<p>For students entering the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-publishing.html" title="MS in Publishing">MS in Publishing</a> program at NYU SPS, there is nothing better than learning from experts in the field. Ben Frumin is one of those experts, serving as the editor-in-chief at <i>Wirecutter </i>and leading a 120-person editorial team. He and his team are responsible for delivering the best product recommendations in the country, and students in his classes get an insider look at what it means to be at the top of the publishing industry.</p> <p>Frumin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his students, and we were thrilled to speak to him about his background, his advice for prospective students and more.</p>

<p>Frumin's two decades-long journalism career began somewhat serendipitously. After graduating from UC Berkeley with degrees in political science and psychology, he found himself back in San Diego with no clear career path. Encouraged by a friend, he ventured into journalism and immediately fell in love with the profession. &quot;I never intended to become a journalist,&quot; Frumin admits, &quot;I immediately fell in love with being a newspaper reporter. It's still the best job I've ever had.&quot;</p> <p>His pursuit of formal journalism education at Columbia University further solidified his career, leading to roles in India, at The Week, and eventually at Wirecutter. Having joined NYU SPS as an adjunct in the fall of 2023, Frumin was drawn by the opportunity to give back and share his extensive industry experience.</p>

<p>Frumin's love for teaching is evident. His prior experiences at UC Berkeley and Columbia Journalism School laid the foundation for his teaching approach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This reciprocal learning environment is what keeps Frumin excited about teaching, even when his day-to-day work gets hectic at <i>Wirecutter</i>.</p>

<p>In the Introduction to Media course, Frumin ensures students gain a comprehensive understanding of the media landscape. The final project, where students create a new media brand with corresponding editorial, business, and audience strategies, showcases Frumin's hands-on teaching style. &quot;I've been really impressed with the brilliant ideas and savvy strategies my students have come up with,&quot; he shares, reflecting on the creativity and practical application of his students' learning.</p> <p>Though his experience at NYU SPS so far has been overwhelmingly positive, teaching comes with its challenges, especially when condensing vast industry knowledge into a few hours of lessons. Frumin candidly acknowledges, &quot;I am, to some degree, bumbling around trying to figure out what works and what doesn't.&quot; Despite these challenges, he finds joy in creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment, celebrating every student's progress and success.</p>

<p>Frumin notes that change is a constant in the publishing world. &quot;The best way to prepare for it is to accept and internalize that reality of impermanence and be the sort of person who is inspired by change rather than unsettled by it,&quot; he shares.</p> <p>One key contributing factor to the changes in publishing is the advent of new technologies. Frumin encourages students to remain curious, open, and adaptable as new tech moves into the industry. &quot;Good journalists inherently have inquiring minds. We're curious about all people and things. We want to learn,&quot; he says. This innate curiosity and willingness to learn are crucial for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.</p> <p>As a seasoned professional who has been in the journalism field since 2003, Frumin encourages his students to be active participants in ushering a new era of publishing, whatever it may be. He also emphasizes the importance of reputation and relationships. &quot;Be the sort of person who everyone loves and recommends,&quot; he advises. In an industry where personal recommendations carry significant weight, being kind, thoughtful, and enthusiastic can open many doors.</p> <p>Frumin's joy for media is ever-present in his classroom. &quot;This work is fun! And this work is incredibly meaningful and rewarding,&quot; he states. Prospective students can look forward to learning from someone who truly loves what they do.</p> <p>Join Frumin and other leading experts in the classroom when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-publishing.html" title="MS in Publishing">MS in Publishing</a> at NYU SPS.</p>