Career Corner

How to Break Into Politics & Law School | From CSUN Student to Congress

Want to work in government, politics, public service, or law—but don’t know where to start? In this episode of Career Corner, we sit down with Justin Vines, a CSUN alum currently working as a federal caseworker for a member of Congress, to break down how involvement, networking, leadership, and patience helped shape his career journey. From serving in Associated Students and founding clubs on campus to scoring in the top 3% on the LSAT and preparing for law school, Justin shares the real behind-the-scenes process of building a career in public service. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to break into government and political careers * Why clubs, leadership positions, and campus involvement matter more than you think * The real value of networking and relationship-building * How internships can lead directly to career opportunities * Why customer service and communication skills are underrated * How to prepare for law school and the LSAT * Why patience and long-term planning can change your future Justin also shares how philosophy classes shaped the way he thinks, why volunteering matters, and how every opportunity—from clubs to internships—can open doors you never expected. If you’re interested in law school, politics, advocacy, leadership, or making a difference through public service, this episode gives you a realistic roadmap for getting started. Listen now and learn how to turn campus involvement into real career opportunities.

Careers in Education (Beyond Teaching) | How to Get Hired & Make an Impact

Think working in education means becoming a teacher? Think again.In this episode of Career Corner, we sit down with Autumn Catherine (Recruitment Assistant) and Matthew Watson (Executive Director of Development) from iLEAD California to break down the many career paths available in education, and how you can get started.From marketing and HR to outreach, operations, and leadership, this episode reveals how schools are powered by entire teams working behind the scenes to support students and communities.In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why education careers go far beyond the classroom * How to break into roles like recruitment, HR, marketing, and development * The skills employers actually look for: communication, empathy, and leadership * How to stand out at career fairs and networking events * Why volunteering and real-world experience matter more than you think * How to turn your college experience into career-ready skills * What recruiters are really looking for when hiring You’ll also hear real stories, from navigating college as a student-athlete to building a career in leadership and development, and learn how passion, persistence, and putting yourself out there can open doors you didn’t even know existed.If you’re interested in education, nonprofit work, leadership, or making a real impact in your community, this episode will show you how to find your place, and start building your career today.Listen now and discover how you can make a difference beyond the classroom.

How to Break Into the Music Industry | From Intern to Def Jam Director

Want to work in the music industry but have no idea where to start? In this episode of Career Corner, we sit down with MJ, Regional Director of Urban Audience at Republic Collective (Def Jam, Republic Records, Island Records), to break down how he went from college internships to working with some of the biggest artists in the world. From walking into a radio station asking for an internship… to working in the mailroom… to building relationships that led to Def Jam, MJ’s journey proves there’s no single path into the industry, but there is a way in if you’re willing to take it. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to break into the music industry with no connections * Why starting small can lead to major opportunities * The real way networking works (and why most people do it wrong) * How to stand out in internships and get remembered * Why “being memorable” is your biggest advantage * What roles exist in music: promotion, marketing, radio, live events, and more * How to pitch yourself creatively (and why resumes aren’t enough) * The key mindset: under-promise, over-deliver MJ also breaks down what he actually does day-to-day—working with radio stations, setting up interviews, building campaigns, and connecting artists with fans across the country. If you’re passionate about music, entertainment, or working at a record label, this episode gives you a real, behind-the-scenes blueprint for getting your foot in the door and turning it into a career. Listen now and start building your path into the music industry.

How to Break Into Talent Acquisition & HR | Inside Higher Education Recruiting

Thinking about a career in HR, recruiting, or talent acquisition? Curious what it’s really like to hire for a college or public institution? In this episode of Career Corner, host Maddie sits down with Courtney Cordova, Talent Acquisition Manager at College of the Canyons and former U.S. Navy recruiter. Courtney shares her powerful journey, from dropping out of college at 20, to serving 12.5 years in the Navy, to becoming the only Talent Acquisition Manager in the California Community College system. This conversation is packed with real advice for students navigating career uncertainty, job searching, and networking. In this episode, you’ll learn: * What talent acquisition actually is (and how it differs from traditional HR) * How to break into recruiting, HR, or higher education careers * Why most people get jobs through networking—not just applying * How to confidently message professionals on LinkedIn * What recruiters really look for in interviews * How to negotiate your first job offer (yes, you can!) * Why persistence matters “99 no’s and 1 yes” might be your breakthrough * How integrity, follow-through, and curiosity can set you apart Courtney also shares how serving in the Navy shaped her leadership, resilience, and recruiting mindset and why experiences outside your comfort zone often lead to the most unexpected opportunities. If you’re interested in HR, recruiting, public service, or working in higher education, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how hiring really works and how to position yourself to stand out. 🎧 Listen now and take the next step toward a career that fits you.

How to Break Into Entertainment & Radio | Inside the World of Music Marketing

If you’ve ever dreamed of working in entertainment, radio, music marketing, or media, this episode is your backstage pass into how the industry really works. In this Industry Professional Series episode, host Maddie sits down with Hilary Gordon, Director of Marketing, Promotion & Engagement at 88.5 The SoCal Sound, voted America’s Best Public Music Radio Station two years in a row. With over 25 years in radio and experience at companies like Warner Music Group and Cumulus Media, Hilary has built a career connecting artists and audiences through creativity, strategy, and sound. Hilary shares her journey from being a music-obsessed kid calling radio stations, to becoming an on-air talent, programmer, and ultimately a marketing leader shaping the future of public radio. You’ll hear how she navigated unpaid internships, learned every job inside the station, and built a career rooted in passion and community. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to get your first job or internship in entertainment, radio, or music marketing * Why being reliable, proactive, and passionate matters more than any formal experience * How radio survived the rise of streaming — and what that means for your career in media today * What roles exist in radio & entertainment: programming, on-air, marketing, promotions, production, sales & more * How to make yourself invaluable at any station or media company * The power of community, storytelling, and adaptability in a fast-changing industry * How digital media, social platforms, and even AI are reshaping entertainment careers Hilary also shares her full-circle moments — including interviewing her musical heroes — and offers concrete advice for students ready to dive into the world of music, media, or broadcasting. If you're passionate about music, storytelling, radio, or marketing, this episode shows you exactly how to turn that passion into a career. Listen now and take your first step into the entertainment & media industry.