Recently, the Department of English and Philosophy contacted a few graduates from the program. We wanted to know how experiences in our program have impacted these graduates’ personal and professional lives. Here are some of the responses we’ve gotten so far:
1. Where are you working now, and what are your future career goals?
Right now, I am a graduate teaching assistant at Northern Illinois University. I am teaching composition, fiction, and American literature courses. My future career goal is to become a tenured English Professor. However, I realize that the market is competitive, so I am pursuing two certificates at NIU to make myself more marketable: a certificate in women’s studies and a certificate in museum studies. I will be interning in the summer of 2008 at a museum in Chicago, most likely in an education or human resources department.
2. In what ways do you feel that your degree in English from PUC has helped you or will help you in your career?
I feel that my degree in English from PUC was instrumental for me in gaining acceptance to the Ph.D. program at Northern Illinois University. My graduate work at PUC helped to prepare me for the level of scholarship expected of me at NIU, and I thank my many wonderful and challenging English Professors (Dr. Punday, Dr. Fewer, Dr. Campbell, and Dr. Morrow just to name a few!) at PUC for conducting their classes and structuring their assignments in ways that would prepare me for my future graduate work. I also gained valuable teaching experience at PUC, and when I began my Ph.D. work, I felt well prepared to teach undergraduate classes at NIU. Additionally, my experience serving on the Graduate Committee at PUC as the graduate student representative paved the way for the committees I now serve on at NIU, including the First-Year Composition Committee and the Undergraduate Studies Committee.
3. What career advice would you give to current English majors? What can they do to help define and achieve career goals?
A degree in English makes you very marketable. This degree sends the message to your potential employers that you are a person who can articulate yourself clearly through both speaking and writing, and these are skills that employers truly desire. In an age of text messaging, instant messaging, and Facebook, communication is rapidly becoming impersonal and informal, and rules of grammar and punctuation are being destroyed. Market yourself as a personable employee who can communicate effectively and professionally, and you will go far. In order to define and achieve your career goals, choose a career path and get excited about it! Don’t second guess yourself, don’t look back, and show passion and enthusiasm for everything you do. Also, make every effort to form both professional relationships and friendships with people around you, and become part of an academic or workplace community; the connections you make now will serve you well in the future.
1. Where are you working now, and what are your future career goals?
Currently I'm working for Perfection Bakeries in Rolling Meadows, IL, utilizing skills as a merchandiser and inventory maintenance specialist to pay the rent while living a “bohemian lifestyle” here in Chicago. However my main endeavor when I get home from my day job is what I'm most focused on, and that revolves around various aspects of the creative arts. First and foremost I am a poet and composer, making music for my own therapeutic catharsis as well as for the occasional independent feature. Writing songs may not keep me financially afloat, but it continues to keep me emotionally and mentally in-tune with myself. My goals are to simply continue writing songs, playing shows and booking summer tours, in addition to producing records for other musicians. I also host a podcast, an Internet radio show where I play some new musical discoveries from those who also choose to embrace the DIY ethic of songwriting and self-promotion.
2. In what ways do you feel that your degree in English from PUC has helped you or will help you in your career?
While pursuing my English degree at Purdue University, I never really questioned the direction I had taken, and that was mostly due to the support of my professors and peers. An enlightening, eye-opening philosophy class taught by Neil Florek gave me the impetus to read between the lines of life, and dig deeper into the soil of my thoughts. Even the very basic English courses were fulfilling because the professors offered helpful feedback, and allowed me to tap further into my still-evolving skills as a writer. I even uncovered a newfound respect for new authors and truly did learn about the complex inner workings of the English language, which I'm grateful for to this day.
3. What career advice would you give to current English majors? What can they do to help define and achieve career goals?
It's always a difficult task to discern which career path to embark on, and perhaps I could've pursued teaching with an English degree. Instead, I find myself trying to maintain the life of a madcap artist, even if it comes equipped with the inevitability of financial struggle. My great grandfather was a classical composer, and may've died broke, but he lived a blessed life that he was grateful for, expressing this to his family on his deathbed. I have no qualms or reservations if my life turns out to take a similar turn. Even if I wind up stocking bread for a living, at least I can look back on a very positive experience at Purdue University that gave me the reassurance I needed to achieve the success I've had as a musician. It also gave me the power to grow as a person. I can only hope it does the same for future generations.
The best advice I can pass on is not to give up, even when you can't muster up the energy to believe you will succeed. Grades will not always be what you want them to be, and test scores shouldn't define your dreams or take away possibilities. Just try to find a confidant, an adviser or a professor who you can identify with, and be honest with him/her about what you want out of life. As long as you get support and advice from an outside perspective, you should be able to figure it all out, hopefully by graduation day.
