Jobs, internships, and mentorship opportunities for early-career journalists (18–35).
Editorial Skills Lab — Free live Zoom sessions
One-hour workshops with Canadian editors. Recordings provided afterward.
Cold Calling with Mary Vallis Cowan
📅 Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025 · 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.
Reporting in the Digital Age: Storytelling, Pitching and AI with Hannah Yakobi
📅 Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 · 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.
Career Management with Sandra E. Martin
📅 Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 · 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.
Online Investigation Tools
📅 Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026 – 6:00-7:00pm ET
Jane Lytvynenko is a senior technology reporter with NBC News Digital, where she covers the intersection of technology and conflict. An award-winning journalist specializing in disinformation, online investigations, and open-source intelligence, she will introduce participants to practical open-source investigation techniques that can strengthen reporting across any beat. By the end of the session, attendees will have a foundation in using online investigative methods to dig deeper and strengthen their journalism, even with no prior experience.
How To Kickstart Your Investigative Journalism Project with Laurie Few
📅 Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026 – 12:00-1:00pm ET
Laurie Few is a veteran investigative journalist with 35 years of experience producing award-winning journalism and leading editorial teams at CTV National News, W5, Global News’ 16×9, CPAC, the National Observer, and TVO, where she serves as Executive Producer, Digital. In this session, Laurie will guide participants through the investigative reporting process—from identifying compelling story ideas and developing strong leads to planning interviews, navigating legal and ethical considerations, and building evidence-based stories that hold those in power accountable. Participants will leave with practical strategies for pursuing impactful investigations while upholding the highest journalistic standards.
Taking Care of Sources & the Self with Matthew Pearson
📅 Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026 – 12:00-1:00pm ET
In this workshop, journalist and Carleton University professor Matthew Pearson will introduce eight key principles of trauma-informed reporting, offering practical guidance for interviewing survivors, covering difficult stories, and supporting personal and newsroom well-being. Participants will also be encouraged to develop self-care strategies while reflecting on the challenges of reporting on trauma, loss, and violence. Matthew is an associate professor in Carleton University’s School of Journalism and Communication and co-author of Taking Care: A Report on Mental Health, Well-Being and Trauma Among Canadian Media Workers.
Writing for Audio with Pacinthe Mattar
📅 Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026 – 6:00-7:00pm ET
Pacinthe Mattar is an Egyptian-Canadian journalist, writer and radio & audio producer. She spent 10 years at the CBC, including eight years in radio as a producer at As It Happens and The Current. After her departure from CBC, she went on to launch and executive produce This Being Human, the Aga Khan Museum podcast. She also served as a mentor for HotDocs Podcast Development Lab. Mattar received a National Magazine Award for her 2020 article “Objectivity Is A Privilege Afforded to White Journalists.” This workshop will delve into the basics of scriptwriting for audio, including how to capture listeners’ attention and the different ways sound can tell a story. Through real-life examples, you’ll learn why audio is one of the most accessible, intimate and visual — yes visual! — mediums to work in.
Surviving the Freelance Grind with Omar Mouallem
📅 Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 – 12:00-1:00pm ET
Omar Mouallem is an award-winning Canadian writer and filmmaker whose work has appeared in Wired, The Guardian, The New Yorker, and Rolling Stone. Most recently, he received the 2026 National Magazine Award for Editor of the Year for his work at Edify magazine. Drawing on 20 years as an independent writer and journalist, Omar will share practical strategies for building a sustainable freelance career, including pitching and selling stories, managing finances and workflow, breaking into new markets, and developing ideas for publications with diverse audiences, styles, and pay rates.
Come back soon to find new Skills Labs. Want to be notified when new Skill Labs are released?
Latest Jobs
Browse the latest roles from Canadian magazines and digital publishers
Resources & Highlights
Practical tools and examples to sharpen your editorial skills.
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.”