Irene Etzkorn: Chief Clarity Officer

Name: Irene Etzkorn

Age: 56

College & Majors/Minors: Undergrad: C.W. Post College, B.A. double major in English and Biology, Graduate: Carnegie-Mellon University, Master of Arts in Professional Writing

Current Location: New York City

Current Form of Employment: Branding and Simplification Consulting firm

Where do you work and what is your current position?

Chief Clarity Officer, Siegelvision in New York City

Tell us about how you found your first job, and how you found your current job (if different).

I was in graduate school at CMU in Pittsburgh and heard Alan Siegel from NYC come to campus to speak about his then brand new firm, Siegel+Gale. He had just been on the cover of People Magazine as “Mr. Plain English” and I was fascinated to learn that he was making a business of simplifying complex communications for government and commercial clients. Having worked for the IRS and US Census Bureau while in college, I recognized the need for simplification in many facets of daily life. I was hired for a summer writing internship at Siegel+Gale and worked there for 30 years, leaving there 3 years ago to follow the founder and CEO when he moved to form another similar, smaller firm, Siegelvision.

By Alan Siegel, Irene Etzkorn

Buy on Amazon

What was another writing-related job that was important in your career?

I co-wrote a book titled, Simple: Conquering the Crisis of Complexity, that was published in 2013 (for sale on Amazon so you can find more about it there). Seeing it translated into Korean, Mandarin, Russian and Hungarian made me realize how universal the desire for simplicity really is. Cognitive fluency has only recently begun to be studied and understood by psychologists. Because ease of interaction and understanding affect believability and comprehension, people gravitate towards clarity.

What did you do in college to prepare for your post-grad life?

Working while in college helped me to realize I didn’t want to go to medical school (the path I was on). A summer in a hospital cured me of that desire, while working at the IRS gave me a sense that there were many areas I hadn’t considered that would benefit from clear writing and that I actually loved business.

What is your advice for students and graduates with an English degree?

Don’t shy away from being an English major because you envision perpetual unemployment. Couple your writing ability with a minor or double major in another area and you will find many employment opportunities. Also, the skills associated with English majors—curiosity, interviewing, clear expression—are valuable in many types of jobs.

Posted on August 6, 2016 by Alyssa W. Christensen and filed under Writing, Interviews, Interview.

Heart and Guts: On Choosing To Leave My MFA Program

When I was accepted into the MFA program at the University of South Carolina, I was living in Florida, working as a copywriter, and applying to MFA programs because, in part, I felt stuck in Florida. I’d finished my MA and in that time had written my first novel and a good chunk of the stories that would become my first collection, God in Neon. I was tapped into the Orlando literary community and all of its wonderful events, but I still felt like I could be doing more. An MFA program—a chance to spend a couple years working on my writing, working on another novel—seemed like the best option.

Ayesa Lubag: Content Specialist for Trend Micro

Name: Ayesa Lubag

Age: 28

College & Majors/Minors: Bachelor of Arts, Major in Journalism / University of Santo Tomas

Current Location: Manila, Philippines

Current Form of Employment: Content Specialist for Trend Micro

Where do you work and what is your current position?

I work at Trend Micro Manila as a content specialist. We manage the content of our website and do a lot of writing, editing, HTML coding, SEO and proofreading for assigned products.

Tell us about how you found your first job, and how you found your current job (if different).

There is an assumption that you already know what to do with your life after graduation. But the reality is, some people don’t. All I knew at that time was that I had to use the perk of trying my hand at new things.

Deciding whether to go with a large or small company may be one of the most important decisions that you make while job hunting. I landed a job in a relatively small public relations agency as a media relations officer. Some people prefer large companies over small ones, and that's ok. But as a fresh graduate without any work experience at all, I couldn't afford to be choosy. If an opportunity arises, I wholeheartedly grab it.

Working in a small company might appear to be lacking potential. But the truth is, the possibilities are endless. You need experience to get your dream job. You have to work your way up. After I gained work experience in the field, I moved to a multinational public relations agency.

