WMI:JobLab is a unique approach to helping those who are not sure how or where to find the jobs, how to build a network or do not have the experience even entry level positions are demanding today.
We focus on getting the right opportunities before you and helping navigate that transition to the workforce.
WMI:JobLab is not a Masters program that requires a year or two of classroom study, nor a virtual program that claims it can help get you a job through online courses. It also won’t cost an arm and a leg for a degree that in the end may not benefit your job search.
WMI:JobLab has four specific aims:
1. To help you get the experience to get your foot in the door
2. To work out where is the best place for you
3. To help you start building the network so you know what doors might be open
4. To provide the career-finding support that evaporated the day you left campus
Academic Credit
Although the Washington Media Institute is affiliated with accredited schools, the WMI:JobLab program is not formally accredited. You will receive WMI credit and upon successful completion, students receive a certificate of advanced media studies.
But to reiterate, the focus of the program is not academics but work experience/networking with the aim of getting a job.
Academic Calendar
Classes take place:
Fall 2020: September 8 – December 18
Spring 2021: January 7 – May 3
Summer 2021: TBD
Experience
WMI:JobLab is the latest innovative program from the Washington Media Institute. The Washington Media Institute undergraduate program is the country’s premier experiential media program where students spend a semester in DC interning and developing highly-specialized media skill sets. WMI is affiliated and has credit agreements with a dozen top American universities, including The University of Colorado-Boulder, Quinnipiac University, DePauw University, George Mason University, and St Norbert College.
In the last two years, a dozen graduates from WMI’s undergrad program have landed media jobs as a direct result of the program, including at top organizations like:
Paid vs. Unpaid Internships
One question that frequently comes up about internships is paid vs unpaid. Much can be written on this, but the reality is many of the best internships in DC do not pay. WMI has a policy that we will help place you in what we believe is the best internship for you regardless of whether they pay or not. If they do pay it is between you and internship.
Cost
WMI JobLab costs $5,000 for the three month program. Unfortunately no financial aid is available from WMI itself.
Housing
The expectation is that most enrollees WMI:JobLab will want to arrange their own accommodations. WMI can help arrange housing if requested in advance.
CLASS 1: Intro, Lecture from Simon Landau, former Executive Producer of Digital Media at ABC7/WJLA. – what is your story?
CLASS 2: Building relationships
CLASS 3: What employers are looking for and the mistakes people make
CLASS 4: Resume building/eportfolio
CLASS 5: Interviewing workshop/professionalism/free-lancing
CLASS 6: Negotiating salary, benefits, contractor/employee
CLASS 7: Building your pr business
CLASS 8: Resume review – kick off the hunt
CLASS 9: Visit Washington Post
CLASS 10: Public speaking and presentations
CLASS 11: Visit and station tour at CBS/WUSA9
CLASS 12: Finances, budgeting, credit, healthcare
CLASS 13: Advocacy Media
CLASS 14: Finding the right job for you-workshopping through your job searching
CLASS 15: Final thoughts, potential leads, next steps