The Media Mentors Series at Sonoma State University gives students a rare opportunity to connect face-to-face with professionals currently working in the media industry. For students interested in sports media, reporting, broadcasting, or content creation, the series provides hands-on experiences that go beyond what is taught in the classroom.
Whether students want to improve their reporting skills, strengthen their on-camera presence, or begin building professional connections, the workshops help turn classroom knowledge into real-world experience.
The Media Mentors Series is also one of the best opportunities for students to get their work directly in front of professionals who are actively working in today’s media industry. Students are able to receive advice, feedback, and insight from people who understand what employers are currently looking for in a competitive job market.
Many of the Media Mentors events are made possible through donations from Sonoma State supporters, with funding helping bring guest speakers and professionals to campus each semester. The workshops are typically held during the fall and spring semesters and often feature experienced journalists, broadcasters, producers, and media personalities.
Ed Beebout spoke with the Sonoma State Star about the future of the series and the impact it has had on students.
“I want to continue with these series as long as possible, but the outcome that I’ve been hearing is not what I expected,” Beebout said. “The goal of these series is for the students who want to pursue careers in the industries these speakers are coming from.”
Earlier this spring, I attended the sports media boot camp hosted by Amy Gutierrez and Celeste Gehring, and it was unlike anything I had experienced before. The two-day camp gave students the opportunity to work in front of the camera, improve their confidence, and create professional-quality reels for social media and future job opportunities. For students interested in sports broadcasting or digital media, the experience offered valuable hands-on training in a real media environment.
“Right now there’s no exact Media Mentors Series lineup for the Fall 2026 semester,” Beebout said. “However, students should recognize the value of attending these series for the benefit of both themselves and the department.”
For students hoping to get their foot in the door of the media industry, the Media Mentors Series can provide important networking opportunities and professional experience. Students interested in attending future events should look out for emails from Shelly Stephens during the semester. Non-communications majors can also participate by checking campus flyers or visiting Beebout during office hours for additional information about upcoming workshops and events.
