Describe the path that took you from your American Studies degree to your current career or life situation.
I always knew I wanted to do graduate school, and American Studies was an early and obvious choice for me. The major spanned several intriguing, high-level classes from various colleges that helped me understand history and culture through multiple lenses. It also granted me the flexibility to study abroad and add minors in other subjects that interested me, like business and music. I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do with my career (I'd joke that my job didn't exist yet), but I did love applying creativity, improving the world, launching new ideas, inspiring, educating, and managing.
I took advantage of the Washington Seminar program and studied abroad in Brazil, Europe, and Asia. I was ready to make a big impact on the world. During graduate school, I researched economic development in Costa Rica and Paraguay. I thought I'd start a nonprofit to eradicate poverty or get a PhD, and who knows, maybe I still will. I took a few different jobs after earning my MPA to support my family, proving my value beyond the classroom and inside the workforce. That led me to where I am today, which is in a very empowered place, where I feel incredibly marketable with a wide and applicable skill set.
I was reluctant to dive into social media at a previous job, feeling like it wasn't serious enough. After mastering the technical aspects while flexing my artistic eye, creative writing, and organizational skills, I came to enjoy it. Most importantly, I found a way to help other organizations with something they really need and something I know in a way that supports my passions and draws on my vast experiences. It turns out that I was right—my current job didn't exist while I was in school, especially since I started my own business managing social media, writing, and consultations for other organizations.
What are the specific competencies you cultivated as an American Studies student that you now use in your professional life and that set you apart from your colleagues?
During my American Studies major, I learned how to write intentionally in different voices. I had to write technically for economics, journalistically for media communications, academically for history, succinctly for geography, and persuasively for humanities. I have since written social media content, blogs, press releases, articles, grant applications, executive and annual reports, presentations, proposals, event materials, and many more types of documents that businesses, nonprofits, and government programs need to market, train, operate, and engage with their community.
What are some of the surprising ways in which your American Studies degree has helped you in your professional or personal life?
The Foreign Service Officer Test for the U.S. Department of State is something difficult to study for, because they expect such an expansive and deep understanding of American history, current events, and the world. When I took the test, I distinctly remember thinking that I was very grateful for my American Studies major that spanned so many topics. There were several questions that depended on my analytical skills to detect a region, timeframe, or event based on minimal contextual clues. It was not as difficult for me because I often knew exactly what they were talking about simply from the variety of classes I took.
When I passed the written test, I had a family friend well-connected with many who have taken the test and struggled to pass. He was very impressed with my performance, and I attribute much of my excellent preparation to my years as an American Studies major.
What do you wish you had known as an American Studies student? What advice would you share with current students?
I always loved it, so just embrace it, even if no one knows what it is! There are multiple roads that can take you to what you want to do. American Studies was the most fun path for me and may fit your journey just right.
*You can contact MaryDawn with questions about her American Studies story at genuineletterstudio@gmail.com.