From Headlines to Happy Clients: Meet Eyimofe, the Tech PR Pro Who Thrives on Challenges
In the fast-paced world of tech marketing, clicks, impressions, and engagement metrics reign supreme. But what happens after that initial click? How do you convert that fleeting interest into a loyal customer base and sustainable growth? Enter the often-underestimated hero of the tech marketing world: Tech PR.
This episode of Beyond the Clicks dives deep into the fascinating world of a mid-level Tech PR Account Executive. Today, we’re joined by Eyimofe, who will peel back the curtain to reveal his day-to-day that’s anything but ordinary. We’ll explore the unique career paths that lead to PR success, and uncover the hidden value PR brings to the table, proving it’s more than just press releases and fancy quotes.
So, buckle up, tech marketers! We’re about to show you how PR can take your marketing strategy from clicks to clients and propel your brand to the forefront of the industry.
Meet Eyimofe Okuwoga, a Mid-Level Tech PR Account Executive
Let’s jump right in, Eyimofe! Thanks for joining us on Beyond the Clicks.
Can you tell us a little about your current company and your role there?
Eyimofe: Absolutely! I currently work at a well-established B2B tech PR and marketing agency. We’ve been around for about 30 years, so it’s a fantastic environment to learn from experienced professionals. My role is an Account Executive,and, I’m at a mid-level stage in my career.
You mentioned your day-to-day is anything but ordinary. Can you walk us through a typical workday for you?
Eyimofe: You’ll often hear PR pros say, “No day is the same” and they’ll be right in saying so – every time. At my level, I typically focus on a combination of mostly press office and admin management.
I’d typically start the day listening to some news podcast – most likely Bloomberg, BBC or The FT. In case my company is reading this, I also read the tech verticals press I work in (telecoms, fintech, etc.) to identify opportunities for my clients, see what their competitors are up to, and more importantly, keep updated with the relevant industry news.
I cannot account for the rest of the day because you log in with your to-do list and log off having done several things on several to-do lists.
Interesting! What are some of the things you enjoy most, and perhaps least, about working in Tech PR?
Eyimofe: There’s always something for you to get on with. It’s a double-edged sword.
One of my best PR quotes is from Harold Burson who says, “Public relations is fundamentally a problem-solving discipline.” Nothing (I’m exaggerating) makes me happier than solving problems. But it depends on the types of problems I’m solving. Some, I really can’t be bothered with. So, it’s a double-edged sword, you see.
Your journey to tech PR seems intriguing. Can you share how you arrived at your current role?
Eyimofe: My journey was as simple as it comes. I did an undergrad degree in Mass Communication (majored in advertising and PR) and then worked in advertising as a copywriter, went somewhere else to work as a content specialist.
When I realized I wasn’t exactly satisfied with my job (it wasn’t them, it was me) and couldn’t figure out what I wanted to do, I did the most natural thing and applied for a master’s degree (in PR). I got an internship at a tech PR agency during the summer—finished my dissertation—and now I’m here, also at a tech PR-led agency.
For someone interested in following a similar path, what potential career paths branch out from your current role?
Eyimofe: Because I love a good cliche, here’s one: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. There’s nothing like a common career path. You could leave my current role and work in government, the media, internal corporate tech teams, etc. It depends on what you want your next steps to be.
For me, well, I’ll let you know in a year.
Fascinating! How lucrative is the tech PR industry for practitioners with your level of experience?
Eyimofe: How do I say this without sounding…Okay, let’s say this: I work in tech PR. Take the PR out of tech and that changes a lot.
That’s quite a way to put it. What is your academic background? Would you say it helped you get this role?
Eyimofe: I studied communications all through undergrad and MA. Whatever
course you study will be relevant in PR because we cover several topics and are often expected to know many things. Chances are if you studied Politics, you’d love public affairs but who knows, you might be interested in health PR and as long as you work hard, you’d be great.
What was your interview process like?
Eyimofe: I had four stages, which I learned was unusual. It’s typically three – two interviews and one written test. All testing your ability to ‘survive’ the actual work when it comes to it.
Awesome stuff! How best can aspiring tech PR enthusiasts prepare for an interview?
Eyimofe: I’m no expert but my only tip is to be specific. Whatever the question, be specific. That involves doing your research (lots of it) and being detailed in your responses.
An additional one would be excitement. For some reason I can’t imagine, people prefer to work with cheerful people than disengaged ones.
Can you give one piece of advice to someone aspiring to be in your role?
Eyimofe: Read, listen, socialise…a lot.
This is just a glimpse into the world of tech marketing professionals! Join us each month as we chat with inspiring individuals about their careers and the impressive salaries they command in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Stay tuned and get ready to be motivated! #BeyondtheClicks.