"Communication—specifically written communication—is super important, especially in reading and understanding law documents."
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?
I am a team lead at Trajector Disability. I help disabled people get their Social Security benefits and help my team members in a supporting role. We are an advocacy firm.
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 applied for a LOT of jobs (70+) the semester before I graduated. Not a lot called me back. I knew that I didn't want shift work, but I didn't mind office work. Myler Disability was one of the places I applied to. I started the week after I graduated. At first, I didn't know if it was what I wanted to do, but it has turned into something I really, really enjoy and find satisfaction in.
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?
Communication—specifically written communication—is super important, especially in reading and understanding law documents. In communicating with Social Security, I've had to reference operating manuals, explain complex situations in ways that people can understand, and bring across meaning without also coming across as rude or overly forceful. I also have had the same opportunity with clients, which can be an added challenge. I like to think that I'm better than average at written communication, as well as being able to restate things in layman's terms. I do believe I have cultivated this as I've worked as well.
What are some of the surprising ways in which your English degree helped you in your life?
I didn't think I'd be able to use my degree as much as I have. I've also been able to write fiction much more than I thought I would, which has been very nice.
What do you wish you had known as an English major? Is there any advice you’d like to share with current students?
You can have a day job that you love and pursue your writing goals. I'm a published author as well, and even though it's not my full-time job, I have time for it. It's been really satisfying to see how both of those things can come together.
Contact
rebekah.isert@gmail.com