For Immediate Release

Contact – Edward Headington, Publicist

(323) 669-8081 or Edward@LAPressClub.org

What to do After You Leave Your Job in Journalism

The panel discussion will be moderated by Jill Stewart, L.A. Weekly News Editor, Press Club Board Member and veteran print and broadcast journalist

Hollywood, CA. The Los Angeles Press Club is hosting another great panel discussion next Thursday night at the Steve Allen Theater called “What to Do After You Leave Your Job in Journalism.” Two well-known Los Angeles journalists who have made the leap into new careers will join two job experts to offer practical advice for Southern California journalists who have left, or expect to be leaving, their jobs.

WHO – Moderated by Jill Stewart, L.A. Weekly news editor and veteran print and broadcast journalist.

Brent Hopkins: Award-winning former reporter for the Los Angeles Daily News, who specialized in urban affairs, crime and government. Brent is now an officer trainee with the Los Angeles Police Department, and in his off hours has been “on assignment” for the Press Club gathering personal stories from other L.A. journalists who, like Brent, have recently left journalism.

Ken Mandler:Sacramento’s leading trainer in how to land a good job in government in any city that has state agencies (like L.A.). He will explain state job opportunities for journalists, ranging from policy research to human services to management, and he will show how a 50-something person can still work their way to a state pension. Ken says that despite the unfolding budget disaster, California is hiring, because there always openings in the 300,000-plus workforce.

Gayle Pollard-Terry: Award-winning reporter and editorial writer for the Los Angeles Times, Gayle specialized for many years in education coverage. She is now the Deputy Director of Media and Communications at Los Angeles Unified School District. She will talk about her choice to jump the fence, and what it is like to become a spokeswoman for the people she once wrote about.

Career consultant, TBA: From a major, nationally known firm that specializes in how to make mid-career switches, create new career paths, and acquire extra skills or education. Name of panelist to be announced.

WHAT – Moderated Panel Discussion on “What to Do After You Leave Your Job in Journalism”

WHEN – Thursday, February 26, 2009; 7 p.m.

WHERE – The Steve Allen Theater at the LA Press Club; 4773 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 90027; Plenty of free parking behind the building (enter off of Berendo Street); Click here for a map; Metro: Red line, Sunset/Vermont station

WHY – With L.A. journalists facing serious downsizing, the panelists will offer their sometimes-upbeat and sometimes-harrowing personal stories, woven together with no-nonsense rules for pursuing a post-media career. Come prepared to hear a few myths burst, and to learn some positive, useful ideas for what to do next.

FYI: Free to press club members (R.S.V.P. here). All others: $10 prepaid or $20 at the door. Students $5. Includes all drinks and appetizers.