HWS Alum Returns to Posse as Career Coach
Hobart and William Smith Colleges alum William Samayoa has deepened his connection to Posse by becoming a Career Coach for Posse Los Angeles Scholars.
The new role marks “a full-circle moment” for William, now director of on-air recruitment and talent strategy at CBS News and Stations. Throughout his career, mentors and Posse Career Coaches have helped him recognize opportunities, navigate uncertainty and remain open to paths he had not initially considered. He now hopes to offer Scholars the same support.
William first learned about Posse during his junior year of high school, when a teacher nominated him for the program. He attended an after-school meeting alongside dozens of students and representatives from Posse’s partner colleges and universities.
During the selection process, William began developing an idea that would later shape his career: redirection.
“I came to understand that holding too tightly to a specific vision for the future could prevent me from exploring other paths,” he says. “Looking back, I’m grateful that my mentors challenged me; I wouldn’t have changed a single thing.”
A writing and rhetoric major with a minor in media studies, William explored a wide range of subjects. During his sophomore year, he returned to Posse Los Angeles as a summer intern in the development department. With their support, he secured a communications and marketing internship at Fremantle, followed by an Academy Gold internship with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
After graduating in May 2019, William returned to Los Angeles and took a coordinator position at David Magdael & Associates, a public relations firm. The role gave William hands-on experience in entertainment publicity and introduced him to the day-to-day work involved in supporting documentary and independent film projects.
When William was ready for another transition, his Posse Career Coach helped connect him with Paramount recruiters. Those conversations eventually led to an opportunity as a coordinator on the talent strategy team at CBS.
William was initially uncertain about the role, but mentors encouraged him to recognize how well his communication skills and ability to connect with people aligned with talent strategy. He soon developed a passion for identifying, recruiting and supporting on-air talent.
William advanced from coordinator to associate manager and ultimately to his current director role. Along the way, he continued developing his business knowledge through UCLA Extension, earning a certificate in business and management of entertainment in 2025.
Now, as a Posse Career Coach, William has an opportunity to pass forward the guidance that helped him prepare for each stage of his career.
He notes, “I know firsthand how robust the Posse Career Mentor program is, having done other mentor programs—they aren’t as robust as Posse. My goal as a coach is to fulfill Posse’s mission to build leaders in the workforce.”
Speaking recently with an Academy Gold cohort, William emphasized that professional success depends not on talent alone but also on preparation, relationships and the willingness to recognize an opportunity when it appears.
“I hope Scholars will take the same lessons from my journey: remain open to change, step beyond what feels familiar and trust that redirection can become part of the path.
Reflecting on his journey with Posse, William observes, “The William in high school is not the same William talking now. Posse gave me those skillsets and opportunities and life experiences.”
