Kabir Burman ’27 Selected for The New York Times Corps
Only 20 students nationwide are invited to be part of the mentorship program each year.Friday, January 10, 2025 10:50 AM
Kabir Burman ’27Kabir Burman ’27, a double major in political science and media and communication, was selected as one of 20 students nationwide to join the recent cohort of The New York Times Corps. He is also the first international student to be invited to the program.
The Times Corps is a talent-mentorship program designed for undergraduate students pursuing journalism. Participants are paired with experienced Times journalists as mentors, meet regularly throughout the year, and attend exclusive events such as panel discussions with editors and reporters to gain exposure to multiple areas within the Times newsroom.
Burman’s mentor, Anjali Singhvi, is a senior staff editor at The New York Times who specializes in visual investigative journalism. Her work, often relying on photography, video, and satellite imagery, has explored issues like the Maui wildfire and chemical weapons attacks in Syria. Singhvi’s projects have earned multiple Emmy Awards and a Pulitzer finalist nomination, making her an invaluable guide for Burman as he navigates the field of investigative storytelling.
For Burman, this mentorship represents a critical opportunity to break into the field. “Journalism as a profession is highly competitive, and as an international student, those challenges are amplified,” he says, noting that smaller outlets often lack the resources to sponsor an international hire or pursue the type of in-depth investigative reporting he is interested in. “I was always looking for an avenue to learn from larger newsrooms to gain the knowledge and exposure I need before entering the field.”
Burman is a senior staff writer and social media manager for The Muhlenberg Weekly. He also contributes to the Institute of Public Opinion, Office of Community Engagement, and Office of Communications and Marketing. Beyond these roles, he is the president of BergVotes and the International Student Association, reflecting his dedication to civic engagement and fostering global perspectives.
The Times Corps provides more than mentorship — it opens the door to a network of seasoned journalists, including those currently at the Times and alumni of the program. “I hope I’m able to learn from these accomplished professionals while demonstrating that students from low-income and minority backgrounds can overcome barriers and succeed in journalism,” Burman says.
