Deacon Spotlight: Caroline Halleman
Caroline Hallemann (2011, BA in English, Minors in Journalism & Studio Art)
Digital Director of Town & Country magazine and Author of the forthcoming book, The Kennedys and the Windsors; Nashville, TN
Tell us about your current job role and employer. What are you currently working on?
I am the Digital Director at Town & Country magazine, which means I am writer and editor, and I manage the day-to-day editorial calendar of the website. I am also an author, and my first book, The Kennedys & the Windsors, is out June 2.
What key personal and/or career experiences led you to where you are today?
I have been at T&C for about 10 years now, and I’ve held a number of different roles at the magazine. Before I was the digital lead, I was the digital news director and before that I was a news writer. I’ve learned so much over the course of my time at Town & Country about journalism and the importance of tone and brand voice, and how to craft a compelling story, but also how information moves around the internet.
The reporting skills and the deep knowledge about the British royals and the Kennedys that I have gained in working at T&C are also absolutely the foundation from which my book came. But before T&C I was on staff at a number of publications—Parenting Magazine, DailyCandy, Travel + Leisure—and each one taught me so much about this industry.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job? How do you navigate that challenge?
In my current role I face two key challenges. The first is that both news and the internet are ever changing. You have to be aware of what’s happening both from a coverage perspective but also a strategy perspective. The type of story and image that brought in great numbers of readers from Instagram last year is not the same story that works super well today. And we live in an increasingly fast-paced news environment, so I’m constantly analyzing which stories are Town & Country stories, and how best to present them, so that they capture the largest possible audience while remaining true to the T&C brand.
It’s also a challenge to manage other people. Learning to be a good manager is something I’m always working on, both so my employees produce amazing work but also feel really good about the job they are doing.
What advice would you give to Wake Forest graduates about developing their personal life habits after college (finances, health, values, work/life balance)?
Learning how to set boundaries is so important for work/life balance but also for your health and relationships. That’s a skill that you’ll use throughout your whole career. But I also think those early years right out of college are a time to take risks. Really go after big dreams, because the older you get, the further along in your career, the more family and financial responsibilities you have, the harder it is to change course or to take a chance. So go for it! And work as hard as you can toward a big goal.
We know that relationships are important for any kind of development. How do you build and maintain your network?
I’m not the first to say this, but maintaining relationships with your peers is so important. It’s can be very helpful to network with people in higher positions, but as you advance your career, your peer group will become an invaluable resource, so stay in touch with the people at your level, and cultivate those relationship—even if they move to a different industry. I also think be liberal in the favors you do, you never know when you might need one in return!
Tell us about your mentoring relationships. What impact have these relationships had on your career and life?
I have had mentors throughout my career who have not only given me advice and opportunities, but also helped me to succeed in those opportunities, and I’m so grateful for that. Now that I have employees and direct reports, I try to give people support not only in the tasks we need to do, but the ones that they want to do too, for personal and career growth.
I really like the idea that you should get as much from your job as you give, and that goes far beyond your paycheck. I keep that in mind for myself, but also my employees.
What advice would you give to current Wake Forest students and/or young alumni who are interested in working in your industry?
Reading widely is so important. Having a diverse media diet is key to success both in the interview process, and in cultivating your own voice. I also think so much of hiring in this industry is about who you know, so don’t be afraid to reach out to anyone you have a tangential connection to—including me!
I also think one way to get noticed is to just start doing the thing you want to do and showcase it online. Start a blog or a newsletter, or a TikTok. Even if you don’t have a huge following, it’s a great way to illustrate your work ethic, and your knowledge, and your POV to potential employers.
What’s next for your career? What future goals or plans are you pursuing?
Right now I’m really focused on launching my book, which is hopefully my first in a long career as an author.
Story published in May 2026. For current updates about Caroline, visit her LinkedIn profile.