English Alumni Profiles

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

In the military, effective communication helped my subordinates to clearly understand my orders; in retail, it helped in difficult situations with customers; and in my current role I am expected to communicate with alumni, donors, and colleagues on a constant basis.
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Joseph S. Miller, BA in English, minor in Professional Writing, Donor Relations Specialist, Development Office for the College of Health and Human Development, Penn State University Park

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 wouldn't be a student going towards a Ph.D. in Creative Writing if it weren't for the English program at Penn State Altoona, which taught me how to look at my work critically, how to revise, and how to keep pushing forward.
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Heather Myers, BA in English, minor in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, MFA in Poetry, certificate in Gender and Sexuality Studies, West Virginia University, Current Ph.D. candidate in Creative Writing, University of North Texas

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

I can’t stress this enough: an English major provides you with the critical thinking and communication skills that are seriously valued in many fields. I have heard from several of my employers that my writing and research skills, creative problem-solving ability, and capacity for observing patterns and connecting those to ‘the bigger picture’ (learned through a lot of close reading in literature classes) made me a stand-out employee.
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Amy Mallory-Kani, BA in English, Ph.D. in English, University at Albany (SUNY), Product Communication Manager, Paperpile