Stigler Center News Stigler Center Launches Journalists in Residence Program

November 7, 2016

The Stigler Center is launching a new initiative: the Journalists in Residence Program, March 27–June 2, 2017. This program provides a transformative learning experience for up-and-coming journalists from around the world, working in all forms of media. It aims to shape the next generation of leaders in business reporting.

The program will take place over approximately 10 weeks at our Hyde Park campus, during which selected participants will audit classes, participate in events, collaborate with peers, and socialize with the university’s greatest scholars. Participants will choose their own classes at Chicago Booth. Examples of classes include The Firm and the Non-Market Environment with professor Marianne Bertrand, Crony Capitalism with professor Luigi Zingales, and Understanding Central Banks with professor Anil Kashyap.

Who can apply?

Working journalists who have multiple years of media experience and are proficient in English are encouraged to apply.

What will I receive from the program? 

  • Reimbursement for economy-class airfare to/from Chicago and visa application fee
  • A stipend of $9,000 to cover living expenses over the ten-week program
  • World-class training in business fundamentals at Chicago Booth free of charge
  • Participation in seminars and workshops at Chicago Booth and across the university
  • An opportunity to write for the ProMarket blog
  • Interaction with Booth faculty and students as well as other program participants
  • Designated study space
  • Certificate of participation upon successful completion of program

What are the program expectations?

Program participants are expected to:

  • Audit 3 classes
  • Attend and actively participate in classes and complete all required readings and assignments
  • Participate in Stigler lectures, lunches, and social events as well as other events recommended by the center
  • Sign a letter of agreement with the center to indicate that the program guidelines and expectations are mutually agreed upon

What is the timeline of the program?

Please see below for important dates to consider before applying:

  • December 30, 2016: Application deadline
  • January 2–15, 2017: Skype interviews for finalists
  • January 20, 2017: Accepted participants notified
  • March 27, 2017: Program begins
  • June 2, 2017: Program ends

How do I apply?

Interested applicants should submit their application materials by email to Sarah Niemann, assistant director of the Stigler Center, by December 30, 2016.

Applications must include:

  • Resume/CV 
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A copy of three published news articles, preferably in English. If the articles are not in English, a translation should be submitted along with the original articles  
  • An essay of about 500 words describing applicants interest in the program and what goals they hope to achieve through the program
  • At the end of the essay, applicants must include their Skype contact details as well as availability between January 2–15, 2017, for a possible 30-minute Skype interview 
  • Non-native English speakers must submit proof of English proficiency, unless their undergraduate degree was obtained in an English-speaking country

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many courses can participants audit during the 10 weeks?
A: It is recommended that participants take three classes. If there is room they can attend more, as long as they can complete all required readings and assignments, while attending seminars and other events on campus.

Q: Are there any predetermined paths of study, or will Stigler Center advisors help participants build specific curricula?
A: We will suggest a few pre-established paths, but participants are free to choose a la carte given the availability of seats in the class.

Q: Can participants continue working for their company during the program?
A: Yes.

Q: Can participants write articles for the ProMarket Blog?
A: Yes, participants can write for the blog, but they are not required to.

Q: Will there be collaboration with journalists from other newspapers during the program?
A: One of the goals of the program is to bring together like-minded journalists from around the world. We encourage participants to work as a cohort and collaborate.

Q: Would this program be recognizable as continuing education for foreign journalists?
A: The program will issue certificates of attendance to participants. It is up to the participant's host institution to decide whether this program can be recognized as continuing education or not.

If you have a question not included here, send it via email to Sarah Niemann.