It occurred to me one day that it was time for me to return to the Philippines after living and working in Malaysia. I found Trend Micro’s job opening online. The IT industry was something new to me. But after working in public relations, media, and advertising, I was still open to be part of a different industry again. I’ve always believed that a broader work experience can be an edge. And for this reason, through the years, I’m able to distinguish a good workplace—one that has a mission-driven company culture, a great career advancement opportunity, and a wide array of benefits and perks. I’m grateful that I get to experience these things in my present job.

What was another writing-related job that was important in your career?

I worked as a copywriter for an advertising agency in Malaysia. My job was to write copy for clients’ ads and to develop creative ideas and concepts. Most of our clients were property developers. Writing real estate copy in a country that I wasn’t familiar with was challenging. I had to take note of the property’s location and the buyers’ culture and preferences. There were frustrations at first, but that didn’t stop me from doing what was expected from me.

Some of our clients, the property developers, submitted entries to the International Property Awards. This became the turning point and the most exciting part in my writing career when two of our entries, which I worked on, won some awards. I took it as a sign that maybe it was the right time to go back to my country and contribute something different.

The whole experience taught me that change is never easy when working abroad, especially when adjusting to a different culture. But getting outside of my comfort zone gave me the chance to see things from a totally different perspective. Adapting to a new culture became truly inspiring. It broadens your horizons like no other.

What did you do in college to prepare for your post-grad life?

I did internships that covered TV (ABS-CBN), radio (DZBB), and print (Manila Times) during the summer and even when the academic year had already started. Internships are designed for career development and personal growth. I made valuable networking connections with professionals aside from gaining valuable knowledge, skills, and experience in the career field of my choice.

““If you haven’t found your passion, let your strengths lead the way.””

I also invested in personal development by diversifying my experiences through travelling and trying new hobbies. I even travelled alone. Travelling allows you to discover so much about yourself and offers you a whole new perspective. Not only does travelling provide a sense of adventure, it also opens doors to cultures that can be totally enriching. Moreover, I also knew that I needed to prepare myself to the world out there by becoming a cultured person. I read voraciously, watched well-written films, listened to a variety of music genres and appreciated art. Above all, I told myself that I was young and I shouldn’t be afraid to take risks. I made a lot of mistakes but I don’t have regrets. They made me who I am today.

What is your advice for students and graduates with an English degree?

If you haven’t found your passion, let your strengths lead the way. Trust your intuition, explore new things, and inspire others. Also, don’t forget to maintain a positive attitude in the workplace.

You can check out Ayesa's photography blog here, and follow her on Instagram here.

Posted on August 3, 2016 by Alyssa W. Christensen and filed under Content Marketing, Interviews, Interview, Writing.

40 Beautiful Instagram Accounts for Book Lovers

Have you ever searched for the hashtags #bookstagram, #booklover, or #bookworm? If you have, then you know that Instagram is absolutely brimming with Instagram users who not only LOVE books, but love to take gorgeous photos of their books. We wanted to share a few of our favorites (and we really mean just "a few"... there are SO MANY awesome accounts!) with some of our fellow Dear English Major book nerds! Here are 40 of our favorite book Instagram accounts. Enjoy!

How M.A. Classes Differ From B.A. Classes

Towards the end of their undergraduate career, many people turn their sights towards higher education and consider getting an M.A. – I know, I was one of those people!

While getting a master’s degree seems like a logical step to take after graduating with a B.A., there are some major differences between graduate and undergraduate classes that all students should reflect on before making any commitments. I hadn’t really considered these differences until after I joined an M.A. English program, and was in for a big shock when I realized how different M.A. classes can be!

While each program will vary between schools, here are a few general things you can keep in mind when considering another degree:

Ta'shae Sterling: Product Specialist & Content Curator

Name: Ta'shae Sterling

Age: 23

College & Majors/Minors: Claflin University, English Major

Current Location: South Carolina

Current Form of Employment: Product Specialist and Content Curator

Where do you work and what is your current position?

