English Alumni Profiles

I have publications, connections, and job experiences that I would not have had if I had not majored in English at Penn State Altoona ... My work with the Arthurian legend has led me to become a beta tester for the newly released video game 'Galahad 3093,' so I have been able to add ‘video game tester’ to my wealth of experiences.
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Carl Sell, BA in English, Minor in History, MA and PhD in English literature, Indiana University of Pennsylvania , TRIO Student Support Services Academic Advisor and Instructor, University of Pittsburgh

The English department at Penn State Altoona is fortunate to have a great network of faculty and students ... I decided to stay at the Altoona campus instead of moving to University Park because I enjoyed the sense of community.
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Maleah Orr, BA in English, MA candidate in English and Graduate Teaching Assistant at West Virginia University

Majoring in English provided me with the foundation to communicate effectively and to be well-spoken and a good writer.
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Jeremiah Lewis, BA in English, Verisk Insurance Solutions Field Representative V

While I was working on my Master's degree [in Marketing, Communications, and New Media], my background in writing aided me through countless papers and presentations, making completion a breeze.
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Katelyn Baur, BA in English, MS in Marketing, Communications, and New Media, Southern New Hampshire University , Business Development Representative, "Morrisons Cove Herald newspaper"

I was first challenged to consider different perspectives through critical reading and writing in my English classes, which then sparked my interest in topics like information access and information literacy… I'm able to express myself, my competencies, and my ideas in a way that lets my colleagues know I am a skilled and reliable (and genuinely inspired) collaborator.
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Erin Horning Donahue, BA in English, MA in Library and Information Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Archivist and Program Manager, Early College Research Institute at Bard College at Simon's Rock

I have the ability to write clearly and professionally in a variety of modes and genres. I have the ability and confidence to speak in front of a large group of people… I have a better appreciation for books, movies, and even music because I look at everything with a more analytical eye.
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Crystalee Calderwood, BA in English, MFA in Creative Writing, Chatham University, Teaching Certification, Carlow University, Academic Coach, Carlow University; Adjunct Instructor of Composition, University of Pittsburgh

Teaching English continues to bring me joy and the satisfaction of helping young people learn more about themselves, the world, and how they can improve both.
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Lori Lord Masucci, BA in English, MA in English, Southern New Hampshire University, High school English teacher and adjunct instructor, State College of Florida

English majors have, arguably, some of the best communication skills out there. All employers view great communication as a high priority on their short list for potential employees ... English is actually a very versatile degree.
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Amanda Leigh Passmore-Ott, BA in English, MFA in Poetry, Penn State University, Assistant Teaching Professor of English, Penn State University Park

I've learned how to present myself in a creative yet professional manner in the workplace. This is the result of many of my in-class debates, group/solo presentations, and research.
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Brian R. Selfridge, BA in English, Leader, Manufacturing Plant Production