Welcome to the 2024-25 academic year! Adjustment periods can be tough for everyone. Whether you’re a freshman, senior, or graduate student, the beginning of the year comes with a lot of unknowns. Luckily, SOC’s podcast, Media in the Mix, has an episode for you no matter what phase of life you’re in! Check out our top 5 “back to school” picks below.

The Man Behind the Lens with Matt Cipollone

Recommended for: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors, Graduate students

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Matt Cipollone, SOC/MFA ‘18, is a senior producer at Lens End Media and is passionate about using film to highlight social issues. In this episode, Matt inspires students to be confident in navigating networking, to understand the importance of relationship building, and expresses his gratitude for the Alumni Mentor program. 

Campus Chronicles: Balancing Life, Jobs, & Creativity with Ericka Martinez and Jackson Dietz

Recommended for: Freshman and Sophomores

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Ericka Martinez, SOC/BA'24, and Jackson Dietz, SOC/BA'25, are SOC superstars! In this episode, they shared how they found community, connections, opportunities at AU, and emphasized the importance of just putting yourself out there. 

SOC Student-Athlete Life with Deirdre Brown and Aidan Delehanty

Recommended for: Any SOC Student-Athlete

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Deirdre Brown (Lacrosse) and Aidan Delehanty (Swim and Dive) are SOC Student-Athletes! They share how they combined their sport with their other passions and give tips on balancing responsibilities and life, time management, and structure as students and athletes. This episode encourages students to pursue non-academic interests and build community at AU. 

Creative Connoisseur with Trace Dominguez

Recommended for: Graduate students

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Trace Dominguez, SOC/MA ‘10, is a science communicator, video producer, podcaster, and researcher who has produced content for the Obama White House, The US Air Force, Toyota, Boeing, and PBS Digital Studios. In this episode, students can learn how to turn an internship into a career, navigate freelance work, and build lasting connections. 

Self and Professional Growth with Irina Gilbertson

Recommended for: Everyone!

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Irina Gilbertson, SOC/BA ‘06, is a Senior Integrated Marketing Manager at Ring who has also worked as a strategic marketer for Amazon, Hulu, Intel, Microsoft, BMW, and Nestle. In this episode, Irina gives advice for the students seeking direction: How to find what you like to do, getting comfortable reaching out for advice or to network, how to brand yourself, and getting comfortable with the idea that your path forward will not be linear.  

Derek McGinty is BACK on Media in the Mix

Recommended for: Students and Alumni

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Derek McGinty, SOC/BA ‘81, is an experienced broadcast journalist who has worked for CBS, ABC, and HBO. He is also a 2024 AU Ebony Eagle of Excellence Award-winner, recognizing his significant contributions to society through his professional and civic engagement to advance the Black community! In this episode, Derek urges students to use their time in undergrad to find what they like, to not be afraid of pursuing new experiences, and that it’s never too late to start doing something new. After retiring, Derek created a podcast, “You Don’t Hear That Every Day,” where he has conversations with people who share their unique point of views.