Derek Thompson, author of a critically-acclaimed book and a senior editor at The Atlantic magazine, will be this year’s graduation speaker at Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q).
Thompson, who is a graduate of Northwestern University, is the author of Hit Makers: the Science of Popularity in an Age of Distraction, a best-selling book that discusses how content goes viral in today’s crowded media environment.
“As a Northwestern alumnus, Derek represents the best of the new digital generation who began his career as a blogger, migrated to a major magazine and broadcast outlets — and now has produced a major book. Telling your stories across virtually all of the media platforms is the hallmark of contemporary journalism,” said Everette E Dennis, dean and CEO.
Thompson, who has been described as one of the brightest new voices in the world of American journalism, writes about economics, labour markets and the media at The Atlantic, one of the most respected magazines in the US.
In his 2016 cover story, A World Without Work, Thompson probed the future of technology and employment.
He has also produced scores of major stories on the millennial generation and other topics.
Thompson is also a weekly contributor to Here and Now, a radio news programme aired over National Public Radio that reaches an estimated 4.5mn weekly listeners.
His achievements and insights have received recognition from Forbes and Inc magazines’ ‘30 Under 30’ lists and Time magazine’s roster of ‘140 Best Twitter Feeds’.
Thompson graduated from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications in 2008 with a triple major in journalism, political science and legal studies.
As an undergraduate, he wrote for two campus publications, The Daily Northwestern and North by Northwestern.