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St. Thomas journalism student Alexandre Silberman is one of twelve young journalists across the country to receive the Joan Donaldson CBC News .

 

“It is an incredible honour,” said Silberman, who received the call during a shift in the CBC New Brunswick newsroom. “I was absolutely thrilled when I heard the news and excited to share with my producers and colleagues.”

 

The scholarship provides graduating journalists a paid, four-month internship with the CBC at the national level. Recipients are chosen from nominated students—at the undergraduate and graduate levels—across Canada. Selection is based on exceptional academic performance; demonstrated aptitude in multi-platform reporting; and a deep engagement with the world through travel or community participation.

 

Industry Experience In and Out of the Classroom

Silberman, originally from Burlington, VT, said the university’s partnership with the CBC attracted him to study at STU and move to Canada where his family has roots. He said he’s also benefited from the university’s extensive alumni network.

“Many of my colleagues at the CBC are STU grads, which has allowed me to easily make connections. It’s wonderful to have a network of people in the industry willing to offer career advice and help anyway they can.”

 

STU is one of sixteen post-secondary institutions across Canada eligible to nominate journalism students for a Donaldson. Silberman credits STU’s personalized education in preparing him for this opportunity.

 

“The small size of the university provided me with easy access to my professors, who were willing to meet with me and provide advice and guidance,” he said. “I’ve had many professors who are greatly invested in my future and care about my success.”

 

Journalism Chair Philip Lee said Silberman joins a long list of previous winners from STU who began successful careers through the Donaldson program.

“The fact that he was selected for this prestigious award after a national competition says a lot about Alexandre as a student and as a journalist, but also gives us encouragement that our program continues to educate a new generation of journalism leaders in Canada,” said Lee.

Throughout his degree, Silberman was named to the dean’s list; worked as a student publication news editor; completed an internship with business-news site Huddle; studied abroad at Institut Albert le Grand in Angers, France; represented STU at the 2019 Harvard Model United Nations; and served as STU Debate Society President.

 

“Alexandre began working in the CBC Fredericton newsroom during the summer after his third year of studies,” said Lee. “He has immersed himself in a rich and deep experience of learning on the job, taking on increasing responsibilities in all areas of CBC New Brunswick's operations, producing original works of journalism on multiple platforms and covering Canada's first pandemic election campaign, among other things.”

 

Silberman hopes to spend his professional career with the CBC and said the Donaldson Scholarship “is an incredible step towards this goal.”

 

Follow Silberman’s work on Twitter at .