Alumni Spotlight: Elise Jordan

What is your current position? Why were you drawn to this line of work?

Elise Jordan

Copywriter for Serena & Lily in Sausalito, CA. I discovered that word-play could be a career by accident. Shortly after graduating from Cal Poly, a friend asked if I was interested in a freelancing opportunity, so I tried it and loved it! After some time spent freelancing while working a boring financial services job, I was lucky enough to join an in-house copy team.

What accomplishments are you most proud of in your career/life?

I still get that “I just rocked that assignment” feeling when my editorials get approved. The fact that I still find joy in my work is something I take pride in; not everyone can say that. And it’s pretty cool to see my copy on emails, web content, social media, etc.

How has your English degree from Cal Poly impacted your career/life?

My English degree clearly lends itself to my career, but its impact goes far beyond. My love of literature has not waned since graduation. I read daily and often revisit favorite pieces from my major courses. And I’m on the Board of Directors for my local Hungarian language school, where my English writing skills are valued.

Do you have any advice for current English majors at Cal Poly?

Ask for help with essay ideas, with job hunting, with life – the general “they” will never know what you want if you don’t ask for it. And apply to summer internships! At the very least, it could show you what you don’t want after graduation. Go pick your advisor’s brain (thanks for all the emotional support, Dr. Stegner).

Favorite author/book and why? (or if you can't choose, favorite genre?)

I won’t pick favorites on principle, but here are some novels that have left their mark: Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko, The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michael Chabon, Beloved by Toni Morrison, and Harry Potter.