Career Architecture & English

How will you use Career Architecture as an English Language & Literature major at SU? Here are some suggestions from our English faculty:

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

         
       

      What is Career ArchitectureSM?

      Career ArchitectureSM is a unique process that enables each Stevenson student to create a successful and rewarding career path. Starting in the freshman year, students begin working with faculty and staff to design a strategic career plan based on their personal interests, values, strengths, and abilities. Career Architecture includes four elements: Self-Discovery, Career Development Foundations, Career Exploration, and Career Preparation. Not only does the knowledge gathered during the Career Architecture process help SU students land their first jobs; it serves for the lifetime of their careers.