Georgia Tech Students Sharpen Skills at CNN Academy in Abu Dhabi

The world of journalism is changing rapidly. Artificial intelligence, social media, and the high-tech recording devices in our pockets offer challenges and opportunities for sharing the stories around us.

To prepare for the evolving landscape, ten students from Georgia Tech’s School of Literature, Media, and Communication (LMC) participated in a two-part CNN Academy, honing their investigative, ethical, technological, and multimedia storytelling skills along the way. 

From Atlanta to Abu Dhabi

First, the students spent five days at the CNN headquarters in Atlanta in October, networking with students from participating universities, meeting CNN journalists, and learning new digital skills.

In December, the group flew to Abu Dhabi, joining ranks with 140 students from around the world. They attended master classes conducted by CNN leadership and created group video reports on a simulated investigative story. LMC students Emma Zeng and Isa Cardona were part of winning groups recognized by the outlet for their projects.

“We learned about ethical reporting, mobile journalism, AI usage, and so much more,” said Kristin Hsu, a third-year LMC student. “I met over a hundred ambitious students from all different backgrounds and interests, and I got to explore a part of the world that I’d never seen before. It was truly one of the coolest experiences of my life.” 
 

Students were chosen to participate through a competitive process and received certificates of completion from CNN for their work.  

Gaining a Global Perspective

Beyond the technological know-how, the trip cultivated many of the soft skills journalists and employees in many other fields need to excel, said LMC Chair Kelly Ritter.

She led the trip with Academic Program Manager Amanda Blocker and said they enjoyed watching the students grow personally and professionally, “broadening their perspectives by working alongside peers from different countries and cultures and practicing teamwork, collaboration, intercultural communication, and open-mindedness.”

Anna Abernathy, a third-year LMC student who aspires to work in sports broadcast journalism, echoed this sentiment. She said her team had members from three continents who came together with different skills and interests.

“Because of the intentionally compact nature of the simulation, I learned more than I ever have about teamwork, leading without demanding, and being humble enough to take any role for the benefit of a team,” Abernathy said. “I am a better journalist, but more importantly, a better human because I attended CNN Academy Abu Dhabi 2024.”
 

Visiting the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

Refinding Meaning

For Isa Cardona, a fourth-year LMC student, the physical journey was also personal, renewing a life-long enthusiasm for storytelling that had waned in recent years.

“I want to pursue a career in journalism where I can uncover impactful stories, amplify underrepresented voices, and contribute to meaningful conversations on global issues, particularly in science and health,” she said.

“This experience reignited my passion for journalism and solidified my vision of the storyteller I aspire to be: one who informs and can help drive meaningful change.”
 

Future Plans

LMC will continue to partner with CNN on future Academy experiences locally and abroad.