Onward! I realize that many of you may not have had the chance to attend this job panel, due to scheduling conflicts and such (as has happened to me in past years) and decided that the metaforum blog would be a good chance to share the knowlege!
*disclaimer: names may not be spelled correctly, and if my information is just a tad off, my apologies...
Kevin Johnston
-high school teacher in Manhattan, Masters degree-
He started out as a journalism teacher, before getting the position of english. Advice: transitioning from student to teacher can be a bit of a challenge... and be flexible and patient. As a teacher chances are you will not start out teaching the subject you want; stick with it and you'll get there eventually! It is a rewarding job!
Susan Simon (Blake)
-copy editor for Quintessential books in KC, Undergrad in Lit.-
Although she only graduated this past December, she managed to land a position for a new Christian literature publishing company, where she interned the previous summer. Publishing companies aren't self sustaining, so it is under a marketing company. As a small company, she also has to help out editing/writing for the marketing size, but has more direct influence within the company. The publishing business is difficult to get into, so have patience, and any related experience helps give an edge!
Sara Kearns
-instruction librarian at Hale Library, english undergrad, Masters in Library Sciences-
She worked the circulation desk at the public library, and enjoyed the reseach aspect of her English degree, and decided to go to librarian school. A one year-ish masters program, some schools offering online classes, to become a librarian doing more than just shelving books. Most libraries look for ALA accredited program graduates, and she recommended attending in a large city to give a wider range of libraries (she was in DC). She worked at a law firm's library, and returned to Manhattan, taking the Hale business librarian position with this background. She enjoyed teaching as well, and shifted to the instructional librarian position. The job is very flexible, and she's (I think) going to be getting a Ph.D. in the near future.
Jim Hohenbary
-scholarship advisor at K-State, Masters-
Starting out as an advisor for open option, he transferred to the scholarship advisor position when it opened up. He informs students of scholarship opportunities, especially prestigous ones, assists students in writing and learning to present themselves for these scholarships, and oversees the nomination processes when only a set number of students from each school may apply. This is a growing field. In advising positions in general, english majors can be very competitive, and a masters is required. He also mentioned, in an academic setting, there is somewhat of a glass wall in any position, for those without Ph.D's, although one can pursue this while currently at a job there.
Kristin Brighton
-CEO of a Manhattan marketing co., journalism/mass comm, & english degree, Masters-
As a student at K-State, Kristin worked at McCain and was in charge of marketing, and also taught as a GTA, which she emphasized gave her many skills that can be used for so many different things. She worked in KC for a start up marketing company, and later returned to Manhattan to do freelance work. Recently she joined with two other women to form a company. She suggested that practical work experience will help give an edge, as it gives employers some assurance that you will be an asset to the company. Even if you can't do much, something as simple as a paper proofreading business for fellow students could fit the bill.
Kent Glasscock
-former Kansas Speaker of the House of Rep, Director of something and technical transfer (patent stuff... it was a long title) for the university, in the family lumber business, English undergrad-
After graduating, despite urgings of a professor, he returned to the family lumber business instead of pursuing a masters. He got involved in government, eventually becoming Speaker of the House for the Kansas State House of Representatives. Currently, he is still in the family business, and is director of basically the people who manage patents and such for the university. He emphasized that BOOKS ARE IMPORTANT, and with an english degree, you develop critical thinking skills, and an understanding for how people work. With these skills you can do anything!
In summaries and questions, it was pointed out that few english majors pursue a Ph.D. as it prepares you generally for one job: a professor. Undergrad and masters degrees have a wide range of opportunities, as seen in the panel.
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Hopefully this recap is beneficial. I think I've covered all the high points, except that if you couldn't come, you missed out on nabbing some sweet library magnets... "big brains are sexy" and "if you talk too loud, the library ninjas will slay you." :)your treasurer,
~Anna
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