Career Connections
Our Career Connections program introduces students to the vast array of career choices available to them with an English degree. The program offers several opportunities to connect current students to department alumni, including posting alumni profiles on our webpage and hosting career events here on campus.
Career Connections Alumni Panel
"Where to go from here?" is often a thought for English majors before and after graduation. English majors have a wide variety of career options available to them, and The English Advisory Board has invited four alumni in different fields to share their knowledge and experience. This year's panelists are Jim Kouf, a screenwriter in L.A.; Bryn Smith, Coordinator of Program Planning, Outreach, and Development for Community Action Partnership of SLO County; Sheldon Smith, the Assistant Superintendent for Lompoc Unified School District; and Sarah Storelli, a Client Executive at Voce Communications in the Bay Area.
English majors are encouraged to attend and ask questions in order to get a better feel for where their degree can take them.
Speed Networking: Careers for English Majors
Have you ever been asked what you are going to do with an English degree? Or wondered what jobs English majors get outside of education? Now is your chance to find out! Check out the Upcoming Career Connections Events page to attend the next event.
The Process: Modeled on the “Speed Dating” phenomenon, Speed Networking is a time-efficient way for current English majors to gain exposure to a variety of different careers open to them. We have invited several English Department alumni from careers as varied as attorney to screenwriter to share their wisdom with you. Students will spend 4-5 minutes talking to each alumnus about career possibilities. Following this rotation session, students will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with all of the alums, thereby creating a space for longer and more in-depth conversations.
The Rewards: As a participant, you will gain valuable insight into a variety of careers afforded by an English degree. You will practice your professional conversation skills—such practice will likely help you down the line in a job interview. You will meet alumni who were once in your shoes and who can serve as valuable networking partners. And who knows, you might just discover the perfect career for you!
What You Should Bring: You should bring some paper, a pen, and something to write on so you can take notes. Other than that, no need to bring anything except your respectful attitude and your enthusiasm!
English Advisory Board's Career Connections Resumé Workshop
Two English Department alumni, Ann Neumann and Roger Reedy, facilitate a hands-on resumé workshop specifically tailored to English majors. Whether you are a first year, a fourth year, or a graduate student, this workshop can help you better understand how to successfully present your work and academic experiences. Last year's workshops helped students land summer internships, summer jobs, and full-time post-graduation positions!