Gamify It: Fordham English Career Panel 2025

By Grace Keegan

Career panelists, clockwise from upper left: Melissa Whalen, Lindsay Grippo, Liam McKeone, and D. T. Max.

With the spring semester in full swing, and another group of seniors gearing up to enter post-graduate life, career questions are at an all time high. English majors at Fordham, however, have an edge. On February 12th, 2025, Fordham’s English Department held its annual Career Panel, with support from the Mary Higgins Clark Fund, featuring four panelists who majored in English and successfully navigated the job market. Each panelist had a different path, but all were there to share their experiences, offer insight, and, most importantly, reassure students that there’s no single “right” way to turn an English degree into a fulfilling career.  

This year’s panelists spanned multiple industries: D.T. Max, author and staff writer at The New Yorker; Liam McKeone, writer, editor, and SEO content lead at Sports Illustrated; Melissa Whalen, writer and editor for U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Trade; and Lindsay Grippo, writer, editor, and content developer at design agency Codeword. No matter where they landed, though, they all agreed: every industry needs strong communicators. English majors are not limited in their options; in fact, they may have more than they realize. But the key is learning how to apply their skills strategically.

Each panelist pinpointed specific English skills that proved crucial–from reading and writing effectively to mastering literature and extracting stories from people. Melissa Whalen identified that one of the biggest advantages English majors have is their ability to “become an expert in things very quickly,” thanks to the extensive coursework that they take on throughout their undergraduate studies. To write well about a topic, students must master it, becoming what Whalen calls a “subject matter expert.” This ability to learn rapidly and then adapt is a major asset in any profession. Liam McKeone agreed, stating, “as an English major you’re asked not only to tackle these big ideas, break it down and understand it, but to regurgitate it and throw it back at your professor. You [have to] show them, explain to them, that you can then apply it to an argument or a situation.” In other words, English majors are trained to take in information, process it, and articulate it clearly as it applies to broader contexts–exactly what’s needed in industries ranging from journalism to marketing to policy work.

But how do we get there? While it’s clear that English majors have invaluable skills, it can still be daunting to approach the job market. How do we turn those analytical skills into a career? What makes someone stand out? The panelists had one resounding piece of advice: “have a body of work.” While students may not have extensive professional experience yet, they can showcase their abilities through writing samples, an online portfolio, a website, a newsletter or other personal projects. Even platforms like Wix or Substack can provide great ways to present a collection of work. Both Liam McKeone and D.T. Max emphasized how accessible self-publishing is today, making it easier than ever for students to demonstrate their writing skills. “You should be trying to publish,” said Max. “It used to be that you had to be on the college newspaper, but that’s not the limitation now. And it’s practicing, it’s building the muscles too.” And while it’s often unpaid, consistently creating and sharing work flexes the creative muscles, builds credibility, and gives employers concrete proof of what you can do.

For those interested in freelance writing, building a body of work is especially important. The panelists encouraged students to start pitching to smaller media outlets or publications–just getting a byline means your name is out there. Even one or two published pieces can open doors. Liam McKeone advised students to expand their search beyond their immediate online circles:

Never be shy with reaching out and asking, no matter what platform you’re on, no matter what medium you might be using. Whether you have to write an actual letter, never be shy about reaching out and asking because, maybe they don’t respond–worst they could say is no. People are always looking. Maybe they’re not looking for full-time employees, but they are always looking for contributors and writers, so don’t get discouraged. There’s always something out there.

And when the opportunity comes, McKeone returned to the importance of being prepared: “Always have that work ready to go. Have your body of work ready to be shown to somebody who is in a position to evaluate you and see if you’re the right fit.”

Beyond writing samples, a curious mindset with an appetite for learning can set candidates apart. D.T. Max emphasized that the learning process doesn’t end with graduation. Even as an accomplished author and writer, “I don’t really consider my learning done,” he said. When evaluating job applicants, he looks for that same eagerness: “The way you express yourself is just crucial when I’m looking at writers or applicants,” he said. Lindsay Grippo echoed that sentiment, stressing that openness, for her, has been crucial in maintaining her confidence in new industries. English majors are adaptable–sometimes the biggest challenge is believing in their ability to succeed in unfamiliar spaces. 

When it comes to actually landing a job, Grippo encouraged students to “gamify it,” advice that resonated with the entire panel. “Make it an exercise in creativity, challenge yourself [with] how to identify your skills and then slot them into the needs of an open role.” With a chuckle, she added, “English people are good at that!” Rather than seeing the job hunt as an overwhelming obstacle, students can approach it like solving a puzzle–figuring out how to frame their strengths in a way that aligns with an employer’s needs. Melissa Whalen reinforced this idea, stating, “You can emphasize [skills] like problem-solving; when you’re writing an essay, you are working through an argument and solving a problem, and the time management and planning it takes to emphasize a major project [of which] you are the project manager.”

At its core, the panel identified one major takeaway: English majors are in demand because they know how to communicate. As Max put it, “Communication is the universal key.” Whether writing a compelling article, crafting a persuasive argument, or even demonstrating why you’re the best candidate for a job, the ability to clearly and effectively articulate ideas will always be an asset. Grippo reinforced this, stating, “Every role involves communication in some way. You’ll always need to make a strong case for your opinions and ideas, and English majors can take real solace knowing they know how to do that.” English majors aren’t just learning how to write; they’re learning to persuade, structure arguments, and convey complex ideas–a skill set that is indispensable across industries.

So while the job market may feel daunting, English students can take comfort in knowing that their skills are not just relevant but essential. By honing their writing, embracing adaptability, and approaching the job search with a strategic mindset, they can unlock doors they may have never even considered. After all, if communication is the key, English majors already have it in hand–all that’s left to play is the game.

Grace Keegan is currently a senior at Fordham University, majoring in English and Spanish Language/Literature with a minor in Public and Professional Writing. She is passionate about music, movies, literature, culture, and traveling, all of which inspire her writing.