The Chicago Connection: PR Alumni Spotlight with Evan Hardacre
From undergrad to post-grad: how an MSU graduate achieved her Windy City goals
By: Libby Rose
Every college kid wants to know how to land the dream job. Evan Hardacre, a 2023 graduate from Michigan State University’s public relations program, explains how she did just that.
Hardacre works as an assistant account executive at Zeno Group in Chicago, a powerhouse global communications agency born from PR, where she works the consumer brands practice with a focus on earned media. Hardacre traces the beginning of her career journey back to the connections she cultivated and the opportunities she seized at MSU.
“I decided I needed to take advantage of everything that MSU had to offer as far as helping me discover what a career in public relations is,” said Hardacre.
During her sophomore year, Hardacre joined PRSSA MSU, where she later served on the executive board. Hardacre found that PRSSA benefited her because she could build relationships with like-minded people, industry leaders and community members.
Another pivotal moment in Hardacre’s journey was taking ADV 402, the Chicago Field Experience, an immersive program where students explore the industry through agency tours, case studies, and alumni networking while discovering career opportunities. Before attending this trip, Hardacre said she knew she wanted to get an entry-level PR job but was unsure of the opportunities that were out there.
“After attending the trip, I was able to see everything an agency offers. And from there, I knew that was what I wanted to do,” said Hardacre.
One of the biggest takeaways from her field experience was connecting with Eric Benderoff, a seasoned PR pro, MSU alumnus, and MSU professor of practice. During the visit, he shared stories about his career in journalism, agency crisis management, corporate communications and running his own executive communications firm. After nearly 12 years at BCW Global (now Burson), he encouraged her to apply for the Harold Burson internship.
Hardacre says Benderoff taught her how to pitch herself as someone with great potential for agency success. He shared the importance of fostering connections and staying curious. Benderoff’s advice and guidance played a key role in helping Hardacre secure an internship at BCW Global.
While working as a corporate affairs intern at BCW, Hardacre leveraged the opportunity to connect with people across the agency. She spent her time as an intern building relationships and creating connections throughout the industry. During this time, she also joined PRSA Chicago, where she now serves on the membership committee.
“This is where everyone can take a lesson from Evan; she is a very good networker,” said Benderoff.
Her initiative experience at BCW paved the way for her role at Zeno Group. Hardacre’s experience highlights the importance of seeking learning opportunities and building connections to shape a young professional’s success.
“Everybody has their own career journey, and there’s no right or wrong way to get there,” said Hardacre. “You just need to learn how to pitch yourself; don’t sell yourself short.”
Learn more about the ADV 402 Chicago Field Experience.