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. 

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. 

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. 

A Stan State alumna and current Director of Communications and Creative Services, Kristina talks about how her experience as a music major helped her develop skills in communication, creativity, empathy and storytelling. She shares how professors and mentors encouraged her to think beyond traditional career paths, and how student employment on campus opened doors to professional opportunities in higher education.

Kristina also offers thoughtful advice for students navigating uncertainty, imposter syndrome and pressure to define success too narrowly. From seeking out mentors to saying yes to growth opportunities, she reminds listeners that careers often evolve in unexpected but meaningful ways.

In this episode, listeners will hear about:

•  How mentorship helped shape Kristina’s path 
•  Why career journeys do not have to be linear 
•  The value of student employment and campus involvement 
•  How the arts build transferable career skills 
•  Advice for students on networking, confidence and defining success

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

Resources Mentioned:

• Warrior Food Pantry (Turlock & Stockton)
• Warrior Clothing Closet (Turlock)
• CalFresh Assistance & CalFresh Healthy Living
• Food Box Distributions (Turlock)
• Emergency Grants & Temporary Housing
• Basic Needs for Little Warriors
• Student Volunteer & Donation Opportunities

Links:

• Learn more: csustan.edu/basic-needs
• Contact Basic Needs: basicneeds@csustan.edu
• Follow on Instagram: @stanstate_basicneeds

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

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

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

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

Aimed at women but available for all genders, the R.A.D. program provides participants with a comprehensive self-defense education that includes physical techniques, situational awareness lessons, and strategic scenarios that can be employed to prevent sexual assault. The curriculum also encourages participants to adopt proactive means to deal with potential situations, highlighting the importance of vigilance and preparedness.

If you or someone you know has been affected by a sexual assault, contact the Stan State Haven organization at 209-284-4593.

You can also visit Stan State’s R.A.D. webpage for more information: https://www.csustan.edu/training-development/rad-rape-aggression-defense 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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