Class of 2009
- Bachelor of Arts in English and Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies, Penn State Altoona
What do you currently do professionally?
Inventor, Ecologist, CEO. I’m an inventor. I create my own opportunities for studying and learning.
How has majoring in English helped you on your career pathway(s)?
Being able to read and write at the college level is a rare skill, especially when working with different markets and skill sets. As an inventor and a business owner, I find that drafting documents and technical writing are a major portion of my output.
What knowledge and skills help you succeed in your job on a daily basis (and, possibly, in unanticipated ways)?
Writing clearly and succinctly, as well as understanding the audience one is communicating with, are all skills developed through PSU's English courses.
In what (unanticipated) ways has the English major impacted your life beyond your profession?
I absolutely encourage students to combine their General Education courses and electives into a minor or second major. Then the grad has a specialty walking right out of the program and can communicate in their own field right off the bat.
What is your favorite experience from your time in the English program?
PSU Outdoors Club, concerts, Earth Day events =)
What advice do you have for current English majors or students considering entry into the field in which you’re currently working?
Double major! Go camping, keep writing, polish your technical writing, but for god’s sake, keep reading!
February 2023