzi - Advanced AI Interview Prep

Follow along the author's journey to securing a full-time tech PR job straight out of college. Read on to learn how networking, research, pro-bono experience, and a proactive mindset could help you do the same.

I’ve always been a planner. I liked being in school because I knew what was coming next – junior high, then high school, then college. The thought of stepping into the vast unknown of post-grad life was beyond intimidating.

As I was about to graduate with a Public Relations degree, I wasn’t exactly sure which sector I wanted to work in, but I knew one thing for sure—I wanted a job lined up before I walked across the stage (easier said than done, right?).

Spoiler alert: Despite hearing horror stories of layoffs and struggles to land a job, I defied the odds. By the time I graduated in June, I had secured a full-time position at a leading tech PR agency in my dream city.

If you're a soon-to-be graduate in the same boat, I get it. I don’t envy your situation, but I will tell you this—it’s not as scary as it feels, especially when you have the right tools and strategies to navigate the job hunt. Here’s how I did it.

Finding the Job Opening

You’ve heard it a million times: networking is key. That saying "be nice to your peers—they could be your future boss" isn't just a joke. If it weren’t for a LinkedIn post from an alum in my major who had graduated a couple of years before me, I would have never discovered the open position.

I reached out to this alum (who was now a Senior Account Executive at the tech PR agency), started a conversation about the role, and found out more about what they were looking for in candidates. The fact that we shared the same alma mater was a huge plus, and she put in a good word for me, which made all the difference.

I can’t emphasize this enough: join alumni networks, talk to professors about local opportunities, and reach out to past students—you never know who might help you land your dream role.

The Informational Interview

The process began with an informational interview, and this was a game changer. While the casual conversation was designed to help me get a feel for the agency and assess whether it would be a good fit for my career trajectory, I still made sure to put my best foot forward.

It was important for me to understand their values and whether they aligned with my own. Once I saw that they had a genuine commitment to growth, creativity, and innovation, I felt excited about pursuing the opportunity further.

My advice? Stay curious and open-minded. I thought I wanted to work in nonprofit communications or corporate social responsibility, but after learning more about tech PR, I was eager to learn more.

Doing the Research (and Going the Extra Mile)

When I tell people I landed a full-time Account Executive role after applying for an internship and going through just one interview, they can’t believe it. Speaking to recent grads, I heard stories of rejection emails and multiple time-intensive rounds of interviews. I had the opposite experience, and here’s how I did it:

I received my formal interview invitation, and about a week before my scheduled Zoom call, I went all in. Job coaches will tell you to research a company before an interview, but this goes beyond just browsing their website. I took it to the next level. I studied their clients, their storytelling strategies, and recent campaigns. I even downloaded the CEO’s book on PR and listened to a podcast he was recently featured on.

This deep dive allowed me to pinpoint specific concepts and values I resonated with, connecting them to my own experiences doing pro-bono PR work. My research made a huge impact during the interview because I showed I was truly invested in and understood their mission.

Looking back, I realize I should have asked someone to practice for the interview with me, but I was honestly too self-conscious to rehearse in front of anyone other than myself in the mirror. If I had access to a tool like Prepzi.ai, which simulates mock interviews tailored to the position and your resume, I believe it would have given me a huge edge in preparing even better.

My Secret Weapon: Pro-Bono Work

In college, I didn’t land a traditional internship at an agency or firm, and I was nervous this would hurt my chances at landing a job post-grad. But I quickly realized—it didn’t matter. Experience can speak louder than titles.

As an upperclassman, I jumped at any opportunity to build my portfolio. I offered free PR services to local businesses and organizations—writing press releases, crafting social media content, and securing coverage, all free of charge. When I shared that I had earned real media placements, the interviewers were more impressed by that than they would have been by an internship at a big-name firm. Why? Because it demonstrated initiative and a "go-getter" attitude.

The key moment came when they asked how I made it all happen. My answer was straightforward: "I listened to the client’s story, built a media list, and pitched local outlets.”

You don’t have to land a tier one New York Times-level story to make them notice your PR abilities. While my answer wasn’t complicated, it proved I not only know the skills needed to work at a PR agency, but I’m good enough at them to drive real results. This is what matters in PR.

Tech Is Complicated—Show Them You’re Up for the Challenge

I’ll be the first to admit I knew nothing about tech. It’s a world filled with jargon, complex concepts, and stories that aren’t always easy to digest. But the challenge? That’s what made it exciting for me.

The agency I was applying for emphasized "story hunting"on their website—finding the valuable diamond of a story buried under layers of technical details. When they asked me about my passion for tech PR, even though I had no prior experience in the tech field, I responded with this:

“I enjoy the challenge of telling a compelling story, especially when the topic isn’t inherently exciting. Tech is all around us, and yet many don’t find technical articles engaging to read. So let’s make it relatable. Let’s show readers how this technology affects them personally and why they should care. Maybe it’s just a semiconductor chip, but if that semiconductor chip powers the cell phones we use to call our loved ones on, that matters to readers.”

To put it simply, they loved this.

The Result

Less than a week later, I was offered an internship position that kicked off the week I graduated. I was beyond thrilled—but there was a catch. I had always planned to travel for a month after graduation before jumping into full-time work.

So, I took a chance and mentioned that I was interested in studying abroad in London to learn more about their PR culture and better understand the global landscape. I figured it couldn’t hurt, but emphasized I was still interested in the internship. Their response? "We think it's a great idea. How about you skip the internship and start as a full-time Account Executive when you return?"

I couldn’t believe it. While I won’t claim this level of flexibility is the norm, it goes to show that a strong interview can leave a lasting impression. They weren’t just willing to hire me, they actually wanted my skills.

The Lesson?

The job hunt doesn’t have to be as daunting as it seems, especially when you’re prepared. Take the time to build your network, do thorough research, and be proactive in building your experience. The real takeaway is that skills and initiative matter more than you think. Even if you don’t have the traditional experience, if you show you're willing to stretch yourself and take on challenges, employers will notice.