Sociology Alumni Spotlight: Gustavo Medrano
Name: Gustavo Medrano
Your current title and employer: Community Affairs Specialist, Children’s Institute
Graduation year: Fall 2017
What makes you excited about your job?
My responsibility is to coordinate all community affairs within the South Los Angeles service area in collaboration with early childhood services and clinical and community service programs. I raise public awareness of the organization and its work and raise awareness within the organization of the community needs. The most exciting aspect about my new position is that I am listening to the needs and wants of my home, my community, South Central LA. I was born and raised in this area and I know that my neighborhood has been affected by institutional racism, drugs, violence, poverty, and more. Being able to support my community makes me excited.
What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
It’s hard to say what steps I actually took to get where I am now. I started my career being a tutor then transitioned into being a survey interviewer, public policy intern, campaign organizer, and lastly the community affairs specialist position. I have different expertise in education, research, policy, grassroots, and capacity building.
If I could pinpoint particular steps I took, its (1) take classes that are relevant to your future aspirations, (2) get involved on campus (3) find jobs/internships/research assistant positions that equip you with a variety of skills, (4) graduate, and (5) network. Your career path or goals may not be linear and that is okay.
How did your Sociology degree prepare you for your current position?
My degree gave me the ability to think critically, evaluate, and communicate with my community. I am serving a community that is entrenched with various social issue. The homicide rate among young folks and adults in South Central is almost double compared to any other part of the county. We have over 41 percent of households that live below the federal poverty levels. Disadvantaged communities are not entrenched in poverty and violence because of the residents, but because of social consequences and causes of structural discrimination and negligence. Sociology taught me to look beyond the taken-for-granted views and develop a macro point of view that the reveals the root causes of the issues surrounding us.
What advice do you have for current Sociology students?
Network and look into the opportunities that the Department of Sociology is providing. If your professors let you know about programs, internships, fellowships, or jobs, apply! I remember when my professors informed me about the Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Fellowship. I initially didn’t want to do it. Then I applied, and it was the best decision I made during my undergraduate career. It has opened so many doors. That’s another piece of advice! APPLY TO PPIA! Also, feel free to network with alumni from Sociology Dept.