Meet Our Alumni

English major

"Working in the journalism field, I can see my English major working through me every day. As D Magazine's assistant editor, I find that a huge part of my job is writing and storytelling. My studies really helped me stand out during my job search, and I truly value the cultural awareness and critical thinking skills that were nurtured in the English department.”

"Don't listen to anyone who says English majors have a limited amount of career options! The skills from this major are so versatile and can be applied to so many different passions. It's scary to leave college and enter the real world, but it's so rewarding when you know you've set yourself up for success."

English major

"When I started law school, I felt confident in my ability to succeed as a lawyer in large part because of my English major. The reading skills I developed as well as my enhanced critical analysis ability has been very useful in comprehending specific cases and developing case briefs. Writing is a crucial skill for lawyers, so my experience as an English major improving my diction, eloquence, and ability to form and express complex ideas has been very beneficial."

"My advice for upcoming TCU English Department graduates is not to underestimate yourself and to take full advantage of your major or minor. You have acquired so many new skills through your English classes that can apply to such a wide variety of occupational opportunities. Be creative with your next move and take chances in fields that best incorporate your abilities and make you feel fulfilled. I am living proof that an English major or minor can open doors, and I have no doubt that it will do the same for you."

Writing major

“In my time at TCU, I developed a passion for business, corporate writing, and copywriting. The skills that I developed in the English Department gave me the opportunity to explore my strengths within the field of marketing, and I've seen how my major can be applied to a wide variety of industries."

Writing major

“My writing major definitely helped prepare me for internships after graduation, which led to my full time role at FOX as a Production Assistant. My writing background also helped me pursue a graduate degree in screenwriting and freelance work in directing, script writing, and film production."

“A common myth about Writing majors is that you can’t find a job. There are so many jobs that are looking for Writing majors or anyone with an English background.”

Writing major

Honors: Excellence in Literary Fiction Winner

“When I first entered TCU, I was mainly into playwrighting and screenwriting, and then I… got into fiction writing, but it wasn’t until later in college, that I got more into poetry and nonfiction creative writing. So, I feel like it’s good to explore all of those different genres, to not just focus yourself on one thing at the start of your writing journey because you might have a real knack for another genre of writing that you’re not used to writing in, but if you keep exploring it, you never know, what potential you have there.”

“Advice I would give to a current writing major or writing minor is to explore different genres of writing.”

English major

Honors: Druscilla French Graduate Student Excellence Award, 2021

“I came in as an elementary education major,… and I just wasn’t totally sure what I wanted to do, and spent the first couple of years sort of switching around, figuring things out. But I realized: 'I keep going back to the English department. I don’t even have a reason to be there right now because I’m not a major but I just could not stay away from those classes.' I absolutely adored all of my professors and had just felt so supported by them always. . . They really continually met me where I was at and worked with me at what I was ready for, and definitely challenged me, but were always just so encouraging.”

English major

"Literature is a foundational discipline that cultivates the critical thinking required in any high-stakes field, from technology to law. While internships provide industry-specific training, an English degree provides the intellectual framework needed to solve complex problems and communicate effectively. My time at TCU was particularly instrumental in this; the curriculum encouraged us to pair our coursework with a capstone and adjacent skills that bridged academic theory and professional application...This taught me the skills needed to bridge the gap between engineering and leadership, and gave me the ability to jump into new subject areas and really understand them, even if I wasn't a computer scientist."

English major

"I chose to be an English major because I honestly couldn’t picture myself doing anything else. I loved reading and writing and forcing myself to think in different, creative ways...The skills you learn in the English department -- avid curiosity, research techniques, theory development, interpersonal connection, creativity -- will serve you well in any role you pursue after graduation...Being an English major in college gave me the space to pursue my passion and fall in love with stories, and now I get to help tell them for all the exciting events that happen at the Hard Rock Stadium!"

"Being yourself will create opportunities you never expected, so try to be open to new experiences. And take any class that speaks to you! You only get to be at TCU for so long, so just enjoy it!"

English minor

"My experience was great. I had several professors who helped guide me as I perfected my writing craft, including Professor Brad Lucas, and his writing class helped me improve my narrative structure. He was super supportive of my work and also gave me critical feedback on my writing when I needed it. In a full circle moment, he came to my book launch event at the TCU bookstore earlier this year! My degree also gave me the confidence to go for my dreams and move to Hollywood to pursue TV writing. It...helped provide the network for me to get my foot in the door in my industry and helped provide valuable connections along the way in my journey."

