Career Architecture and English

Choosing a career and finding the right sequence of classes to prepare for that choice is not easy to do on your own and that is why studying English at Stevenson University is a good decision. Stevenson has a longstanding commitment to career preparation and an established history of success in career placement. All of this is embodied in its philosophy and practice of Career Architecture, a program that aids students in the exploration and selection of a career and that begins when the student starts classes, not when the student approaches graduation.

This commitment to join career development to traditional classroom instruction is rare and is one of the things that makes Stevenson University and its English Department stand apart from other schools and other English programs.

A comparison of catalogs will quickly show that our course offerings of American and British Literature, of creative and professional writing, are similar to those of other schools. And, our teachers are as gifted as those in any other English Department. It is our commitment to helping our majors make informed decisions about their careers and the courses that will enable them to have those careers that sets us apart.

SELF DISCOVERY

  • In writing courses, learn to write and edit various types of essays
  • Learn to use Standard English grammar and mechanics
  • Become aware of voice, focus, and style in writing
  • Develop research skills and learn to use technology effectively
  • Through self-evaluation and peer editing, build your critical skills
  • Explore and develop your creative talents through personal essays, poetry, and short fiction
  • In literature courses, read widely and thoughtfully
  • Keep a journal of your ideas and responses
  • Examine personal, social, and political values evident in literature
  • Learn to work with a team through group projects
  • Develop life-habits of critical reading, study, and inquiry
  • Outside of class, take advantage of campus opportunities
  • Get to know faculty and advisors
  • Participate in campus activities--clubs, sports, and volunteer services
  • Attend theatre performances, lectures, readings, art openings, and films
  • Visit Career HQ and meet with a career counselor to identify your career goals and interests


CAREER DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATIONS

  • Keep an open mind about career choices; remember you can learn to do anything that interests you
  • Talk with friends, family, and faculty about career opportunities in English and related fields
  • Talk with Stevenson English major alums about their experiences
  • Interview or talk with people in various careers who were English majors in college
  • Find out about graduate and professional schools and their requirements
  • Design your English major curriculum with an eye to your future
  • Choose electives or a minor to build breadth in your studies and open career opportunities
  • Consider adding communication, paralegal, graphic design, writing, or business courses to the English major requirements
  • Identify your academic skills that are transferable to the workplace
  • Take part in professional activities and opportunities
  • Keep a writing portfolio from your academic classes
  • Write for The Villager
  • Submit work to Spectrum Literary Magazine and other writing markets
  • Take leadership initiative in campus clubs and activities
  • Read professional journals and magazines 
  • Review job listings on the Internet and at Career HQ
  • Attend career development seminars and workshops
  • Be able to explain the value of an English major and a liberal arts education
  • Prepare your résumé and have it critiqued
CAREER EXPLORATION
  • Find and apply for an internship that suits your career plans and provides marketable skills
  • Find summer and volunteer jobs related to your interests
  • Become a student-member of professional English associations
  • If eligible, join Sigma Tau Delta, English Honor Society
  • Submit papers and attend conferences in writing and literature
  • Subscribe to e-mail listservs and visit websites in your areas of interest
  • Explore a variety of opportunities
  • Visit Career HQ and meet with a career counselor
  • Use SIGI Plus, the computerized self-assessment tool available from campus computers
  • Attend career and graduate school fairs
  • Request information and, if possible, visit graduate schools
  • Make appointments to visit area work sites and talk with professionals
  • Ask questions
CAREER PREPARATION

  • Prepare for graduate or professional school
  • Complete oral and written work, especially your senior seminar paper, assignments professionally
  • Continue to develop your portfolio
  • Visit or talk with representative from graduate schools where you plan to apply
  • Prepare for and take necessary tests--GRE, MCAT, LSAT, or GMAT
  • Visit three professors you are asking for letters of support.  Provide forms and addressed envelopes well before deadlines
  • Complete and submit all applications on time
  • Prepare for your first job
  • Complete internship professionally; treat this as a paid job
  • Make as many professional contacts as possible during your internship
  • Consult with your advisor and supervisor to be sure you are getting the most from your internship
  • If you are interested in teaching, become a tutor in the Academic Link
  • Volunteer in areas where you might be interested in working
  • Contact faculty and employers for references and recommendations
  • Sign up for practice interviews at Career HQ 
  • Participate in On-Campus Recruiting, but recognize that many of the smaller companies that look for talented liberal arts graduates do not have the resources to recruit on campus
  • Visit Career HQ and use their job search resources
  • Refine and prepare an online version of your résumé