Willimantic, Conn. – Eastern Connecticut State University’s English Department hosted the panel discussion “English at Work” on Dec. 7 to show current English majors the different ways in which English degrees can be useful after graduation. The panel featured four former English majors who have since enjoyed success in a variety of fields — Reece D’Angelo, Megan Sniffin, Turquoise McBride and Ashley Kus.
After graduation, D’Angelo went on to get her M.S. in counseling from Central Connecticut State University. She now serves as an applicant advisor at Goodwin College, where she prides herself on helping first-generation and non-traditional students realize their full potential. She offered key advice for students as they venture out into the real world. “Develop relationships first and foremost,” she said. “If you are genuine and make authentic connections with people, you will be amazed at the results.”
Sniffin received her M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Hofstra University, and now specializes in creative non-fiction. She is currently employed as a residence coordinator at the University of Saint Joseph. “Having an English degree helps me at my job every day, especially when I have to hold disciplinary meetings. Analyzing characters in literature and coming up with my own characters reminds me that a person is more than just their actions, and that my students are much more than the mistake that may have got them in trouble,” Sniffin said.
Turquoise McBride completed her master’s degree in English at Southern Connecticut State University in 2011. She now works for the Connecticut Department of Social Services. She told students that the most important aspect of college is learning what you’re passionate about. “For me, I was passionate about being active in my community,” she said. “There is no way I could have made it to where I am today without the help of others. I want to find people, who like me, just need a little guidance and I want to help them reach their full potential.”
The final panelist, Ashley Kus, received her master’s degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University. Kus had always been interested in writing but found her passion for journalism when she began writing for the Campus Lantern during her time at Eastern. She has since worked as an associate producer at WFSB Channel 3, and is now employed as a reporter for the Berlin Citizen. “As students, it’s important to keep in mind that getting your degree is only part of the process,” Kus said. “You’re probably not going to land your dream job right out of the gate. It takes hard work, a willingness to learn and a refusal to give up.”
The panelists found different paths to achieving success in their respective careers, even though all received bachelor’s degrees in English. Since many English majors enter college with the idea that they have to become teachers or writers, the English at Work event helps to dispel that idea by revealing some of the other opportunities available to them.
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