Career Services

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Berkeley Journalism’s relationship with you begins during the admissions cycle when we chart a course for your journalism training and your professional vision. Once you matriculate, you become a valued member of our cherished community forever. You may physically study at North Gate Hall for two years, but our commitment to setting you up for success — whether as a journalist or in another role —and providing ongoing networking opportunities around the country will remain throughout your career.

Our Career Services staff plays a critical role in the professional development of our students, using a vast portfolio of influential industry contacts to help buoy careers from day-one. Our prestigious faculty, who serve as your mentors, will also champion your work in the world. We’ll be inviting top employers looking for top talent to meet with you. Our career advisors themselves specialize in journalism and media following successful careers themselves. They know where you want to go. They have been you.

Regardless of what you are doing now or when you left North Gate Hall, please know that you are Berkeley Journalism. You are part of this always dynamic, ever-evolving community.

What Recent Graduates Are Saying...

Kathryn_Hurd 2024

"Individualized attention..."

As an early career journalist, Berkeley Journalism and the Investigative Reporting Program gave me the opportunity to produce in-depth reporting and blockbuster stories for high-caliber outlets, all under the watchful eye of industry veterans. The individualized attention provided by professors, peers and mentors played an essential role in my evolution as a reporter, and sets Berkeley Journalism apart. Berkeley gave me the tools I needed to set me on a concrete path to achieving my goals, and I'm deeply thankful for the impact it had on my career.

Kathryn Hurd (‘21)

Investigative reporter
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"Plenty of opportunities..."

Once my classes started at Berkeley Journalism, it didn’t take long for me to get involved in a powerful investigation at the Investigative Reporting Program, setting off a two-year journey that concluded with my role as a reporter at Bloomberg News. Along the way, the school offered me an array of opportunities, including fellowships, networking events, data and investigative journalism conferences, job fairs, mentorship and internship opportunities, and collaborations with leading news publications. The school ensured that there were plenty of opportunities available.All I needed to do was take advantage of them.

Nazmul Ahasan ('23)

US Economy Reporter · Bloomberg News
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"Elevated my career to a new level..."

Berkeley’s journalism program elevated my career to a new level. The J-School has it all: A faculty of award-winning journalists at the top of their game; diverse course offerings that allow, say, a narrative writer to go deep on data analysis; and an alumni network full of pros who are as well-connected as they are kind. For me, Berkeley was a springboard to internships and a full-time job, and it was a place where I forged lifelong connections with my tremendously talented peers. I’m so grateful for my time there.

Reis Thebault ('18)

West Coast Correspondent, The Washington Post
Serginho Roosblad

"Mentorship of the best journalists in the field..."

The J-school has been the best experience in my professional career and a catalyst for success in journalism. From the freedom to work on stories that I was interested in, to having the mentorship of the best journalists in the field, who are often alumni of the program, I got a lot in just two years of being there. I grew as a journalist and storyteller because of the J-School.

Serginho Roosblad ('18)

Video producer, Associated Press Global Investigations team
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"Shaping my career..."

I joined the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism with the goal of becoming an international correspondent. With experienced and dedicated professors, outstanding classmates, supportive staff and a strong array of courses that met my needs, the J-School gave me a one-of-a-kind preparation for a career in international journalism, which I quickly transitioned into after graduation. I’m forever grateful for the J-School's role in shaping my career.

Carlos Mureithi (‘19)

Africa climate and environment reporter, The Associated Press
Sarah Cahlan

"Opportunity to hone my craft..."

As a self-trained documentary filmmaker, Berkeley provided an opportunity to hone my craft and develop investigative reporting chops with the best documentarians and editors in the industry. Professors and peers graciously shared their time and expertise — always available for late-night brainstorms, edits and much needed words of encouragement, allowing me to grow my career in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

Sarah Cahlan ('19)

Visual Forensics, The Washington Post
Ariel Plotnick, Head Shot

"Confidence and experience..."

