"It's actually pretty surprising to me how many people hate writing. I love writing. And I think a talent in writing sets you apart in tech."
When did you graduate from BYU?
BA English 2018
What is your job/position? And how would you describe what you do in that job/position?
My role is multi-tiered — I primarily work in copywriting, brand positioning/messaging, and content strategy at an SF-based fintech startup. My work involves a lot of high-level brainstorming — I'm basically expected to be creative every day all day, which is a good spot for me to be in. Most recently, I've worked a lot on building websites, landing pages, brand books, brand strategy/voice, brand campaigns (you can see my work on billboards in NYC & San Francisco in October). I also write long-form content, and my previous position was editorial-based. In short my current work involves a lot of ideation, writing (both granular and not-so granular), editing, brand strategizing, and negotiating differing exec opinions when it comes to external facing comms.
Describe the path that you took from your BYU English degree to your current career, highlighting the important realizations and turning points that paved the path for you.
I graduated from BYU, began working as a copywriter at Cotopaxi (outdoors industry) — during my time there, I prepped to apply to PhD programs in French literature. I applied in 2020 and wasn't successful (bad year in a dying field!). From there, I pivoted to fintech — was recruited by a startup in San Francisco. A year later, I was recruited to join a more advanced fintech startup, also in San Francisco. I'm happy working in fintech and feel very fulfilled — somewhere along the way, I took a chance in believing my talents would be useful in this burgeoning field. Sure, I may not be able to study literature everyday and work in a university setting (which appealed to me immensely) but this work allows for a surprisingly flexible lifestyle — I make a point to incorporate my literary and linguistic passions into my life and can travel frequently due to the emergence of remote work. I'm also in the midst of working on some creative writing projects — and I feel like my current work accents these pursuits in unexpected ways.
What are the specific skills that you cultivated as an English major that you now use in your professional life? And how do you use those skills in ways that set you apart from your colleagues?
First and foremost, I have the ability to write well — ideally, most English majors hone this skill pretty intensely in their undergrad! It's actually pretty surprising to me how many people hate writing. I love writing. And I think a talent in writing sets you apart in tech. Overall, I chose to study English and French at BYU because I'm a curious person, and studying those subjects only made me more curious; only made me more motivated to continue learning. And I apply this passion for learning to my current work. Curiosity about the world, its different peoples, cultures, stories, arts, etc. translates to success and discovery in any field. I also find myself able to articulate difficult concepts more articulately than many of my colleagues — and my writing skills are more versatile across the board, than say, a comms grad's (on average).
What are some of the surprising ways in which your English degree helped you in your life?
I'd say my English degree, and continued interest literary studies in general, is the spice of my life. LOL. That's why I chose English to begin with. I think, all in all, it comes down to that curiosity bit I mentioned above. I want to learn. I want to create and appreciate items (whatever they may be) of aesthetic merit, and much of this was influenced by my English degree. Ultimately my love for this subject brings much purpose to my life. And I think this passion shows at work — even though I work in banking technology!
What do you wish you had known as an English major? Is there any advice you’d like to share with current students?
Hmm. I have a few regrets about my time at BYU. First and foremost, I wish I'd taken advantage of more research opportunities, and that I'd eliminated distractions to a higher degree. In other words, I really wish I'd taken advantage of all the learning resources the College of Humanities offered me! I wish I'd spent more time visiting the HBLL's Special Collections, perusing the library for fun, chatting with professors and learning about their passions, reading my professors' scholarship, and learning for the sake of truly learning (rather than just to secure an A grade). The good news is, it's never too late to learn. BUT, it's incredibly special to do so in a university environment — and it's a nonfungible privilege! I wish I'd participated more in the English symposium, for example, or that I'd really put time into becoming a French student instructor. BYU rocks! Don't forget it, and don't be scared :). An evening at International Cinema is honestly better than one more monotonous dessert party at an apartment complex ;) (but of course, do some of that too).
Contact
elizabethgenevievebarton@gmail.com