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Sophia Sainato intended to major in fashion, but Student Media knocked on her door—and she answered. This Digital Media Production alum now manages social media for a toy company, using the skills she honed on campus through KSTV, the classroom, and learning abroad. Learn more about her journey in this quick Q&A.

1. What drew you to ºÚÁÏÉç?

I actually was initially interested in ºÚÁÏÉç for the fashion program! Its national recognition along with its location checked the boxes I needed in a university. When I visited, I fell in love. The campus is so vibrant and full of life, and it felt like somewhere I could build a home away from home. Student Media was a part of my ºÚÁÏÉç experience virtually from day 1, and I could not be more grateful for the way it impacted my college years!

2. What were some of your most memorable and meaningful student media experiences? 

Where do I even begin? The first big moment that comes to mind was ExtraLife 2024. This fundraiser means so much to me and to be able to achieve and surpass our fundraising goal was such an accomplishment. I was there for almost the entire day because ExtraLife was always a favorite event of mine. Being in leadership during my senior year was also very meaningful. Helping to be a part of a promising future for Student Media not only helped me end that chapter of my life, but also ensure students in the future could get the same out of it as me.

3. How did being part of Student Media prepare you for postgraduation life and the working environment? 

Student Media taught me the value of using my resources to create something unique. Whether it was a video I created for All Systems Go, my weekly weather and sports segments for KSTV, or even with starting the framework for Production and Film Distribution, I was able to take what I had in front of me and find a way to make it my own. In this industry people are always looking to stand out, and Student Media taught me how to do just that. Now in my current role, I get to use a compelling brand story and fun products to create content that engages a growing audience.

4. What were some of your favorite classes?

Sound for Picture was a favorite of mine as I found my place in the film world. I also loved Advanced Screenwriting and Production II. Those two classes in particular helped me find my voice and place as a creative and get practice for what I want to do in my professional career.

5. How did coursework prep you for where you are today? 

Collaboration is key, both in my classes I took and in the workforce. I also learned how to communicate both professionally and effectively. Speaking in group discussions as well as writing papers gave me the practice to now have the confidence to contribute in a professional space, and contribute something meaningful at that. I also learned how to prioritize tasks, as well as develop a strong work/life balance. Those skills transfer to all aspects of life, not just at school!

6. Tell us about your career path.

I am currently the Social Media Manager at the Simplay3 Company in Streetsboro, Ohio. In this role, I create content for our main social media platforms, as well as communicate and organize collaborations between us and influencers who share our products and story. I get to assist on product photoshoots and preliminary testing as well, and that is one of my favorite parts of the job! I have been given so much support and room to grow in my first postgrad job, and I have had a blast getting to be the voice for such a great company.

7. What is your superpower?

I think my superpower is my personality! Having an optimistic outlook and being welcoming are traits I’ve carried with me all through life, and having an outgoing nature allowed me to perform in leadership roles well, as well as in my current role at Simplay3.

8. What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment, personally and professionally? 

I think my greatest accomplishment is completing a semester abroad. Studying in Florence, Italy was a challenge, but also so rewarding! I completed a minor in Italian during my time at KSU, and that semester helped advance my fluency in the language and the culture more than I could have ever imagined. I also made lifelong friends and so many memories there! Studying abroad is something that I am so glad CCI students have the opportunity to do, because it is an experience that is truly life changing.

9. How do you stay connected with KSU today?

In addition to following social media platforms, I still live in Kent! This city has so much to explore and so many things to do, and it’s a great place for me to thrive as a young professional.

10. What advice do you have for students and recent graduates? 

Take time for yourself! I was so busy during my college years that I barely had time to just exist. Setting those boundaries for yourself is so important, because you can’t take care of other people or things if you don’t take care of yourself. Schedule some time out of every day to do something you love, like a hobby or craft, watching your favorite TV show, or taking a walk. Self care is so important!

In this industry people are always looking to stand out, and Student Media taught me how to do just that.