Career Corner

About Career Corner

Career Corner is your inside track to landing opportunities and building a future you’re excited about. From candid conversations with students and alumni to practical advice from industry pros, each episode delivers real stories, smart strategies, and the confidence you need to rise as a Matador. Tune in for the tools, tips, and insights that turn career goals into reality.

Publisher

CSUN Career Center

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

5 Sept 2025

Latest episode

8 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Sept 2026

   How to Build a Career at Disney | From Intern to Director

   In this episode of Career Corner, host Maddie sits down with Chris Garlington, Director of Enterprise Compliance Programs at The Walt Disney Company, CSUN professor, and proud Matador alum, to explore how he went from CSUN student and Disney intern to building a 12+ year career with the company. Chris brings a unique perspective to the conversation. He's experienced the career journey as a student trying to find his direction, an intern getting his first professional experience, a business and technology professional, a leader at Disney, and now a professor helping the next generation prepare for their careers. In this episode, you'll learn: How to start preparing for your dream company before graduation Why getting good grades isn't enough to stand out How internships can help you discover what you actually want from your career Why your classmates, professors, and alumni are already part of your professional network How to make yourself memorable to recruiters with a strong 20–30 second introduction Why communication and empathy are two of the most valuable skills you can develop How to tailor your resume for competitive opportunities Why your journey to Disney or any dream company, doesn't have to be a straight line One of Chris's biggest lessons? Don't wait until senior year to start thinking about your career. Academics matter, but building relationships, joining organizations, gaining experience, and developing your professional network should start much earlier. And if your dream is to work at Disney, Chris offers an important reality check: sometimes the best path isn't going directly from graduation into your dream company. Building experience elsewhere, exploring different environments, and strategically "zigging and zagging" can ultimately make you an even stronger candidate when the right opportunity arrives. Whether you're interested in business, technology, finance, compliance, risk management, or simply building a career at Disney, this episode is packed with advice you can start using today. Watch or listen now and start building the career that could take you from student to your dream company.

2. 

   30 Jun 2026

   How to Get Hired at Boeing | An Aerospace Engineer's Career Guide

   Dream of working at Boeing? This episode is your roadmap. In this episode of Career Corner, host Maddie sits down with Alec Rahimian, an Aerospace Structures Stress Engineer at Boeing and CSUN alum, to explore what it really takes to launch a career in one of the world's most recognized aerospace companies. From earning degrees in mechanical engineering, transportation design, and manufacturing systems to working on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Alec shares the lessons, setbacks, and mindset that helped him turn a lifelong passion into a career. Whether you're studying engineering or simply curious about aerospace, this episode is packed with practical advice for students looking to stand out. In this episode, you'll learn: How to prepare for a career at Boeing What Boeing recruiters look for in engineering candidates Why hands-on projects matter more than GPA How internships and small companies can lead to big opportunities The importance of networking, mentorship, and perseverance What Aerospace Structures Stress Engineers actually do The mindset that helped Alec overcome setbacks and achieve his goals Alec also shares the books, engineering competitions, and professional organizations that shaped his career, plus a challenge for aspiring engineers to test their knowledge and creativity. If you've ever dreamed of designing aircraft or building a career at Boeing, this episode is packed with insights to help you take the next step. Listen now and start building your future in aerospace engineering.

3. 

   18 May 2026

   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.

4. 

   5 May 2026

   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.

5. 

   23 Mar 2026

   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.

6. 

   17 Feb 2026

   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.

7. 

   17 Dec 2025

   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.

8. 

   20 Nov 2025

   How to Break Into Marketing & Advertising | A Director’s Guide to Getting Hired

   Want to break into marketing, advertising, or new business development, but don’t know where to start? This episode gives you the roadmap. In our first Industry Professional Series spotlight, host Maddie sits down with Reonna Johnson, Marketing & Business Development Director, agency leader, community-builder, and co-founder of multiple initiatives reshaping the creative world. Reonna shares her real, unfiltered journey from not even knowing what marketing was in college to leading major growth initiatives across top advertising agencies. She breaks down the exact skills, mindset, and strategies students need to enter the industry confidently. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to get your first job in marketing or advertising (even if you feel behind) The 70/30 rule that fast-tracked Rhianna’s career into leadership roles What agencies REALLY look for in entry-level candidates How to figure out which agency department fits YOU. Creative, strategy, account, production, or business development Why your “no job too big, no job too small” attitude matters more than you think How to build community, confidence, and impact at the start of your career Reonna also shares inspiring stories about launching community-centered fitness spaces, building networks for Black creative professionals, and using your career to create real impact. If you’re dreaming about a future in marketing, advertising, or creative industries, this episode is your blueprint to getting started—and getting hired. Listen now and start building your future in marketing & advertising.

9. 

   15 Oct 2025

   How CSUN Alumni Can Help You Succeed | Ask a Matador Explained

   In this episode, host Maddie sits down with Cristina Bernstein, Career & Professional Development Associate at CSUN, to spotlight one of the most powerful resources available to Matadors: Ask a Matador. Learn how this platform connects CSUN students and alumni for career advice, mentorship, and networking—no cold emails or awkward introductions required. Christina breaks down how to use Ask a Matador, shares real success stories, and explains how Black Matadors Connect provides representation and mentorship opportunities for Black-identifying students and alumni. You’ll discover: • How to connect directly with CSUN alumni in your dream field • What kinds of questions to ask to get meaningful responses • How networking can open doors to internships, jobs, and mentorship • Why representation and community matter in your career journey Whether you’re a new student, a transfer, or just ready to take your next career step, this episode will show you how to leverage the Matador network to build your future. Listen now and start making connections that matter.

10. 

    5 Sept 2025

    The Power of Networking & Internships | With Prof. Randi Picarelli

    In this episode of Career Corner, host Maddie sits down with Professor Randi Picarelli to explore one of the most important topics for college students and young professionals: networking and internships. From building authentic connections to creating opportunities through internships, Prof. Picarelli shares her career journey, teaching philosophy, and practical strategies to help students take charge of their professional growth. You’ll learn: Why networking is more than just “who you know” How to confidently reach out to professionals—even when it feels intimidating The role of internships in building real-world skills and career pathways Key questions every student should ask in an internship or job interview Whether you’re just starting your college journey, preparing to graduate, or feeling stuck in your career path, this conversation is packed with advice to help you build confidence, expand your network, and take your next step forward. Tune in now and start building the future you want!

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Apple Podcasts (US)

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