Recent English Department Graduates "My English degree at SMC taught me to think deeply and critically before writing.  Thinking deeply about an issue before I write has helped me as I currently work on projects in global occupational health.  Clear writing skills that I learned while at SMC aid me as I write a quarterly e-newsletter for the World Health Organization.  Having been nurtured and cared for while an English student at SMC, I continue to nurture the interns in my area.  The English major at SMC provided a solid foundation from which I built graduate study and then a Presidential Management Fellowship." Jane Hingston, Health Communications Specialist, Dept of Health & Human Services, U.S. Govt., Washington, D.C. "My education at St. Mike's prepared me in many ways for my career. There is a long list but will try to name a few that have had biggest impact: reading and writing skills are key, networking, social skills, and communication skills (this is generic term and I am referring to the ability to effectively get points across to diverse audiences)."   Chris White, Regional Manager, Sapphire Technologies, Portland, Maine   "I have worked in publishing since graduating from Saint Michael’s. Professor Clary provided a phone recommendation to my current manager about nine years ago that I am convinced helped me to land my first job – please send along my continued thanks!! My Saint Michael’s education provided a broad range of reading, writing, and analytical experiences that I use every day in my job. Working with Professor Clary on his Variorum Edition of Hamlet (a work study position) provided me with the basic skills of editorial work and helped me to better understand the nuances of written text. Focusing on these nuances and helping authors develop these important distinctions are the foundation of my current job as an editor." Shannon Steed, Editor, Allyn & Bacon Publishing, Boston, Massachusetts "As far as my education from Saint Michael’s college went, I feel it greatly prepared me for my current job for a number of reasons. My education at SMC was incredibly diverse. I feel having come from such an amazing school with so many different walks of life, it allowed me to feel very comfortable working with just about anyone I’ve encountered. My current position in Human Resources makes me feel right at home thanks to the amount of personal interaction I received while attending SMC. There was never a time where I didn’t feel like I couldn’t approach anyone at SMC with any type of question or inquiry. " Courtney Whitman DeVito, Human Resources Manager, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Summit County, Colorado   "My St. Michael's education has been invaluable to me as an attorney.  The school's focus on a liberal arts education, and its English Department in particular, required me to develop sharp analytical and communication skills.  At St. Michael's, you not only confront competing, often difficult, ideas, but you also must learn to take positions, and then provide support for your conclusions."   Rick Collins, Esq., Assistant Commonwealth Attorney, Henrico County C.A.'s Office, Richmond, Virginia     "In the 7 years I was making wine, the language skills and ability to explain aromas, flavors, and sensations in a very descriptive manner came in quite handy from a marketing perspective as well as adding enjoyment to the process. Additionally, explaining the winemaking process to visitors/customers was definitely enhanced. Now, on the sales and distribution side of the wine industry, the greatest value of my English education has been that it forced critical thinking skills that have later allowed me to look at professional situations in 3-dimensions--the literal, emotional, and political--which is invaluable." Ian Hartnett, Product Manager, VinOak, Benicia, California