Emily Krivograd’s journey in journalism began during her high school years, where her work on the student newspaper and a third-place feature writing award at the IHSA journalism conference sparked her interest in storytelling. However, it wasn’t until her time at Lewis University that she fully embraced her passion for journalism, declaring it as her major during her sophomore year. While the university’s communications program was modest, Krivograd’s initiative to launch her own WordPress blog set her apart, eventually landing her an internship with Her Campus Media. This highly competitive role proved pivotal, motivating Krivograd to pursue a career in journalism.

After graduation, Krivograd secured a fellowship with Business Insider, where she rose to the position of Associate Editor. Her tenure there was marked by significant achievements, including contributing to a 20th-anniversary feature on “American Idol” and revitalizing the beauty section by recruiting freelance writers and experimenting with fresh story angles. Notably, her development of a Google pitch form attracted over 700 responses, showcasing her innovative approach to engagement and content creation.

Despite her successes, Krivograd faced challenges, including adapting to a company-wide rebrand and navigating a layoff scare. These experiences motivated her to seek a new role that offers greater job security. Krivograd reflects on the challenges of today’s job market, emphasizing the difficulty of balancing a full-time role with job applications and interviews. She’s applied for over 60 positions in the past two years, encountering setbacks such as budget cuts and subjective feedback from hiring managers.

Cameron Ashby, a longtime colleague, describes Krivograd as a “sharp minded” journalist with “impeccable knowledge of journalism styles.” Ashby highlights Krivograd’s strategic job search approach, avoiding mass applications in favor of thoughtful research on prospective employers. He also notes her resilience in adapting to an ever evolving industry, leveraging tools like AI to enhance efficiency.

Looking ahead, Krivograd is optimistic about the future of journalism. She predicts a resurgence in longform written content, driven by Gen Z’s appreciation for nostalgia and storytelling. Whether working in traditional journalism or a less formal writing-heavy role, Krivograd committed to connecting with her audience through impactful storytelling.

Employers seeking a highly motivated and creative communicator will find no better candidate than Krivograd, a professional who not only excels in her craft but also inspires those around her to achieve excellence.