Between the lines: I asked Peterson how she did it.

Starting early on in college, she set up frequent informational interviews with professionals to explore which career she wanted.

She networked. The design industry is "huge on events," Peterson said. So for two years straight, she went to as many as she could. At times, it was intimidating for a college student to mingle in a venue filled with mid-career professionals, but she also had fun and enjoyed free food and drinks.

She got multiple internships, including one at HGA that started in January. That's the same firm that hired her full-time.

Other tips: I asked HR consultancy Robert Half's regional director Jennifer Carlson for more advice for college grads. Here's what she said:

• Let employers know of your technology skills, including experience with AI and how you could use it to help a business be more efficient.

• Many companies suspended internships during the pandemic, so some new college grads have light resumes. Carlson said if that's the case, you should be open to contract or temporary jobs.
• "Even if you get a (contract) job that's not your dream job, it gets you experience and you can start networking inside of a company, learn different areas and get yourself known."