Nse Final Report Fall 2024 Instructor: Dr. Ferriera Student: Madison Sampiere Faculty: Dr. Martin Department: English Majors Discussed: Professional Writing Major, English Major Meeting Date: 12/4/24 1. What did you learn about the curriculum or core requirements for this major? (min 100 words) During my meeting with Dr. Martin, I learned that next fall the Professional Writing and Creative writing Majors are going to merge into a single writing major where you can choose either a creative or professional focus. I learned that for the core curriculum requirements, I would have to take twenty four credit hours of various writing courses, then I would have the option to choose a creative or professional writing path. I also learned that there is a required capstone course I would be required to take, that I am not sure if it is required in any other degree or not. 2. What are some potential career paths for graduates of this program? (min 100 words) During my meeting with Dr. Martin, she informed me that, while it is a common misconception that an English degree will hardly be of use outside the educational field, there are actually quite a few pathways that can be pursued. Of course, there is the teaching pathway, but there is also an advertising and marketing pathway as many businesses need writers nowadays, administrative and professional writing pathways (such as journalism and public relations), creative writing pathways (such as being an author), as well as editing and book publishing pathways, which are considered the more technical side of writing. 3. What aspects of the program are most exciting or appealing to you? Did the meeting change your perspective on this major? Why or why not? (min 250 words) I think following my meeting with Dr. Martin, the aspects of the program that are most appealing to me are the editing, book publishing, and marketing side of an English degree. The meeting was very crucial in changing my perspective because not only was Dr. Martin very welcoming, but she was very informative in explaining realistic options I would have as a post-grad if I actually chose this degree. One thing that really changed my perspective is when she told me that they have experiential courses built into the degree that help students gain the much needed experience to land jobs outside of college. I was also very impressed by the opportunities within this degree, such as Etchings or Whirling Prize, that are focused on the editing and publishing aspect as that is the field I am more interested in. When Dr. Martin mentioned that many students were also able to land internships in college in addition to these experimental courses. It helped relieve me of the societal idea that an English degree is considered useless due to the apparent support system professors of this major are providing students with. Due to Dr. Martin’s reassurances, this meeting helped change my perspective on the versatility of an English degree, as well as the opportunities and networking achievable. I like that there is a creative and technical balance offered in this degree that offers me experience on both sides of the writing field so I feel confident enough to make an educated decision when it comes to choosing a focus. Overall, I think this meeting truly provided me with the confidence to declare an English Major in the future, and I am very pleased with the connection I made today.