#MeetTheClass: Victor Heller ’26 M.S.
Meet Victor Heller ’26 M.S., a student pursuing the visual craft sequence.
Where are you from and what program are you pursuing?
I grew up in Cologne and Berlin, Germany. At Columbia Journalism School, I'm pursuing the M.S. Program (Visual Craft specialization) and focus on long form writing, photography and video journalism.
What inspired you to attend Columbia Journalism School?
While studying political science as an undergraduate, I got the chance to spend a year at UC Berkeley where I discovered my passion for rhetoric. Coming from a family background in design, art and fashion, pursuing journalism seemed like the perfect way to channel my interests. Learning this craft at CJS is an honor and a dream come true — the professors and students around here inspire me every day.
After the J-School, what would you like to do?
One thing I love about journalism is the freedom to cover topics I find intriguing and want to continue to learn about. At the moment, I am covering politics, agriculture and the print industry. Getting the chance to keep this freedom as a multimedia journalist is my personal and professional wish. I'm also hoping to become an editor at some point in the future, and if the circumstances allow, maybe even run my own publication business.
What is your favorite activity/location in NYC so far?
If not out reporting or in the editing studio, I love to spend time by NYC's waterfront. I also really enjoy going for long walks to discover some of the niche shops which make this city the unique place it is. The other day, I found a 75-year-old newsstand selling 5,000 magazines in a space designed for only 1,000 titles.