Canned: How to Land on Your Feet

Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009, 7-9 p.m.

For all of 2008, the newspaper industry has shed more than 15,586 jobs, according to Erica Smith, a St. Louis Post-Dispatch news designer who has been tracking buyouts and layoffs across the country (http://graphicdesignr.net/papercuts). Amid unprecedented consolidation of media properties and the constant drumbeat of imminent downsizings, journalists are confronted with a fundamental issue: What do I do after I leave the newsroom (or television studio or radio station)? Must these developments necessarily spell doom and gloom for my prospects? What are the skills and core competencies 21st century employers seek and that journalists bring to the table? This panel features experts who can help news professionals transition to their next step and make thoughtful decisions that make sense for their work, life and values. In addition, several representatives will address their career choices after journalism that weren't the expected or traditional public relations and media consultancy.

Panelists: Carol Jenkins, President, The Women's Media Center; James E. Mulvaney, President, Tactical Intelligence Services Inc.; Dennis Spring, President, Spring Associates Inc.; Ernest R. Sotomayor, Assistant Dean, Career Services, Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism; Moderator: Lily H. Li

Sponsoring Organization: New York Association of Black Journalists (NYABJ).