Faculty/Industry Seminar
Media Insiders 2026:
TODAY'S OPPORTUNITIES & TOMORROW'S CHALLENGES
Thursday, November 5th
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
NO COST to attend. Lunch Included.
LOCATION: New York City
Dedicated to building future leaders and increasing diversity in the media industry, the IRTS Foundation applauds the invaluable contributions of University Educators and Career Services Professionals. You are the bridge between campus and industry, and we would love to help you prepare your students for even greater success when they get to the other side! That's why we'd like to invite you to our next Faculty Industry Seminar taking place in-person on Thursday, November 5th in NYC!
The IRTS Advantage
For more than half a century, the IRTS has staged Faculty Seminars to help educators keep their teaching timely and relevant. We also have a reputation for having one of the nation's most prestigious expense-paid Summer Fellowship Programs and one of the longest-running Multicultural Career Workshops.
We know that introducing students of all backgrounds, interests, and majors to the variety of career opportunities in media is key to our industry's success. We hope you'll join us for an informative day!
Seminar Sessions
This seminar will cover a variety of tools, trends, and insights to help your students thrive in the media world.
Media Unfiltered: What Industry Leaders Are Seeing Now
IRTS Board Directors share their perspectives on the forces reshaping today’s media industry—from emerging opportunities and evolving business models to the challenges facing organizations and talent. Hear what industry leaders are watching now and what educators and career professionals should prepare students to navigate next.
Beyond the Hype: AI’s Real Impact on Media
What is AI actually changing in the media industry—and what does it mean for the people entering it? Industry experts separate the possibilities from the predictions, exploring how AI is already transforming media workflows, creative roles, audience engagement and business models.
Campus to Career: How Media Companies Engage Emerging Talent
Landing that first job takes more than a strong resume. Top media HR leaders share what they look for throughout the hiring process—from experiences and skills to communication, curiosity and cultural fit. Get an inside perspective on how early-career hiring is evolving and how educators and career professionals can help students stand out from application to interview.
From IRTS to the Industry: Career Paths That Inspire
There’s rarely a straight line from college to a career in media. Hear from IRTS alumni working across the industry as they share the experiences, unexpected turns and opportunities that have shaped their professional journeys. Our panelists offer real-world perspectives on building a career—and making the most of the opportunities along the way.
Luncheon & Networking included as well.
Conferee Selection
IRTS wants to invest in those who are most passionate about teaching the next generation of professionals, as well as those who can best apply their knowledge to curriculum or the academic community at large. Today's digital universe requires a wide range of skills. This program can be of value to faculty from a multitude of disciplines such as communications, advertising, marketing, business, and liberal arts.
There is high demand in our industry for students from all of these disciplines, but they tend to lack awareness of where opportunity now exists in our rapidly changing business.
There is a short application process, and depending on the response, we may need to limit the number of professionals we can take from one school. Faculty and Career Services staff from all departments are encouraged to apply, but you must be currently employed by a 4-year institution.
Application Deadline Extended: Tuesday, October 23th
Click here for the 2026 Application:
Best of luck to all who apply!