Berkeley Journalism gave me the confidence and experience needed to become a journalist. The professors and working journalists I met as a student became advocates for me and my work, connecting me with opportunities to publish my first stories. These early mentors — as well as the networking I did at J-school events — set me up for success after graduation.

Ariel Plotnick ('18)

Audio Producer, The Washington Post
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"Opportunities and connections..."

Berkeley Journalism has been instrumental in guiding me toward the right opportunities and connections that align with my career aspirations. I'm immensely grateful for the supportive network I've maintained since graduating, as it has kept me on the path I was meant to pursue —video journalism. The ability to seek advice from professors and build upon the relationships formed during the program has been invaluable in navigating the field as an early-career journalist and filmmaker. The short-form program equipped me with the necessary tools to network with individuals I otherwise would have had no connection with. I'm truly thankful to my professors for their unwavering support and continuous guidance they have provided me and my '23 cohort.

Jessica De La Torre ('23)

Independent director and producer
“This Eddie Adams Workshop photo was taken on September 28, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA during the 33rd annual Eddie Adams Workshop © 2020 (Photo by Clara Mokri)

"Enabled me to refine my skills..."

My experience at Berkeley Journalism enabled me to refine my skills as a filmmaker, photographer and storyteller. Having had the opportunity to study different visual mediums allowed me to diversify my skill set and become a more versatile freelancer upon graduation. The genuine enthusiasm and support of both my professors and peers was instrumental in my journey, and I am grateful for my time at North Gate Hall.

Clara Mokri (‘21)

Photographer and documentary filmmaker
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"Set its students up for success..."

At Berkeley Journalism, I learned how to create compelling films that are deeply reported and visually respectful. This opportunity also connected me with well-established filmmakers. It’s clear to see that this school has the potential to set its students up for success in this demanding industry through the notable alumni who’ve gone through the program. I’m honored to have attended and thankful for the amazing staff and faculty who continue to support me and my work. Go Bears!

Tsanavi Spoonhunter (‘20)

Independent documentary filmmaker
Angeline_Bernabe_2024

"Helped me grow as a reporter..."

As a digital reporter, I am appreciative for the experience I had as a student at Berkeley Journalism. The program helped me grow as a reporter by giving me the opportunity to explore different types of storytelling, which I was able to apply in different newsrooms across the Bay Area and beyond.

Angeline Bernabe ('18)

Entertainment Reporter, “Good Morning America”

What We Offer Students

Publishing Opportunities

Students first build skills and confidence through the school’s own publications and broadcasts, producing clips and work samples while they study. They are then ready to pursue projects supported by faculty that result in publishable work for major outlets including our partners.

North Gate Radio broadcasts student stories on KALW and KALX stations in the Bay Area.

Two hyperlocal news sites: Richmond Confidential and Oakland North.

Up to 20 paid reporting internships in our award-winning Investigative Reporting Program.

On-site gallery for student exhibits, an annual self-published book of documentary photography and a magazine called realeyes.

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Year-round professional advice & professional development

Personalized guidance in career planning, job search and interview strategies, including cover letter and resume reviews.

Workshops on creating stand-out portfolios and resumes, including annual portfolio critiques by alumni and industry volunteers.

Year-round “Get to Know” sessions with media organizations to learn about internship and job opportunities.

What We Offer Alumni

Opportunities for early-career graduates to be awarded paid, full-time reporting jobs for two years through our California Local News Fellowship program. Fifteen of the 40 Fellows in the 2023–2025 cohort are Berkeley Journalism alumni.

Geographical alumni gatherings at major industry conferences and film festivals to connect old friends, network and share news about the school directly from leadership.

Continued access to career programming at the school.

Ongoing publicity of your successes showcasing notable achievements, published books, significant stories, career changes and awards on our website, across our social media channels and quarterly Dean’s Letter that reach thousands.

Stay up to date:
Contact Us


Betsy Rate, Director of Career Development
betsyrate@berkeley.edu