Whether you’re job hunting, building your network, or just figuring out your next steps, this event is for you. Join the Chicago Headline Club for a day of career development, peer connection, and newsroom access. (And yes, there will be light bites and beverages!) RSVP for today for the Friday, October 10 event.
You’ll get to:
- Connect directly with newsroom leaders
- Strengthen your job search materials
- Get a new headshot (first come, first served)
- Join guided networking conversations with working journalists
Space is limited so RSVP to save your spot, sign up to join the networking session. Headshots and resume and cover letter review will be on a first come, first serve basis.
Event Schedule
10 a.m. | Editors focus group (invite only)
This is an invite-only focus group to help the Chicago Headline Club prepare for upcoming programming.
11 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Navigating What’s Next: Advancing your journalism career
Hear from reporters and newsroom leaders as they share how they’ve adapted to a fast-changing industry — from budget cuts and restructures to new beats and platforms. You’ll walk away with practical advice on how to navigate transitions and take charge of your career.
- Ashir Badami, Senior Lecturer and Specialization Lead, Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism
- Kim Johnson Flodin, Deputy U.S. News Director, Initiatives and Partnerships, The Associated Press
- Bridget Thoreson, Chief Project Officer/Dream Wrangler, Hearken
- Dawn Rhodes, Civic Editor, City Bureau
12 to 3 p.m. | Chicago Media Career Fair, including headshots and resume and cover letter review
Meet hiring managers, ask questions, and make new connections. Resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews and headshots will be available throughout.
Participating newsrooms:
- Associated Press
- Becker’s Health Care
- Block Club Chicago
- CBS Chicago
- Chicago News Weekly
- Crain’s Chicago Business
- Investigative Project on Race and Equity
- NewsNation
- The Times of Northwest Indiana
Resume and cover letter reviewers:
- Jay Smith, News Director and Executive Producer, WTTW News
- Alia S. Graham, Vice President of People & Culture/Human Resources, Chicago Reader
- Kaitlyn Jakola, Editorial Director, Strategy & Operations, Chicago Sun-Times
- Bridget Thoreson, Chief Project Officer/Dream Wrangler, Hearken
- Gwen Ihnat, Arts & Culture Editor, Block Club chicago
Please note: resume reviewers are not representing their organizations. Having them review your resume does not mean they are hiring or that they will contact you.
Mock interviewers (Lounge/Career Fair):
- Dennis Robaugh, Editorial Director, WordGrinder Media
- Jessica Gillespie, Owner, Publicist, The PR Handle
1 to 2:30 p.m. | Skill Sharing: A guided networking session
Sit down with Chicago journalists in small-group discussions led by peers with unique experiences across different parts of the field. These informal, lightly facilitated conversations are designed to spark collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and connection.
- Karen Hawkins, Story Editor, The 19th News
- Jake Wittich, Managing Editor, Windy City Times
This event is made possible by Press Forward Chicago.
