Frequently Asked Questions

What is Medill looking for in applicants for the specialization?: On one level, we are looking for what we have always looked for in the MSJ program: curiosity, strong analytical and writing skills, an interest in having an impact and making the world a better place. But for the Media Management and Leadership specialization, we’re also looking for applicants who motivated by the challenges of creating new publications, leading interdisciplinary teams and finding the right combination of content, audience and business strategy to build sustainable media products and communication strategies.

In terms of background, we love to see students with backgrounds in journalism and/or media, but many kinds of prior experience could be relevant. For example, those with backgrounds in software development, business strategy, marketing, social/community engagement and product design have chosen and do well in this program.
What career opportunities will be available?: Given the versatile skill set that graduates from the Media Management and Leadership specialization acquire, it should come as no surprise that our graduates go on to a variety of roles in either the media or technology sectors. Recent graduates have gone on to take roles as product managers at leading media organizations, while others have landed senior roles in audience development, content strategy, content design, media operations, and product marketing. Others become entrepreneurs or key players in media startups. Regardless of their title or role, Media Management and Leadership alumna tend to find roles that put them at the forefront of leading highly strategic and influential programs.
Why is the Media Management and Leadership specialization relevant?: Today’s digital-first information ecosystem is challenging and competitive. Media organizations must compete for attention with social networks, brands, and even independent creators. In this dynamic and fragmented context, media organizations – be they mass market news organizations or consumer-facing publishers – must evolve at the speed of technology to stay in synch with consumers wants and needs. To that end, media organizations of all sizes – from startups to large, established companies – are looking for people who understand all the dimensions of developing media products. They want professionals capable of leading strategic programs that operate at the intersection of business, technology, audience and content – i.e., people who not only have the training and sensibility of storytellers, but who are also capable of taking ideas to execution through effective collaboration, management and leadership.
What is the San Francisco immersion experience?: In your final (Summer) quarter, you will immerse yourself in the startup and technology culture of the Bay Area, learning through classes as well as a part-time internship with a tech or media company in the region. The curricular core is design thinking and research, the proven techniques and approaches for learning and understanding the needs of users and audiences. These include observational/ethnographic research, interviewing for product development and developing techniques for eliciting feedback on product ideas and prototypes. You’ll also learn the business fundamentals required for product development, such as business models, competitive analysis and marketing strategy. Your classes will work on real-world design and research projects for companies in the Bay Area, and Medill will arrange opportunities for you to gain experience working inside the region’s many innovative companies.
How can I learn more about students’ experiences in the specialization?: Read more about students’ experiences on the Medium.com channel for the specialization.