This fall, Wichita State launched a new course designed specifically for students beginning their English degree. ENGL 198: English Career Seminar is an eight-week, one-credit-hour class that introduces students to the wide range of possibilities available to English majors and equips them with tools to begin shaping their academic and career pathways. 

The course was developed through collaboration between Dr. Francis X. Connor and Katie Lanning (Department of English), and Sarah Mathews (Shocker Career Accelerator). Together, they created a class that blends academic exploration with practical, career-focused learning. 

“Students often ask, what can I do with an English degree? This course helps answer that question early in their college journey,” said Dr. Connor. 

Throughout the seminar, students explore career interests, identify potential applied learning opportunities, and begin developing professional materials. A cornerstone of the course is the Career Ready Guide, published by the Shocker Career Accelerator, which serves as the class textbook. 

Students also receive direct support from the Shocker Career Accelerator (SCA). They meet one-on-one with career coaches for a resume review. Sara Leftwich from SCA leads one dedicated class sessions on LinkedIn optimization and job search strategies, ensuring students leave the class with tangible skills they can use right away. 

Assignments include building a professional portfolio (resume, cover letter, LinkedIn, and Shocker Central profile), completing career self-assessments, and presenting a pathway plan through the English degree. By the end of the class, students walk away with not only a clearer sense of direction but also a set of professional tools that will grow with them throughout their time at Wichita State University and beyond. 

This first-of-its-kind collaboration between the Department of English and the Shocker Career Accelerator is helping English majors see the many directions their degree can take them—and giving them a head start in building meaningful applied learning experiences. 

Faculty interested in collaborating on a career-focused course or requesting a classroom presentation can reach out to Sarah.Mathews@wichita.edu in the Shocker Career Accelerator, or request a career speaker online at wichita.edu/CareerSpeaker.

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Wichita State's applied learning program gives students hands-on, paid experience with industry partners, helping them build careers before graduation.

For more information, contact the Shocker Career Accelerator at (316) 978-3688, SCA@wichita.edu, or visit wichita.edu/Career. You can also stop by in person at the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, on the Wichita State campus.