Iona alumna Spring Gonzalez ’15 found success after graduation on SoJo 104.9, a variety radio station in the South Jersey area. Gonzalez serves as a co-host and the social media correspondent on The Mike Show.

Gonzalez had never considered entering the world of broadcasting before her time at Iona.

“I had zero intentions of pursuing a career in radio until my Intro to Broadcasting class my sophomore year made a radio show a requirement,” Gonzalez said. “I proceeded to have two more radio shows and two consecutive internships for Cumulus Media and Sirius XM.”

Gonzalez credits Mike Damergis, the Digital Media Director for the Mass Communication department and WICR for helping her during her Iona experience.

“I’ve worked with high-profile talent through my 25 years in radio, and I recognized Spring had something special to offer,” Damergis said. “Spring worked hard on her craft, was well prepared every day for her radio shows. Through my professional contacts, she met the right people and they recognized her talent, and now she’s a star on the rise.”

Damergis encouraged Gonzalez to attend a sports panel where she met the Vice President of Townsquare Media, Erik Hellum. She later followed him on LinkedIn and met with him during the summer for advice on what to do after graduation.

She then met Kurt Johnson, the vice president of programming for Townsquare Media, and auditioned twice for a morning show position. Before she knew it, she was a part of a brand new radio show.

“Being a small college, Iona definitely allowed me to have experience earlier than in other schools,” Gonzalez said. “Some students in other schools never even have the opportunity to host a show.”

Although Gonzalez is still new to SoJo, her experience has been amazing.

“Even though I am notoriously not a morning person, it’s worth waking up every morning at 3 a.m. just to be able to talk each morning,” Gonzalez said. “It’s such an awesome feeling to interact with listeners.”

She explained that Townsquare Media, the media company that owns SoJo, prides itself on being a station that appeals to the local community and that she enjoys being a part of people’s morning commute.

Gonzalez says that putting yourself out there is one of the best things anyone can do to help his or her career in mass communication. It’s a risk, but it is very important.

Gonzalez also suggested networking and doing internships, as these helped her figure out what she wanted to pursue.

Moving to South Jersey from her hometown in the Bronx was really hard for her, but the end result was worth it. Gonzalez hopes that students will consider moving if they have to, as it can lead to great experiences.

Gonzalez is on air Mondays through Fridays from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Anyone can listen live on www.SoJo1049.com.