“Majoring in English was like having undergrad as a ‘choose your own adventure’ story…”

“Majoring in English was like having undergrad as a ‘choose your own adventure’ story…” Coffee with the features editor of Boston.com of the Boston Globe Kathryn Beskrowni

KATIE MACLEOD UMass, 2000 BA, English & Music Current features editor of Boston.com • Charged with: A&E, travel, health & wellness, lifestyle, things to do, editorials • Copyedits, creates titles/captions, writes • Formatting of online articles

fancy!

The path she lead… • 1996 entered Umass, declared English • Joined the Marching Band, Student Government, studied abroad in England, became a Resident Assistant • 2000 graduated, moved to Boston to work selling student travel packages • 2001 moved to DC, found an internship with United Press • 2002 began grad-school at American University, Journalism & Public Affairs • 2003 internship to full-time job with Washington Post • 2006  began working with Boston.com

Why English? “English is less limiting • A career path is not set, so you are never boxed in • The range of skills established can be implemented in many different work environments • A critical thinker can learn new tasks and skills sets easily; changing jobs or even roles within a job is easy! It is something I ENJOY!”

After graduating, how did you make English work for you? “Think first about what you like, and how that works with that you want… I thought traveling would make me happiest, but I realized a lot was lacking from my job. That’s when I decided to apply to grad school.”

Do you think an English degree needs grad school? I definitely recommend school for as long as makes you happy, but I more recommend being happy!” “Absolutely not! Grad school, for me, was all about continuing to find myself and what it was I really wanted.

What DO you recommend? “Experiences! Internships and any other sort of experience that will help develop your goals.”

How do you make experiences relevant to job searches or grad school application? “Recognize what you have learned and what you are capable of. Be ready to build yourself up. Just because you did not spend 4 years learning a trade career does not mean you are unprepared.”

“it’s all about marketing yourself!” Know what skills are universally sought after: Well-Rounded Experience & Knowledge Analytical & Critical Thinking Communication Thoughtfulness Creativity Wit!

The ability to argue any of these skills is a HUGE demonstration of your English Major abilities!

These skills show you can solve problems – that’s why a job position exists in the first place!

Remember: • Creating and arguing ideas in papers translates to verbal communication skills • Those new arguments = problem solving • A creative base gives new mindset to old problems, what employers want • You can build off your broader knowledge: GenEds & seemingly bizarre lit courses!

“…marketing, and NETWORKING!” Recognize each experience you have and each person you meet as a potential to further yourself

Take other peoples’ experiences and relate them to your own – by thinking critically!

and do NOT underestimate: Experience READING and WRITING at a collegiate level… These abilities do not come as easily to everyone else!

Katie’s Advice?... “Experience everything! Keep an open mind in everything you do, but pay attention to yourself; if something sticks with you, it’s probably something you want!”

“Majoring in English was like having undergrad as a ‘choose your own adventure’ story…”