Jake Pisani

Sonoma State Grad Year:

2012

What is your current position and/or the industry you work in?

Following 11 years in public relations with Bay Area professional sports teams — including the San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and San Jose Earthquakes — I transitioned to the public sector and now lead marketing, communications, and community engagement efforts for the San José Fire Department as its Public Information Manager.

What were your campus involvements at SSU?

 I was a member of the Sports Business Club and participated in multiple Intramural Sports. I also worked on campus for a year as a student assistant with the landscaping crew.

Why did you choose to attend SSU?

I decided to apply to and ultimately attend Sonoma State University in part because I had visited several times while my older sister was a student. I quickly fell in love with the campus and the surrounding area, and I appreciated that such a high percentage of undergraduate students lived on campus, which fostered a strong sense of community. I was impressed by the quality of the dorms, which were notably better than those at other universities my friends attended. Additionally, I valued the smaller class sizes, which allowed for more direct interaction with professors and a more personalized learning experience. Overall, the combination of a welcoming campus, tight-knit community, and engaging academics made Sonoma State feel like the perfect fit for me.

How has Sonoma State made an impact on your life today?

I firmly believe that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the education and experiences I gained at Sonoma State. The university provided a strong academic foundation while also encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone through a welcoming and approachable environment for community involvement. Working on campus helped me develop key skills in managing responsibilities, and a career fair during my senior year led to a summer internship that played a crucial role in securing my first job in professional sports.

What advice would you give to a current student or recent graduate?

Take chances and step outside your comfort zone. Join different clubs, activities, and experiences — it’s the best way to discover what you enjoy and where your strengths lie. Explore what keeps you engaged over time. And don’t underestimate the value of networking, as sometimes the people you meet may become your most important or influential opportunities.