Sofia Magalhães
Graduation year: 2026
High school: Davenport North High School
Hometown: Davenport, Iowa
Majors: Business administration (marketing); graphic design
Activities: Advertising Developers, Augustana Web Guild, American Model United Nations, IFTA Event Planners, EDGE Center, Her Campus
Internships: EDGE Center intern; ERI Design content migration specialist
Post-grad plans: Work in the advertising/marketing industry or event planning
Why Augustana?
I grew up knowing Augustana because my dad works at Augie and my sister also went to college here. So I decided I would try it. I stayed because I met amazing people and discovered so many great opportunities that really pushed me.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Honestly no. I thought I would be going into graphic design so I could have a job and make a living, but Augie made me realize that I don’t just want a job. I want a career. I want something I am passionate about and look forward to each day.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
So many people. My teachers were a great support as well as my amazing family, but it was really the people in the EDGE Center that helped me the most.
Doug and Andy gave me a space I could thrive, and the students I met because of it are some of my closest friends. Just knowing all of them pushed me to be the best I could possibly be. They never failed to give me advice or a nudge in the right direction if I got stuck. But more than anything I just wanted to make them proud, which spurred me on more than anything else could have.
Peak experience?
I have had so many fantastic experiences that I can’t pick just one so I’m going to point out three. One was when I traveled to Scotland to run the IFTA Congress, another was the feeling of pure pride after pitching our campaign for ADs in 2025, and lastly going to Brasil this past J-term for a study abroad.
What surprised you?
How much the teachers really care about their students. I knew I wanted to go to a smaller school so I could have a relationship with my teachers, but this entirely exceeded my expectations.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used it to help pay for my J-term trip to Brasil to study the Afro-Brasilian lived experience.
What will you miss the most?
The people. It’s a cheesy answer, but it’s the truth.
Advice for the Class of 2030?
Not everyone will always like you, and that’s okay. As long as you are being nice and stand up for what you believe in, that’s all that matters.
"Sofia found out about the EDGE Center and all of the programs available a few days before her sophomore year started … and she was all in! No one can do everything in EDGE, but the overachiever Sofia hit a lot of important roles. Lead EDGE project manager, international conference lead planner, ADs president and Web Guild president top the list. Total immersion in the experiential learning in EDGE will make her valuable to any future employer (and she’s fun to hang out with)!"