Terri Ramos:
1. Where are you working now, and what are your future career goals?
I presently work for the Griffith Public School system. In 1997 I started out as an English and French teacher in the high school; and five years later, after beginning work on my Master's in Library Science, I took over the library for the middle school and high school. As an education junkie (can I say that?), I look forward to continuing my studies in English, French, and/or Library Science, possibly attaining a master's in either English or French. I have also considered becoming a principal or Director of Library Services at some point in the future, so I may start working on my administrative license.
2. In what ways do you feel that your degree in English from PUC has helped you or will help you in your career?
My degree from PUC has served me well in a number of ways. There has never been a time when I didn't know what someone was talking about in reference to the field of English or education. I never felt at a loss or as though I needed to teach myself something because I didn't receive it in my preparation, and because of that I think I have presented myself as a well-informed employee. My writing and research skills have served me well and that is due, in part, to the education from PUC. Indeed, how could one hope to teach writing and literature without serving as an example for the students first? Finally, my professors and instructors clearly loved their subjects, and that has been borne out in my own teaching as I am excited about what I teach as well.
3. What career advice would you give to current English majors? What can they do to help define and achieve career goals?
A degree in the field of English is a wonderful degree to have because it can lead to countless employment opportunities. My advice, then, is to immerse yourself completely in your educational experience: ask questions, participate, and go beyond expectations. Wring from it all that you can, so that one day when all is said and done, there will be no regrets and you will walk away ready for anything that the world can bring to your door.
In order to define your goals you must first have some. That is first and foremost. Put pen to paper and write down what you would like to do. Compose a plan on how you would like to achieve what it is you have in mind, execute it-- and along the way, do your research. Network with others in the field of your choice, allow yourself to be open to new experiences and opportunities, and be willing to pay your dues. Nobody starts out at the top. Hard work, preparation, strategic planning, and flexibility will allow you to achieve your goals.
1. Where are you working now, and what are your future career goals?
I currently work as a reporter at the Hawaii Tribune-Herald in Hilo, Hawaii. I am just loving life in beautiful Hawaii right now, and am learning so much about a rich and diverse culture. I am blessed to be able to have this wonderful experience. Best of all, I get to write every day. I can't imagine a better place to be or career to have.
Because I always want to better myself, I see law school or graduate school in my future. I want to be successful and always challenge myself to be all that I can be. There is no limit to what can be accomplished if you put your mind to something.
No matter what professional career you pursue, being able to write clearly and concisely will prove beneficial.
2. In what ways do you feel that your degree in English from PUC has helped you or will help you in your career?
I would not be who I am today if I had not majored in English at Purdue University Calumet. The professors were hands-on and really helped me become a better writer. Because the English program focused on several different aspects of writing, I feel like anything is possible and I have endless possibilities to do something I love.
I worked in the writing center, which gave me an opportunity to help others as well. That was crucial for me because I was surrounded by my peers and worked directly with professors and staff who were knowledgeable about writing. I also worked as a mentor and tutor in the classroom, and worked with freshman English students.
There is no doubt in my mind Purdue University Calumet offers students a solid foundation for success. The English Department is no different.
3. What career advice would you give to current English majors? What can they do to help define and achieve career goals?
If you truly have a passion for writing, as I do, you must find a way to make a living at it. My goal was to always be a writer. I was able to accomplish this, and so much more, by honing my skills and pursing journalism. But nothing comes easy. You have to go after what you want and make sure you come out on top.
Luckily, the English Department at Purdue University Calumet helps students learn several ways to write -- be it creative writing, journalism or technical writing.
Going to classes and getting good grades is not enough. Take every opportunity that presents itself and build resume material and experience. When college ends, you want to be 100 percent sure you are a desirable candidate for a job. You need to be better than the other candidates and you need to be able to stand out in a crowd.
The best thing about Purdue University Calumet is that there are numerous opportunities to do more than just go to class. Professors want to do research, and they want you to work with them. Internships are available. Student organizations, such as the student newspaper and student government, allow you to build skills and be part of something that will always stay with you. Purdue Calumet will do as much for you as you let it.
Students should get to know their professors. On several occasions, I sat with professors at lunch and spoke with them about what was available to me. Just by listening and taking some extra time to converse with the people who genuinely wanted to help me, endless opportunities presented themselves.
Sometimes, working through the night and into the morning is necessary. The work you do in college will help shape your future career. It is not only important to prove to others that you are capable of whatever you set your mind to do, you must prove that to yourself as well.
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