A Glimpse into Futures: The English Graduates Career Panel

Five Marist University alumni prepare themselves for the annual English Major Alumni Panel. Photo by Sarah Gurskis '26

Five former Marist University students sat before a group of undergraduates at an event in room 1008 of the Dyson Center on Oct. 30, ready to answer any questions posed by both faculty and students. Their commonality lies within their major: English.

“I never knew [the many job opportunities] English majors could do,” said Ali Booth ‘17, who’s currently working as a social media manager for VidCon. 

All of the alumni had incredibly different occupations: Rosemary DaCruz ‘21 is an Associate at Results for America (a nonprofit organization), Emily Hollenbach ‘18 is the assistant director of fellowships and awards at New York University, Erin Kane ‘16 is a senior publishing manager at Ballantine Books and Victoria Longa ‘22 is a project writer and researcher at GA Group.

None of them knew they would branch this far out, especially with an English degree; most of the alumni were expected by parents and peers alike to pursue a career in education. 

“That was the first thing I got,” Booth said as she recalled the first time she introduced her major. 

Instead, all of the panelists defied this lasting stereotype with the help of the long-standing professors who not only supported but also inspired their career options.

A large part of their time here was spent finding and applying their passions. Booth exemplified this by speaking about how she combined her interest in social media and pop culture with writing. Alongside the applications, a common ground about the benefits of extracurriculars was agreed upon. Taking opportunities and asking questions were encouraged by each of the alumni, with students taking notes and listening attentively to their every word. 

“I feel like my time at Marist was the foundation of where I am today,” DaCruz said as the other alumni nodded. This foundation also sprouted job questions and speculations. Many of the alumni's advice varied from profession to profession, but they did agree that if a job stagnates, or you are not growing, it’s okay to find something new.

This annual event is incredibly fresh for Marist traditions. Hosted by the Marist English Department, the Center for Career Services and the Office of Alumni Relations, as well as the School of Liberal Arts, the event created a space for English majors and minors who may be seeking guidance, connections or general advice. All of the alumni were motivated by their relations to the English department.

“The Alumni Office helped us get lists of some English majors that had graduated, but some of the panelists I've been in touch with,” Dr. Joshua Kotzin, the chair of the English Department, said. 

Alumni were chosen from their connections, whether it be through LinkedIn or professor recommendations. 

When the event came to an end, Kane was generous enough to bring some literature to share. As students mingled and chatted with the alumni, the event coordinators watched another successful alumni panel conclude.