Working remotely from home in South Carolina for a company named Unitive, Inc. based out of San Francisco, California. My current titles are Product Specialist and Content Curator.

Tell us about how you found your first job, and how you found your current job (if different).

I found the job posting on Indeed.com for Content Curator and took the inititative to email the HM directly. I sent a cover letter that impressed the VP of the company enough to offer me a different job with more duties and higher salary because he believed I was too qualified for the original job posting. That cover letter landed me the additional role of Product Specialist.

What was another writing-related job that was important in your career?

My resume is filled with a range of writing-related experience, including blogging, columnist writing for both newspapers and magazines, and editing resumes.

What did you do in college to prepare for your post-grad life?

In college I started my own business Revamp Resu(ME) where I focused on the needs of my peers by demonstrating skills such as editing, organization, SEO-friendly content creation, marketing, and administrative duties. I did it all, which is why I was able to secure employment literally two weeks after graduating.

What is your advice for students and graduates with an English degree?

The most beneficial advice I can tell fellow English majors past and present would be to never limit yourself. I know you get tired of being asked "Are you going to be a teacher?" every time you mention your area of study and that is sometimes discouraging, but don't let them put your thoughts and ideas in a box. We writers are creatives who think outside of the box and that is something we should always use to our benefit. It's a skill that we overlook but have to realize not everyone possesses.

You can connect with Ta'shae on LinkedIn, follow her business Instagram @RevampMeResumes, and follow her lifestyle blog Instagram @JustAnotherBloggHER!

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Alyssa W. Christensen.

Mariah Kline: Legal Assistant

Name: Mariah Kline

Age: 23

College & Majors/Minors: University of Louisville, Bachelor of Arts in English

Current Location: Louisville, KY

Current Form of Employment: Legal Assistant, O’Koon Hintermeister

Where do you work and what is your current position?

I currently work for a law firm as an assistant to two attorneys. I write letters, draft wills and other estate planning documents, and speak with clients when the attorneys are unavailable. I also handle referrals. Our firm works with a larger company called LegalShield, a service that allows people to pay a small fee each month and receive legal advice whenever they need it. When Kentucky LegalShield members need someone to represent them in their area, I’m in charge of finding an attorney for them. This often involves writing up a summary of the member’s legal issue and sending it to an attorney. I make sure they have the essential facts about the case so they can determine if they want to take it or not.

““Whenever my boss needs a letter or document proofread, he brings it to me and says, “Use your English degree, that’s why we brought you in here.” I really enjoy what I do, and I know that my English degree helped me prepare for it.””

People often confuse my position with that of a paralegal, but they are somewhat different (paralegals are total superheroes, by the way). Paralegals have a specific degree that teaches them about the law and how to work with attorneys. Though you won’t learn about the law in most English classes, I think this is a great area for English majors to work in because it involves so much writing and communication. Whenever my boss needs a letter or document proofread, he brings it to me and says, “Use your English degree, that’s why we brought you in here.” I really enjoy what I do, and I know that my English degree helped me prepare for it.

Tell us about how you found your first job, and how you found your current job (if different).

Actually my first job found me! I posted my resume on Career Builder and the office manager at the firm called me a few weeks later. I spent months filling out online applications for places that never contacted me (which is still a good idea for someone in need of a job; it is a numbers game after all) but it turned out that letting them find me was the way to go.

What was another writing-related job that was important in your career?

I didn’t have any writing-related jobs prior to this one, but the writing I did in college definitely helped me prepare for the job I have now. Composing articulate emails and summarizing cases are part of my day to day work. You may not think the short essay assignments you’re doing right now will help you later, but I’ve found that the writing skills you develop can translate really well in an office.

