The Power of Storycraft 2026: Career Skills for the Next Four Years

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Career Skills for the Next Four Years is the fourth in the Power of Storycraft series presented by Tufts alumni and the Institute for Storycraft and Information Gathering. This free forum brings together Tufts alumni and other experts in nonfiction writing, journalism, audio and visual media, education, and communications to provide practical skills and advice to undergraduate students of all majors and backgrounds who are exploring careers involving journalism, nonfiction writing, podcasting, or visual storytelling. At the end of the program, attendees and speakers will have opportunities to socialize and network.

• Nina Joung, A18, audience engagement specialist
• Ruth Tam A13, senior reporter at Cambridge Day, 2023 Nieman Fellow
• Erika Chen, A22, senior manager, strategic initiatives and operations at Embrace Boston
• Ben Kesslen, A18, freelance journalist
• Elizabeth Moore J87, deputy director, K-12 solutions at Gates Foundation
• Nicole Anderson, senior associate director at Tufts Career Center
• Elana Varon, J87, independent book coach, editor, and author

Attend the sessions that interest you most or come for the whole afternoon! There will be snacks.

How to craft stories that get noticed | 1 pm | Eaton 260

What are the keys to stories that compel attention? Learn from alumni and your peers about how to make your work stand out in any medium.

Keeping up with AI | 2:05 pm | Eaton 260

Join a candid conversation about when, how, and whether to use AI for research and writing. Share your experiences and questions, and hear from professional nonfiction storytellers about what they’re seeing and doing in their work today.

“My first job” | 3:10 pm | Eaton 260

Hear from recent graduates and hiring managers in media and communications about the skills that got them hired, what they’re learning now, and what they’re looking for when hiring entry-level employees and freelancers.

Speed mentoring hour | 4 pm | Eaton 260

Our special networking session returns for a second year! Get tips for having career conversations, then connect directly with Tufts alumni and our panelists in one-on-one or small-group sessions. Start building your network and get advice from successful Jumbos who are making their mark as nonfiction storytellers.

Career café | 2-4 pm | Eaton 201

Are you applying for internships or jobs in media and communications? Drop in anytime during the forum to get answers to your questions about resumes, applications, interviewing, and more.

Meet the speakers | 4:45 pm | Eaton 260

Grab a snack and mingle with the day’s speakers and other attendees.

ISIG is a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2023 by Tufts alumni whose careers in media, communications, and education were informed by experiences in campus journalism as Tufts undergraduates. ISIG helps people improve their ability to evaluate and share information, and to tell credible, compelling non-fiction stories through programs that support news literacy, storycraft, and information evaluation. These skills are essential to ensuring a vibrant, enduring civil society. Learn more at storycrafters.org.