"Don't ever stop honing your writing skills! Take that weird elective...that might be one of the most memorable classes you take. And don't be afraid to take another writing class post-graduation!"

English major

English minor

English major and Writing minor

"My English major and Writing minor helped me to pursue opportunities, like being an Editorial and Marketing intern at the TCU Press and getting my publishing certificate at the University of Denver, which led me to honing my copyediting and design skills...I also took amazing web centered writing classes in the English Department that helped me with learning HTML, CSS, and different design skills that I became passionate about and led to me learning the skills I need to design."

English major

English major

Honors: JD from University of Oregon School of Law

“My English major has been extremely useful during my time in law school in terms of affording me the ability to express my thoughts clearly and concisely in both an academic and professional setting. I am very fortunate to feel confident in the words I say and the reach they will have, and that is thanks to my English major. Throughout the program, I was lucky to have professors like Dr. Manning and Dr. Nobles who invested time into me and my studies. Do what you love... I love reading and writing and all the things in between, and because of that my time at TCU was much more enjoyable. Work hard and cherish all the time you have at TCU. It’s a special place and the memories you make there will be moments you treasure in the future!”

Writing major

“I took a chance with [the writing major]. That led me to different career opportunities, including the one that I’m in now. I do feel prepared to have started and continue in my career, partially because of my Writing major.”

English major and Creative writing minor

“The English department at TCU is awesome. I credit a lot of my critical thinking skills, and of course writing skills, to the professors that taught me. The things you learn while reading, writing, and discussing with others are easily transferable into the workplace—especially when it comes to people management.”

“My advice to current Horned Frogs is to do what makes you happy, always chase your gut feeling, and remember that growth happens in the uncomfortable and challenging moments in life.”

Writing major

Honors: Named to the 2020 AAF Dallas 32 under 32 for her uniquely creative approach in helping brands navigate the disruption and uncertainty of the pandemic through timely leadership and reporting.

“My degree in writing has been essential to my career and professional development. I opted for an English/Writing major in college simply because I liked to read, but I had no idea the (truly endless) career possibilities that exist out there for English/Writing majors and really, anyone who earns a degree in the liberal arts. The skills you learn in college are the foundation for your career, and what better skills to develop than the ability to think critically and better understand the world around us?”

English major

“In every job, I’ve been one of the go-to people for wordsmithing and proofreading. I’ve also helped do research in various areas ---all those English papers gave me strong resource-finding skills! I always credit my ability to understand multiple viewpoints and create productive conversations (helpful in any job!) to my English degree.”

“It can be hard to find your niche, especially when most places don’t post jobs with ‘English major preferred.’ You may follow a winding path, or you may find your dream job right after graduation. Just know that there’s no one “right” way to use an English degree. Also, your dream job may be one you aren’t even aware of!”

English and Philosophy double major

Honors:  JD from New York University School of Law

Member of American Mensa and sits on the advisory board of non-profit organizations including the H2H Foundation, Econautics Sustainability Institute, American Policyholder Association, and American Adjuster Association.   He is the co-author of an award-winning article on Artificial Intelligence published in the Harvard Business Review as well as two books---Foundations of Sustainable Business: Theory, Function and Strategy and The Humachine: Humankind, Machines, and the Future of Enterprise, and multiple articles in law reviews. 

He provides educational and keynote programs on topics including insurance, deepfakes, copyleft, and sustainability for audiences such as the New York State Bar Association, the Attorney General Alliance, and professional and trade societies. His media appearances on Artificial Intelligence strategy include Coast to Coast AM Radio, The innovation Show, A Greek Leader, and the Lux & Tech podcast.

“I represent storm victims when claims for property damage are mishandled by their insurance company. Most of my work involves public speaking and persuasive writing. My training in writing emphasis courses at the English department has been tremendously helpful in preparing me for this work.”

“Keep reading and keep writing, especially after you graduate. Read one old book (at least 100 years) for every other new book.”

English major

“I owe a great deal of the exposure, practice, feedback, and encouragement that goes into becoming a capable writer to my time as an English major at TCU. Writing well is not just good for drafting emails and online posts---learning how to engage in a thoughtful writing process transformed the way I approach communication and planning. And I gain a better sense of who others are and what they need from their writing styles as well...”

“You will find that many of the things you do that you will be proud of will be due to the relationships you build, and know that good relationships come through your ability to communicate well with other people. No matter what direction you decide to go in, your major is helping you develop a valuable life skill...”