Victoria Monét Brings the Multi-Hyphenate Mindset to Career Jam 2026

At Berklee, students are challenged to think beyond traditional paths and build sustainable creative careers. Through experiential learning, they connect the classroom to the industry and gain real-world experience before graduation.

Nowhere is that more visible than at Career Jam, Berklee’s largest experiential learning experience of the year. This isn't just a day for advice; it’s a day for access. It’s an event that broadens the scope of possibility for students' career paths through industry guests who share their stories and day-to-day experience.

At Career Jam 2026, Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Victoria Monét took the stage to outline a blueprint for a sustainable creative life. In a keynote conversation with Latoya Lee, director of industry relations, she reflected on her transition from behind-the-scenes songwriter to global superstar, offering a master class in patience, discipline, and the power of creative range.

The Multi-Hyphenate Advantage

Monét, who first gained industry recognition as a songwriter for artists like Ariana Grande and Chloe x Halle, embodies the kind of versatility students are cultivating at Berklee. "She writes, she sings, and she dances," Lee noted during the introduction, "just like many of you in this room."

For Monét, being a "multi-it" isn't just about having multiple talents; it’s about using those talents to gain agency over your career. She encouraged students to embrace every facet of their creativity—whether it’s composition, performance, or business—as a tool for longevity.

From Songwriter to Solo Artist

One of the most practical takeaways from the keynote addressed a primary concern for many emerging artists: how to fund a high-level creative vision independently. Monét offered a transparent look at her own journey, revealing how she used her success as a songwriter to bankroll her ambitions as a solo artist.

"I didn't have a team on the label side or on the management side [initially]," Monét shared. "I was using my publishing income to pay for [my tour]. So one skill—my songwriting skill—was able to support my artist's dreams."

Redefining Financial Freedom 

Monét challenged the typical industry tropes of wealth and luxury, offering a grounded perspective on what "making it" actually looks like. For her, money is not a goal in itself but a resource for further creation.

"Financial freedom to me looks like the opportunity to invest in yourself," she explained. "I’m not the type of person who's looking for the shoes, the bags, the tags. It’s really nice, but I'd rather spend that money on the creative process. I'd rather buy an instrument. . . .  I'd rather develop my craft."

Playing the Long Game

To close the session, Monét offered a few final pieces of advice for students navigating the challenges of the modern digital landscape. She stressed the importance of building for the long term.

• Learn from those around you: Early in her career, Monét performed in a girl group with Berklee alum Siobhan McNear, drawing inspiration from her bandmate’s knowledge. "Berklee became a part of my foundation," she said.
• Be your own first investor: Use your available resources and skills to build your own momentum before looking for outside help or signing a deal that doesn't align with your values.
• Stay inspired: "Financial freedom looks like the ability to keep creating," she said. "Whatever the cost associated with that is, then I'd like to be able to do that."

Scenes from Career Jam 2026

Career Jam Concert and Award Show 

The day culminated with the sold-out Career Jam Concert and Award Show, which highlighted talent from all career communities and a broad spectrum of majors. From writers to producers to business teams, the concert showcased students’ readiness for the industry. Career Jam award recipients and performers were selected by an expert panel of Berklee faculty and chairs, show producers, and the Career Jam talent relations ambassadors.