Ruben Cano Builds Journalism Skills with Disaster Communications Internship
By Marshall Fiorita
When Ruben Cano stopped by Sonoma State University’s Career Fair last August, he didn’t expect to find his next big opportunity. The communications and media studies student discovered Sonoma County Community Organizations Active in Disaster, better known as COAD, and soon after, began interning with the nonprofit.
“I heard about it at the career fair,” Cano said. “I submitted my resume and cover letter, and they thought I’d be a good fit.”
COAD develops a coordinated network of shared resources, information, and response efforts to serve Sonoma County before, during, and after disasters. For Cano, the internship has offered hands-on experience in communication work with real community impact.
Cano spends about eight hours a week at COAD, helping with the organization’s monthly newsletter. That consists of editing content, updating information, and adding graphics to make key messages clear and engaging.
“Whenever I go in, I’m given some stuff to do,” he said. “Mostly, I look at the newsletter, make edits, and add graphics to it.”
Through the internship, Cano has learned how clear, accurate communication can make a difference during emergencies. “I get to understand the disasters (the floods, the fires) and stay alert about upcoming weather,” he said. “It’s pretty cool.”
Though he enjoys his work at COAD, Cano’s long-term goal is to become a sports journalist, inspired by his journalism professor and Bay Area reporter Paul Gutierrez.
“I really want to go into sports journalism,” Cano said. “This internship helps me build those writing and communication skills I’ll need.”
Cano earns two academic units for his internship and encourages other students to explore similar opportunities.
“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take every opportunity that’s given to you. I didn’t know about this internship until the career fair, and now I’m learning so much. You never know what you might find.”