I graduated from San Diego State University on May 11, 2024, and it was one of the best moments of my life. However, like many recent graduates, my job search had begun long before that.
Over the course of a year, I submitted countless applications, revised my resume dozens of times, and chased engagement on every “We’re hiring!” post I could find. Despite the effort, responses were few and far between. It was a humbling experience and one that ultimately led me to 10Fold.
Why 10Fold Stood Out
What immediately differentiated 10Fold from other public relations agencies was the application process. Rather than relying solely on job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn, the team communicated directly with me. That simple, more personal touch offered a level of connection I hadn’t experienced with other tech PR firms. From the start, it felt like I was being seen as a person, not just a resume.
After completing an intern assessment, a few interviews, and a nail-biting wait, I got the email I’d been hoping for. I joined 10Fold’s cybersecurity practice as a public relations intern in December 2024.
Onboarding That Sets You Up for Success
Starting a new job can be intimidating. But 10Fold’s onboarding process was structured, thorough, and thoughtful. Every day for the first two weeks was clearly scheduled, not to restrict us, but to guide us. That made all the difference.
From day one, I felt like I had a roadmap. I soaked up best practices in B2B communications, met with experienced managers, and gained hands-on experience supporting real clients. When I transitioned into a hybrid schedule after moving to San Diego, in-person connections only deepened my confidence and sense of belonging.
Learning by Doing
At 10Fold, learning isn’t passive. It’s hands-on and incremental. I began with basic research and social media drafting, then quickly advanced to client calls and media relations. I wasn’t thrown into the deep end, but I also wasn’t coddled. I was supported. I had a goal tracker, mentorship, and consistent feedback, all hallmarks of what I now recognize as an internship built for proper growth.
This isn’t the case at every integrated marketing company, where interns are often assigned to menial tasks. At 10Fold, I was contributing to real campaigns, helping technology PR clients navigate product launches and thought leadership strategies.
Tips for Choosing an Internship That Fuels Your Career
Not all internships are created equal. If you’re searching for a role that will launch your career, whether at a tech public relations agency or elsewhere, here are a few tips:
- Prioritize structure. Look for programs with a defined onboarding and learning plan.
- Ask about mentorship. A strong manager or mentor can make all the difference.
- Look for client exposure. Internships that involve real work for real clients (especially in dynamic sectors like cybersecurity marketing) will accelerate your learning.
- Check for cross-functional experience. Agencies that work across digital, PR, and social signal a stronger b2b integrated marketing environment.
- Watch how they communicate. A company that views you as a future team member, not just a short-term hire, will stand out in the hiring process, just as 10Fold did for me.
From Intern to Account Associate
Today, I’m proud to say I’m no longer an intern. In April 2025, I was promoted to Account Associate. But the skills, support, and relationships I gained during my internship continue to shape my daily work. I still learn something new every day, and I’m still supported every step of the way.Interested in launching your PR career at a top public relations company? Explore internship opportunities with 10Fold and find out what it means to be part of a team that invests in your success.