CSUSB alumnus turns passion into profession with digital marketing

CSUSB alumnus turns passion into profession with digital marketing success

Empowered by his time at CSUSB, he turned his creativity and drive into a thriving career that blends innovation, storytelling and community.

From classroom projects to creative leadership roles, Cal State San Bernardino played a pivotal role in shaping Vittorio Santiago’s path into the fast-paced world of digital marketing. Before he was flying across the country to cover race events and managing brand partnerships on a global scale, CSUSB alumnus Santiago was honing his craft on campus, turning every opportunity into a steppingstone toward the career he has today.

As a student, Santiago worked in multiple departments in the CSUSB Division of Student Affairs. Those experiences provided him real-world insight into collaboration, branding and creative problem-solving. Each position enhanced his skillsets and helped him discover where his strengths and passions intersected.

That well-rounded experience led him to Eibach, a renowned international company in the automotive industry, specializing in the design and production of high-performance suspension systems and components. With four production plants on three continents — North America, Europe and Asia — and distribution into approximately 100 countries, Eibach is recognized as a global market leader.

Santiago serves as the digital and social media specialist. In his role in the marketing department, he wears many hats, managing content strategy, creating photography and video assets, and serving as the go-to creative at events nationwide.

While experimenting with social media strategies for Eibach, Santiago launched a personal Instagram account focused on a hobby he picked up after college: remote-controlled (RC) cars. By leveraging his digital marketing expertise, he built an impressive following, opening the door to collaborations with international brands.

Santiago’s story highlights how meaningful campus experiences can ignite lifelong passions and open doors to unexpected opportunities. Empowered by his time at CSUSB, he turned his creativity and drive into a thriving career that blends innovation, storytelling and community.

Sergeant Devon Herrington and University Police Department Chief John Guttierez

How CSUSB prepared Vittorio for role at Eibach

For Santiago, his involvement on campus gave him a professional edge after graduation, helping him build the confidence and communication skills needed to interact with companies and major brands successfully. In his sophomore year, he joined the Recreation and Wellness Center as a graphic designer and was quickly promoted to marketing supervisor. He went on to serve as a social media and marketing assistant for the Vice President’s Office for Student Affairs and as a videographer for Associated Students Inc. Each opportunity aligned with his chosen field of study, graphic design and marketing.

Whether it was crafting social media campaigns, producing videos or leading a team, these experiences gave him a solid foundation, not just in content creation, but in strategic thinking, leadership and communication.

Additionally, the education he acquired at CSUSB further prepared him for his position as the digital and social media specialist at Eibach.

“The classes, such as graphics or photography and marketing classes, helped a lot into the initial requirements of this role,” he said.

Santiago’s responsibilities at Eibach include overseeing social media, photography, and videography. However, he isn’t just behind a desk, his job often has him out in the field, driving to local races or flying to events across the country.

But beyond coursework, Santiago’s love of cars led him to create the CSUSB Automotive Enthusiasts Club, bringing together students who shared a passion for cars, motorcycles and trucks. That community laid the groundwork for the niche Santiago would eventually carve out online.

“The classes, such as graphics or photography and marketing classes, helped a lot into the initial requirements of this role,”

Erinea House senior majoring in information systems and technology with a concentration in cybersecurity.

Creation of Instagram page Vittoreos

While exploring creative ways to boost engagement at Eibach, Santiago found inspiration in an unexpected place — his newfound passion for remote-controlled cars, which soon became the focus of a personal Instagram account.

“Real cars got really expensive. RC was a way for me to still play with cars, just at a smaller scale,” he explained.

What started as a side project quickly took off.

“My Instagram account, Vittoreos, actually started because I was experimenting with how I could grow the Eibach account,” said Santiago. Since the company’s brand guidelines limited what he could try creatively, starting his own account gave Santiago the freedom to test out new content ideas.

Soon, that account developed a following of its own — at one point reaching 550,000 followers, thanks in part to a repost by ESPN.

“When I first started using it, I grew it to about 11,000 followers. And once ESPN and other media outlets started reposting it, I was watching it grow daily, from 11,000 to 50,000 … then to 100,000, and eventually it peaked at 550,000 followers,” he said.

Santiago is quick to emphasize that the account’s success was never about the numbers — it was about sharing his creativity and passion with a like-minded community. Even so, it opened the door to exciting experiences, including international travel to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Japan.

“Aside from travel, this account has allowed me to work with multiple brands that I’m proud and happy to represent,” he said. “I have about four brand partnerships right now and another one in the works.”

For current CSUSB students or young creatives wondering how to break into the field, Santiago is proof that it starts with a simple step – getting involved. “Just start,” he said. “Get involved. The opportunities will come.”

Manijeh Badiee

csusb professor, therapist and mentor

Explore Majors Available at Cal State San Bernardino

Cal State San Bernardino, set at the foothills of the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains, is a vibrant hub of education and culture in Inland Southern California. The university offers more than 70 traditional baccalaureate and master’s degree programs, education credential and certificate programs, and a doctoral program, all housed within five academic colleges and the Palm Desert Campus.

Not only is a degree from CSUSB affordable and attainable, it is also a pathway to a brighter future. Ranked No. 3 nationally for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, CSUSB helps students rise to great opportunities, securing high-paying jobs while keeping costs low.

The university is consistently recognized for its academic excellence, affordability and commitment to empowering students and communities to achieve their fullest potential.