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

Victoria Mon t Brings the Multi-Hyphenate Mindset to Career Jam 2026 The Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer shared how versatility and self-investment can support a sustainable career, kicking off a day of panels, mentoring sessions, and performances.

March 31, 2026

By

Tara Bellucci

Latoya Lee, director of industry relations, with keynote guest Victoria Mon t at Career Jam 2026

Image by Mike Spencer

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 isnt 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 Mon t 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.

Victoria Mon t

Image by Mike Spencer

The Multi-Hyphenate AdvantageMon t, 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 Mon t, being a multi-it isnt 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 ArtistOne 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. Mon t 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 didnt have a team on the label side or on the management side [initially], Mon t shared. I was using my publishing income to pay for [my tour]. So one skill-my songwriting skill-was able to support my artists dreams.

Redefining Financial Freedom Mon t 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 whos looking for the shoes, the bags, the tags. It's really nice, but Id rather spend that money on the creative process. Id rather buy an instrument. . . . Id rather develop my craft.

Playing the Long GameTo close the session, Mon t 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, Mon t 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 doesnt 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 Id like to be able to do that.

Scenes from Career Jam 2026

Stefanie Henning, associate vice president of career strategy and services, greets students in line for the keynote.

Image by Mike Spencer

The audience at the Berklee Performance Center buzzed as Victoria Mon t took the stage.

Image by Mike Spencer

A student dance mob welcomed Victoria Mon t to the Berklee Performance Center.

Image by Mike Spencer

Engineering pros Jenna Felsenthal, Gabi Grella, and Jayda Love speak on the She Mastered the Mix panel, moderated by Prince Charles Alexander, professor of music production and engineering.

Image by Mike Spencer

At the Vans, Voltage, and Vision: Building Punk Rock's Most Iconic Festival panel, Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman; Ben Mench-Thurlow BM '12 of Reliant Talent Agency; and Insomniac's Jannet Talat and Amanda Phelan spoke with moderator Morgan Milardo, managing and artistic director of the Berklee Popular Music Institute.

Image by Mike Spencer

Bria Fisher, vice president of communications at EMPIRE; Austin Thach, CEO/founder of the Forefront Group; Jessica Adler, vice president of publicity at Milestone Collective; and Esther Beniflah, CEO/founder of EB Public Relations, spoke at The Publicist Playbook panel, moderated by Andy Chau, assistant dean of career engagement.

Image by Mike Spencer

At the A&R You the One? panel, Oliver Jordan BM '19, head of global strategy at Darkroom Records; Shawn Barron, CEO/cofounder of EZMNY; and Malita Rice, vice president of A&R at Warner Records, shared what labels are looking for in 2026.

Image by Mike Spencer

Alaysia Sierra, Spotifys head of R&B, editorial, provided live feedback on selected student submissions during All Access: Spotify-Beyond the Upload: Navigating Spotify as an Artist.

Image by Mike Spencer

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 bro

LINK:	https://www.berklee.edu/berklee-now/news/career-jam-2026-victoria-mone...
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