Elizabethtown College English Department

The Elizabethtown College English Department holds an Alumni Networking Banquet once every spring. As alums stand up and share their career paths, they demonstrate the vast possibilities of the English degree.

Professor of English Louis Martin has organized this free event for many years. “Alumni come and share information about their jobs. This allows students to get real world knowledge, and to ask questions that help them plan for life after college,” said Martin.  This luncheon acts as a learning experience paired with good food.

Recent alumni guests have represented fields such as teaching, law, media distribution, editing, marketing, technology, and social media management.

This broad range of careers helps students pinpoint their interest within the English major. Addison Fry, a junior professional writing major said she enjoyed the event. “I feel the alumni banquet is something of great importance to undergraduate English students unsure of what career field they want to advance into.”

Kaileigh Tinnin, an English minor said, “It’s helpful to be surrounded by so many people who are alike, yet different. Everyone uses their degree differently, and its fascinating to see where they went. I appreciate that the English Department provides that exposure for us.”

This event is open to English majors and minors from every cohort, from first years to seniors. It is recommended that students come every year because the alumni are constantly rotated. This luncheon is a great way to gather several perspectives on careers for English majors in one sitting.

The event trains students in networking, especially since their professors are there to assist them.   Professors act as conversation buffers.

There is no need to feel nervous about talking to alumni by yourself.  Find a professor you know, and they will be more than willing to help ignite the conversation. Professors just want to help you succeed. That’s why they throw an event like this in the first place.

Author Bio: Damani Odom is a senior professional writing major.