Patricia Bottcher

I majored in English at SUNY Geneseo because I loved literature and language as a way of connecting people and transcending barriers. I considered other majors (those traditionally considered to lead to more lucrative career paths), but my passion and interest–as well as the brilliance and talent of the English department professors–made it impossible for me to declare, and commit to, another major. I have never been happier to have made that choice.

Almost immediately after graduating, I was offered a position at Thomson Reuters (formerly known as West Group) as an Editor. I was so excited to be in the world of publishing and knew that I definitely did not want to teach (as most people assume you will do with a B.A. in English). I was promoted to Senior Editor and began to develop skills and interests beyond editing manuscripts. I am currently a Senior Publishing Coordinator, which means that I oversee the processing of manuscripts from author submission to publishing for print and online media. I have had the opportunity to train international colleagues, implement new teams and help to develop their skills and experience, as well as participate in diversity initiatives to further a culture of equality that this organization has embraced.

The knowledge that I have learned as an English major at SUNY Geneseo has also helped me to be hired at various marketing agencies. I have worked for clients such as the Harlem Globetrotters, Corona, Chevy, and Nickelodeon.

The career paths available to you as an English major are limitless. I wish you the best of luck!