Learn about career options, skill-building opportunities and academic transfer possibilities in the Communication and Media Studies program.

Join us for a keynote speech from a CNN journalist, industry panels, skills-based workshops, a conversation with a sports writer from The Athletic, professional development sessions and guest lecturers from transfer institutions. 

Check out the full list of events and details online.

Day 1: Monday Musings – Oct. 27 | Winnet Student Life Building, Great Hall, Room S2-19

Lessons from the Newsroom with CNN’s Danny Freeman – 9:40 to 11:10 a.m.

Our keynote speaker will reflect on his journey through journalism and share insights into the future of storytelling in a digital world. 

Behind the Podium: CMS Faculty Career Stories – 11:20 a.m. to 12:50 p.m.

Meet professors in the Communication and Media Studies program and hear about the diverse paths that led to their careers. 

Public Media Matters: A Bridging Blocks Conversation | 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Public media faces growing threats—from funding cuts to political polarization—that challenge its ability to provide independent, trusted news, and foster civic dialogue. WHYY’s Bridging Blocks program is coming to campus for a community event that creates space to discuss why public media is essential, what’s at stake, and how we can protect this vital resource. The conversation will be led by Brisa Luzzi Castro (Community Convener), Tony Cuffie (Senior Manager for Community & Engagement), Kevin Donahue (Editor of Billy Penn and Senior Director of Specialty News Projects), and Kenny Cooper (Multiplatform Reporter), who will share their expertise and experiences from inside Philadelphia’s public media newsroom.

Day 2: Toolkit Tuesday – Oct. 28 | Winnet Student Life Building, Great Hall, Room S2-19

In Conversation with Zach Berman: Sports Media, Storytelling and the Eagles – 9:40 to 11:10 a.m.

Zach Berman, senior writer at The Athletic, will share insights from his career in sports journalism, discuss the book-writing process and answer questions about building a career in sports media.

Beyond the Beat: Hip-Hop Journalism in the Digital Age – 11:20 a.m. to 12:50 p.m.

Led by award-winning journalist Earl Hopkins, this workshop explores the past, present and future of hip-hop journalism, and creative approaches needed to cover the genre in today’s digital media landscape. 

Day 3: Workplace Wednesday – Oct. 29 | Winnet Student Life Building, Great Hall, Room S2-19

Showcasing Your Story: Résumés, Portfolios and LinkedIn – 9:40 to 11:10 a.m.

Learn how to craft résumés tailored specifically for media and communication careers, build digital portfolios, and optimize LinkedIn profiles.

Building Your Personal Brand Through Social Media – 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Learn from Talaya Martin-Smith—social media professional, content creator and award-winning independent filmmaker—how to create engaging content, grow an authentic online presence, and leverage digital platforms to support career and networking opportunities. 

Day 4: Transfer Thursday – Oct. 30 | Winnet Student Life Building, Great Hall, Room S2-19

Through lectures and dialogues, this event explores the critical role of communication as a tool for resilience, justice and social change during moments of crisis.

• 9:40 to 10:25 a.m. – Jason Del Gandio, Ph.D., Temple University
• 10:30 to 11:10 a.m. – Sara Levin, Ph.D., West Chester University
• 11:20 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Bryce Renninger, Ph.D., J.D., Thomas Jefferson University
• 12:05 to 12:45 p.m. – Kelly Daily, Ph.D., La Salle University

Communication and Media Studies (CMS) Student and Faculty Luncheon – 1 to 2:30 p.m. | Klein Cube | Registration required 

Hosted by the Communication and Media Studies program in the English department

We hope you’ll join us for some of these valuable events!