As the kick-off event to an ongoing series titled “Taking It to the Next Level: Your English Degree at Work,” The SUNY New Paltz English Department hosted a panel in JFT 1010 on Tuesday, September 22nd, called “So What Else Can I Do with an English Major.”

In attendance were John Razzano, an editor working in the field of Environmental Protection; Jason Taylor, working in the Non-Profit sector involved in Land Conservation; Marcia Tucci, working in Higher Education Administration and Academic Advising; and Christopher Watkins, a civil rights attorney.

The panelists had different stories and career paths but all had at some point majored in English, and they discussed their lives and jobs, explaining the utility and varied application of their English education, how it prepared them or provided them with useful skill sets in their careers.

The event was well attended, from beginning students to Seniors and even students that returned after having received their degrees.

One of the hopeful take-aways from the meeting was a debunking of the notion that all one can do with an English degree is to either write or teach; though those are both undoubtedly great choices, the knowledge and skill earned from working in the field serves people well in whatever they choose to pursue!

We include here some links to video clips of the event, there are photos up on the Facebook site as well:

Prefatory Remarks from Professor Tom Olsen (1 of 2)

Prefatory Remarks from Professor Tom Olsen (2 of 2)

Marcia Tucci, of Academic Advising, speaks about her background as an English major. (1 of 2)

Marcia Tucci, of Academic Advising, speaks about her background as an English major. (2 of 2)

Christopher Watkins, civil rights attorney, speaks of his background in English (1 of 2)

Christopher Watkins, civil rights attorney, speaks of his background in English (2 of 2)

The next event in the series will be another panel and workshop: “Writing for Graduate Studies,” on Friday, October 2nd, from 3-5 pm, in JFT 1010. Professors Tom Olsen, Dan Kempton, Jackie George, Vicki Tromanhauser and Michelle Woods will discuss writing at the Graduate level, including expectations, how to better craft papers, and other ideas. Panel discussion from 3-4, workshop from 4-5. Students are encouraged to bring in the first two pages of a paper to discuss and workshop.

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