COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Each semester, M.J. (Master of Journalism) candidates graduating from the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland, College Park are required to participate in MJ Day. The exercise requires M.J. candidates to individually recruit a panel consisting of three faculty members and one alumnus. A portfolio, which includes published and unpublished clips, a resume and cover letter, is the basis from which each candidate’s panel will provide feedback and recommendations as they prepare to enter the workforce.
MJ Day falls on May 9 this year. The first panels will convene at 9 a.m., and panels will run through mid-afternoon.
The graduating cohort and their panels by the numbers
The Spring 2025 graduating class consists of 14 master's students. Their graduation this month completes their starting cohort’s departure from the program — nine of their colleagues graduated at the end of the Fall 2024 semester in December. In total, the cohort consisted of 23 students (plus one adopted professional certificate student).
It started with a WhatsApp chat created by Cait Kelley.
24 students representing nine states, Washington, D.C. and three countries (outside of the U.S.) met before ever stepping foot in Knight Hall together, thanks to the power of the internet.
Once together, it took little to no time for the group of strangers to connect and solidify friendships while navigating a new environment together. Between them all was a deep respect for each other and a shared goal of telling stories as best and honest as possible.
"This cohort is an incredibly talented group of people. No doubt in my mind in five years I'll be seeing bylines at some of the best publications and TV stations in the world and think 'I can't believe I went to grad school with them,'" said Fall 2024 graduate Shaun Chornobroff of his colleagues.
Explore the makeup of the cohort via the interactive graphic to the left.
But who are the emerging journalists turning to for advice as they enter the workforce?
Here are the top three ranking faculty members they'll hear from.
Top (from left): Adam Marton, Alanna Delfino, Christi Parsons and Derek Willis Bottom (from left): Kathy Best, Kevin Blackistone and Mel Coffee
An analysis of the cohort's programming revealed Adam Marton to be their top choice for panel feedback with six scheduled panel appearances. Tied for second are Derek Willis, Christi Parsons and Alana Delfino Kopania with five scheduled panel appearances. Mel Coffee, Kevin Blackistone and Kathy Best are tied for third with four panels each.
That Marton and Willis, both instructors in various data-related classes, ranked high among the graduating cohort’s choices for feedback is not surprising — over half of the 18 multiplatform masters students cite data as part of their specialization or spent time in the CNS data bureau. Their data colleagues Sean Mussenden and Rob Wells will also appear on panels, three and two respectively.
All CNS bureau chiefs — Marton of the data and graphics bureau, Parsons of the Annapolis bureau, Jim Carroll of the D.C. bureau and Coffee of the broadcast bureau — will join at least two panels.
Kathy Best, director of the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism, will appear on four of eight panels for students involved in investigative projects over the last two school years.
Alumni spotlight: Sapna Bansil
Two semesters removed from the program, the Baltimore Banner's Sapna Bansil has appeared on at least one panel per semester since graduating (one in December, three in May).
The first student in the previous cohort to welcome the Fall 2024/Spring 2025 cohort during orientation, Bansil quickly became a respected peer and source of wisdom (and comfort) during turbulent times. Her work has appeared on the PBS News Hour, the Washington Post and the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Joy Saha, a culture and food writer at Salon.com, has the second most panel appearances at two total. All other alumni will make a single appearance.
"I chose Sapna for my MJ day panel because I respect her attitude toward journalism. Both in the Howard Center and since joining the Banner, Sapna is a diligent, detailed-oriented reporter, but not someone who chases personal glory. This is a job, and she wants to do it well — just like any other job. I respect her guidance because I can trust that it will not be tinged with status-consciousness."
—Paul Keifer
"I have always looked up to Sapna for her dedication, hard work and tenacity in reporting and producing thoughtful stories using data. She has always been someone our cohort could go to for advice and I look forward to getting her feedback on my work at Merrill. It feels like a full circle moment — Sapna welcomed us on our first day of the program at Merrill and now she’ll be giving me feedback on our last day here.”
—Daranee Balanchandar
Panels by the numbers: Spring 2019 - Spring 2025
But how does this cohort's panel data compare to the previous cohorts? Below is an analysis of the top five faculty panelists over the past six school years, the top alumni panelists and a searchable database of panels analyzed.
90 alumni have appeared on panels over 13 semesters, many of them making more than one appearance. Five alumni topped the chart with the most appearances on panels over the past six academic calendar years. Reporters currently working for the Baltimore Banner occupy three of the number one slots: Sapna Bansil, regional reporter and Roy W. Howard fellow; Ryan Little, data editor and Brenda Wintrode, Maryland politics and government reporter.
From left: Sapna Bansil (2024), the Baltimore Banner; Jackie Incolingo (2014), Ryder University; Ryan Little (2020), the Baltimore Banner; Emily Yahr (2008), the Washington Post; Brenda Wintrode (2020), the Baltimore Banner