What can happen when the skills you develop in college meet the courage to put yourself out there?

Stan State alumna Naomi Carrera ’23 joins Beyond the Classroom to talk about her journey from business administration student and campus content creator to co-founder of 922 Social Management, a social media management business serving organizations throughout the Central Valley.

Carrera earned her degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing and gained hands-on experience creating content while working with Stan State’s Communications and Marketing team. She credits that experience with strengthening her communication, organization and relationship-building skills — all of which became important tools when she started her own business.

In the episode, Carrera talks about finding opportunities in an emerging industry, approaching potential clients, building customized proposals, networking in the community and learning to move beyond her comfort zone. She also offers practical advice to students interested in content creation or entrepreneurship: start building a portfolio now, attend events and clubs, create with friends, approach local businesses and use accessible tools such as smartphones and Canva to practice your craft.

Most importantly, Carrera reminds aspiring entrepreneurs that building a business requires passion, persistence and a willingness to embrace the ups and downs along the way.

In this episode:

• Turning campus employment into career experience
• Building a portfolio before graduation
• Networking when you’re naturally shy
• Finding opportunities in emerging industries
• Developing relationships with clients
• Using social media to support local businesses
• Making the leap into entrepreneurship
• Finding the right collaborators and support system
• Learning by creating, experimenting and doing

Produced by the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, edited and recorded in the KCSS studios on the campus of Stanislaus State.

In this episode, we welcome Samantha Johnson, a Stan State alumna who graduated in 2021 with a degree in sociology and now works as a field representative for California Assembly District 13.

Samantha discusses how her Stan State experience helped her grow personally and professionally, from living in the residence halls and joining the Sociology Club to working at the Warrior Cross Cultural Center and serving as a resident assistant. She also reflects on studying abroad in Spain, navigating college as a first-generation student and learning to step outside her comfort zone.

Now working in public service, Samantha serves communities including Tracy, Stockton, French Camp and Mountain House. She talks about the importance of civic engagement, constituent services and helping community members access resources through state agencies.

Listeners will hear Samantha’s advice on networking, finding internships, cold messaging professionals, saying yes to meaningful opportunities and identifying the values that can guide a career path. She also shares why sociology prepared her to work with diverse communities and why public service is rooted in empathy, communication and accountability.

Produced by the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, edited and recorded in the KCSS studios on the campus of Stanislaus State.

Stan State alumnus Isaac McCrimon returns to campus for a conversation about career growth, public service and the lessons that happen outside the syllabus.

Isaac graduated in 2022 with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. Today, he works as an administrative analyst in San Francisco, where his role connects human resources, employee support, problem-solving and public service.

In this episode, Isaac discusses his path from the Bay Area to Stan State, his experience as a student-athlete, the importance of internships and networking, and how an unexpected layoff became a turning point in his career. He also shares practical advice for students pursuing accounting, business, human resources or public service careers.

In this episode:

• Why he switched from entrepreneurship to accounting
• The internship that helped him realize he was on the right path
• How networking led to his first professional opportunity
• What he learned from being laid off early in his career
• Why campus involvement and faculty relationships matter

Produced by the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, edited and recorded in the KCSS studios on the campus of Stanislaus State.