CSU Helped Shape Jaden Stambolia’s Future Career

When Jaden Stambolia graduated in May 2025 with his master’s degree in Applied Communication Theory and Methodology from Cleveland State University’s (CSU) School of Communication in the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education, his clear goal was to tell meaningful stories that connect with the community. Jaden is doing exactly that today as an editorial assistant at Cleveland Magazine. It’s the same organization where he once interned as a CSU student.

“CSU students have so many great internship opportunities in Downtown Cleveland, especially for those pursuing journalism, communication, or public relations,” Jaden said. “I interned at Cleveland Magazine, which landed me a role there. The commute from Levin to the magazine’s office is a two-minute walk across the street.”

That proximity to professional opportunities was one of the reasons Jaden chose CSU, but it was the mentorship of faculty that made the lasting impact. He credits his professors with challenging him, refining his skills, and preparing him for the demands of a competitive media industry.

“I was only able to accomplish everything because of my professors at CSU,” Jaden said. “They pushed me and gave me the best education I could get.”

As an undergraduate, Jaden worked on The Cleveland Stater with Professor John Jirik, where he discovered his passion for reporting and investigative storytelling. That experience laid the foundation for his career in journalism. Those hands-on opportunities, combined with rigorous coursework, gave him the confidence and experience needed to transition seamlessly into the workforce after graduation.

“After graduating, I had already reached some of my career goals,” Jaden said. “I landed a job and wrote a cover story for Cleveland Magazine. Now, I’m just looking to grow as a reporter and as a Clevelander. I want to tell stories that matter to our community.”

Jaden also credits the wider CSU faculty community for shaping his success, including Dr. John Jirik, Dr. Anup Kumar, Dr. Rob Whitbred, Dr. Jeffrey Bolt, Dr. Edward Horowitz, Dr. Guowei Jian, Dr. Beth Pask, Dr. Richard Perloff, Dr. Beth Thomas, Professor Angela Gartner and Dr. Phillip Wanyerka.

Jaden offers simple but powerful advice for current students hoping to follow in his path.

“To succeed at any program in Levin and in your future career, you need ambition,” Jaden said. “Attend office hours, join student groups that fit your studies, and start building your portfolio and résumé.”

From classroom to newsroom, Jaden’s journey reflects how CSU equips students with the tools, mentorship and real-world experience needed to turn ambition into achievement and launch careers that make an impact.