J.R.R. Tolkien may have famously penned the phrase “Not all those who wander are lost,” but I was not one of those fortunate few at the beginning of my college career. My head was full of dreams, each more exciting than the last—but I had no idea which dream I should pursue. I entered college with a vague idea of what my passion was, but it didn’t seem to materialize. I poked around dozens of majors, assessing their requirements and how I aligned with them; I turned away each time, disappointed that I couldn’t decide on what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Choosing a major wasn’t something I took lightly.

In early November, Professor Harner, Professional Writing extraordinaire, gave a compelling presentation in my speech class. She explained what the PWID major was, who should take it, and why it’s so valuable in today’s job market. She even presented a list of qualities that aspiring professional writers should have, and I found myself mentally checking off each box. Five minutes into her presentation, I was convinced. I talked with her after class, met with her in person, and then changed my major. God used her to soothe my fears and clarify my future, which I appreciate more than she could ever know.

The beauty of Professional Writing and Information Design is its flexibility and usefulness. I could become a technical writer and create manuals, yes, but that doesn’t fit my personality. I’m a relaxed, extroverted, big-picture thinker. Details are my main weakness. Thankfully, the major trains students for much more than technical writing. We become exceptional communicators, masterful writers, friendly coworkers, and talented designers. Professional writers can become editors, designers, writers, marketers, press release specialists, social media gurus—you get the picture.

Personally, I’ve discovered my love for people, interaction, and tactical communication far outweighs my other passions. I love to write, yes, but I also like to think critically about the elements of design and how they apply to written communication. I love to take a theory or abstract concept and apply it in the real world. There’s nothing quite like solving a complex problem with a brilliant strategic plan.

That’s what drew me to Marketing. After learning the basic skills of the Marketing Communications role (writing, editing, designing, audience analysis, etc.), I applied for marketing and writing jobs around the country, in hopes of receiving an internship. Ultimately, I received an internship offer from a biomolecular engineering company in Iowa and worked there over my summer break.

The job was intimidating; I was surrounded by Ph.D.s, Doctorates, and brilliant scientists who came up with ludicrously complex formulas and algorithms each and every week, while I had trouble finishing a research paper with three weeks’ worth of preparation. I felt overwhelmed—but that all changed once I began to settle in.

The Professional Writing major equipped me with all the tools I needed to succeed in the workplace. I was prepared to write in-depth articles about chemical formulas because my professors taught me how to learn on the job. I created content, edited sell sheets, and critiqued publication material by employing heuristics and processes I learned as a sophomore. I even succeeded in dealing with social problems and tension in the office thanks to my Corporate Culture class.

To be completely honest, I’m not quite sure where I’ll end up post-graduation. My summer internship helped clarify a myriad of assumptions about myself, but I still don’t know where my passion lies. Thankfully, the Professional Writing major has prepared me to succeed, no matter where I end up. Where there’s a need for communication, especially in written form, graduates from the Professional Writing and Information Design major can answer the call. I’ve found my calling; maybe you’ll find yours here, too.

— Chris Renaud (Senior)