Writing Arts First Career Day for Future Students

Rowan University’s Writing Arts Major is unique. In fact, it’s so unique that Rowan University is the only college with a Writing Arts Department. It’s important to inform prospective Rowan students about the department. It’s vital we communicate what a Writing Arts degree is, and what it can do for a student. 

Dr. Amy Reed, current undergraduate coordinator of the Writing Arts undergraduate degree, and Dr. Amy Woodworth, current department chair of Writing Arts, created an excellent new way to spread awareness of the department, hosting their first Writing Arts Career Day at Rowan University on May 13th of 2023. This all day event was advertised to high school students and included two optional campus tours, four workshops which 

connected the degree to future career prospects, and a lunch with current students. To begin a series of workshops, Dr. Amy Woodworth explained what makes the Writing Arts Major different from other majors. She explained how Rowan University’s Writing Arts Departments strives to connect writers to opportunities in the world. 
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The four core workshops focused on the relationship between a Writing Arts degree and potential career fields. Each presentation included examples of job listings and salaries connected to writing. They also included a hands-on writing or crafting activity, and time for discussion amongst the student attendees. Dr. Amy Woodworth presented about careers in technical writing. Professor Megan Atwood, one of our creative writing faculty and head of Singularity Press, discussed careers in creative writing and publishing. Professor Ted Howell, a faculty member who focuses on how philosophies of nature are reflected in writing, discussed careers in scientific and medical writing. Lastly, Dr. Jason Luther, a Writing Arts faculty member who focuses on popular culture and DIY publishing, finished the workshops by discussing careers in publishing. The faculty also supplied the students with writing prompts, advice, gift bags, and even taught them how to make Zines!

Attendees were also welcomed to enjoy a lunch with current Writing Arts students who discussed their experience thus far with the major. They explained some of the social aspects of the major, like clubs or classes they might recommend. One of the students, Nina Pantaleone, commented on the experience. She stated that she liked being able to explain the diverse amount of career possibilities after graduation. Nina enjoyed explaining that “everyone’s path is different through their writing arts career.”

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This theme of the many writing-based careers was central to the day’s activities. Dr. Reed described the key message of the event as, “Writing Arts is a viable major that could lead to many different careers…and…attendees could achieve their goals at Rowan.” Other goals of the event were to familiarize attendees with the culture, staff, and even students of the major. 
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This is the first year this program has been in place, but it was already a success. There were some students who attended the event from three hours away from campus! The Writing Arts staff was “thrilled” that their message was able to travel so far. Hopefully, this event will continue next year and the Writing Arts Career day message and goals can reach even more students in the years to come.


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Author

Cecilia Combs