"With an English degree, you really can do anything. Don’t apologize for having an English degree—play up the benefits!"
When did you graduate from BYU?
BA English 2010
What is your job/position? And how would you describe what you do in that job/position?
I’m a model risk manager. I develop, implement, and manage a risk management program, specific to model risk, at a midsize/community bank (~$20B).
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 was asked to take on my last four roles in my company without having any subject matter expertise in the areas I would oversee, simply because of communication skills. If you listen and read, process information in new ways, and write and verbally communicate clearly, you can manage anything. Four years ago, as an information technology analyst, I partnered with senior vice presidents who could not write coherent programs. I gather the information from them or authoritative sources (e.g., regulations, industry best practice) and write the programs for them. I was asked to implement and manage two programs that I developed based on emerging regulations.
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?
- Research: Never underestimate the value of being able to identify a reputable source—you’ll be shocked how many people in business cannot do this!
- Clear writing: Don’t take outlining and editing for granted or skip the steps. This will make your work stand out as clear and concise.
- Presentation skills: Soak in your rhetoric classes. In a world where so many people communicate in short, electronic messages, the ability to capture an audience and provide presentations that resonate with that group can get you quick attention and help you rise in a company.
What are some of the surprising ways in which your English degree helped you in your life?
Identifying flawed logic or manipulation and identifying common themes or problems.
What do you wish you had known as an English major? Is there any advice you’d like to share with current students?
Start with a field you enjoy. The position you’re in will change, but the field, pace, and values of the company may not change as quickly or at all. With an English degree, you really can do anything. Don’t apologize for having an English degree—play up the benefits! Strong communication is critical in successful change management, and every company needs change leaders.
Contact
kiyomi.rose@gmail.com