““Some people believe networking and making friends with every professor will guarantee them a good job after college, but I believe gaining work experience is the way to really impress. Going into an interview and being able to discuss the various roles you’ve already had in the working world can really set you apart from other recent grads.” ”

What did you do in college to prepare for your post-grad life?

I tried to have my resume fine-tuned in the months leading up to graduation so that I could start applying for jobs immediately. I also worked many part-time jobs in college, not only to support myself but to show future employers that I had a good work ethic. Some people believe networking and making friends with every professor will guarantee them a good job after college, but I believe gaining work experience is the way to really impress. Going into an interview and being able to discuss the various roles you’ve already had in the working world can really set you apart from other recent grads.

What is your advice for students and graduates with an English degree?

First, don’t be discouraged by the job market. It is very tough out there, but if you have some job experience, a good attitude, and a solid work ethic you will find a good job. Also, don’t be too picky. If you get a call about an interview but the job doesn’t seem appealing, take the interview anyway. You might enjoy the people you meet and the office environment, even if the work doesn’t sound right up your alley.

Second, it’s OK to take a break from reading once in a while. I felt so guilty about watching more TV and not picking up a book for several weeks after graduation, but your brain needs a rest sometimes. You spend months on end doing nothing but reading, so binge watching old episodes of the West Wing doesn’t make you a bad English major.

Last but not least, be your genuine self. Don’t be ashamed that you chose to major in English, and don’t let potential employers make you question your choice. Whether it be five weeks or or five years from now, you will find a job someday that will make you glad you studied English.

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Alyssa W. Christensen and filed under Law, Writing and tagged Writing.

GIVEAWAY: Win 2 Resume Templates (+1 For a Friend!) by The Write Stuff

One of the most challenging parts of creating a resume is figuring out the design and layout. Luckily, there are some talented graphic designers out there who will do it for you! The Write Stuff creates resume templates that are easy to use and fully customizable, allowing you to focus more on the actual content.

We're SO excited to be partnering with The Write Stuff for a giveaway!

A Note From The Write Stuff:

Hi Dear English Majors!

The Write Stuff is a husband + wife design team who are passionate about creating personal and professional resume templates for every type of job seeker! Finding a job can be stressful and intimidating, especially in today’s economy. Hiring managers only spend an average of 6 seconds scanning a resume before deciding if you’re the right candidate for the job. With such a tiny window to make a strong first impression, skip submitting a generic resume and give yourself the advantage by upgrading to a professionally designed template. Not only will are our design aesthetic showcase your level of professionalism, our formatting is second to none, highlighting your skills, qualifications and experience in a concise and organized format that managers expect to see.

Our templates are affordable, easy to edit and 100% customizable. With built-in resume writing tips to guide you through the process, filling in your personal information is a breeze! In less than an hour, you will have everything you need to get noticed and land your dream job! Each purchase includes a one-page resume, two-page resume, customizable letterhead, a references page and a cover letter. Also included is an extensive list of action verbs and alternate heading options to help you truly tailor your application package to suite the job you are applying for.

Take the mystery and stress out of resume writing and allow us to save you the time and the headache!

Happy job hunting!

Matthew + Jennifer

One lucky winner of our giveaway will win two resume templates of their choice from The Write Stuff Resume Etsy shop, PLUS one free template for a friend!

If you don't win, don't worry—everyone who entered will be emailed a 20% off coupon to the resume shop at the conclusion of the giveaway!

Here are just a FEW examples of The Write Stuff's gorgeous resume designs:

Entering the giveaway is easy:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions

Entries must be received by Sunday, July 31, 2016 at midnight PST.
One winner will be chosen at random on Sunday, July 31, 2016 at midnight PST.
If we do not hear back from the winner by Sunday, August 7, 2016 at midnight PST, another winner will be chosen at random.
One winner will receive 2 resume templates of their voice via email. The winner is also responsible for providing the email address of the friend they choose to receive 1 free resume template.
All entrants agree that by entering the contest, they are giving permission to have their email address added to the Dear English Major mailing list.