Spring 2026: Journalism: The Art of Profiles
Welcome to Journalism: The Art of Profiles!
In this one-cycle Journey, mentors and mentees explore how to establish trust and rapport with their subjects, conduct interviews with mutual respect, and present a friendly, welcoming demeanor while maintaining the role as the writer—not a friend or confidante. Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on extracting details for the reader, this course emphasizes a holistic perspective that honors the reader, the writer, and the subject. Participants will practice structuring interviews, managing the flow of conversation, knowing when to push back against the profile subject, and using their own experiences as a guide to create compelling, thoughtful profiles.
You are currently viewing the course for this Journey. This course guides mentees through the process of interview prep, conducting an interview, and writing a profile. Through interactive lessons and assignments, participants will learn how to structure an interview and manage relationships with their subjects.
Learning Objectives
Journalism Course Learning Objectives:
At the end of this course, participants will have:
- Practiced Interview Structure and Flow — Examine how interviews are structured and understand how to make them flow.
- Managed Relationships with Profile Subjects — Learn when and how to push back on subjects while maintaining an atmosphere that encourages candor.
- Developed a Unique Voice — Integrate your personality and experiences into your writing.
- Learned Profile Writing — Practice turning an interview into a compelling profile that captures readers.
Requirements
- Complete at least 2 pair sessions per month and log these in your Portal
- Attend the monthly Journey Meetings (see Engagement Dates)
- Complete all lessons and assignments in this course
- Submit a Life@GWN profile
Engagement Dates
Participants will attend one Journey Live Meeting each month as part of the course for the cycle. Additionally, you can schedule 1:1 office hours with the Journey Lead for individual assistance as needed.
Spring Cycle Journey Meetings:
Saturday, March 7, 2026 2-4 pm ET
Saturday, April 11, 2026 2-4 pm ET
Saturday, May 2, 2026 2-4 pm ET
Asynchronous Coursework
Complete each lesson in the the following course. As you progress through each lesson, make sure to press “complete” before moving on to the next.
Journalism: The Art of Profiles (Spring 2026)
This course focuses on providing participants with strategies and tools to successfully conduct interviews and write compelling profiles. It covers topics such as interview structure, managing relationships with your subjects, and the nuts and bolts of writing a profile.
Submissions
You are required to submit your Life@GWN profile.
Curriculum
- 4 Sections
- 24 Lessons
- Lifetime
- Introduction3 Items
- Preparing for the Interview7 Items
- From Interview to Draft7 Items
- Final Polish & Submssion7 Items
Instructor
