J-Launchpad Hub

Jobs, internships, and mentorship opportunities for early-career journalists (18–35).


Editorial Skills Lab — Free live Zoom sessions


Cold Calling with Mary Vallis Cowan

📅 Wednesday, October 8 · 12:00–1:00 PM ET

Mary Vallis Cowan is the Editor-in-Chief of Yahoo News Canada, where she leads one of the country’s most widely read digital newsrooms. A former senior editor and reporter at CBC News, the Toronto Star and National Post, her work has been recognized with national honours including a National Newspaper Award and a Digital Publishing Award. Drawing on her extensive newsroom and teaching experience, Mary will share practical strategies for mastering the art of the cold call — a skill that remains essential for every journalist.


Portrait of a professional woman with short gray hair, wearing a plaid blazer and glasses, standing confidently against a light background.

Reporting in the Digital Age: Storytelling, Pitching and AI with Hannah Yakobi

📅 Tuesday, October 28 · 12:00–1:00 PM ET

Hannah Yakobi is an award-winning journalist, communications executive and founder of FAJO Magazine, Canada’s first digital fashion magazine. Currently leading strategic communications at CIFAR, she has also guided high-impact initiatives at the Public Policy Forum, the Canadian Cancer Society, and Plan International Canada. With 25 years of experience in local, national and international newsrooms, she is also a longtime mentor, lecturer, and judge for the National Magazine Awards and Digital Publishing Awards. Hannah will explore how journalists can tell compelling stories, pitch effectively, and adapt to a digital landscape shaped by innovation and AI.


A portrait of a woman with shoulder-length black hair, wearing a black blazer and a colorful patterned scarf, smiling softly against a white background.

Career Management with Sandra E. Martin

📅 Thursday, October 30 · 12:00–1:00 PM ET

Sandra E. Martin is Standards Editor at The Globe and Mail, where she upholds accuracy, transparency and accountability in the newsroom, including navigating the use of AI in journalism. A former Head of Newsroom Development at The Globe, Editor-in-Chief of MoneySense and Canadian Living, Sandra is also a two-time National Magazine Awards finalist, judge, and host. She will share strategies for navigating career transitions, building resilience, and sustaining long-term success in the industry.


Portrait of a smiling woman with long black hair wearing a dark blazer, set against a light background.
Sandra Martin, Standards Editor at the Globe and Mail is photographed on June 21, 2022. Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail.

Come back soon to find new Skills Labs. Want to be notified when new Skill Labs are released?


Latest Jobs

Resources & Highlights

Skills Gap Guide

Download our guide and jumpstart your newsroom skills with practical tips.


Alumni Highlights (Coming Soon)

Stories and quotes from our community, and past participants on how the Editorial Skills Lab shaped their work.


BIPOC Creators Showcase

Curated articles from NMA, DPA, and B2B winners who identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of colour.


FAQ

Who is J-Launchpad for?

Early-career journalists in Canada, especially equity-deserving communities.

How do I post an opportunity?

Use our form here → /post-an-opportunity/. Manage listings here → /employer-dashboard/.

Where can I find internships and mentorships?

Try the Popular Searches chips in the sidebar or filter the jobs list.

What is the Skills Lab?

A growing library of short lessons and webinars—browse by topic or format.

Is the site bilingual?

Yes. Skills Lab content is currently in English.

When do weekly job roundups appear?

When available, a This Week’s Roundup link appears under “Latest Jobs.”