Career Conversations Panel Series:
Discovering Careers in Writing & Publishing
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
2:30–4:30 pm
Harry Crowe Room (Room 109 Atkinson College)
In partnership with the Centre for Student Success, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies and Founders College.
Sponsored by York University Alumni Relations.
About the Event
Interested in a career working in Writing & Publishing? Want to meet York Alumni and other professionals working in these fields?
Connect with professionals currently enjoying careers in Writing & Publishing and get the inside scoop on what it's really like to work in this field. During this panel professionals will share their personal stories about breaking into the field, how their career paths took them from graduation to where they are now, what knowledge, skills and experience helped them succeed in their jobs and what types of opportunities are available in the field. The panel will be moderated by one of the Career Centre's team members and followed by an open forum where students will have an opportunity to ask the panelists their own questions.
Participating Panelists
Sandy Braz
Writer
Alumna: BA English and Communication, York University, 2003
More than a decade ago, I wrote a love letter to a boyfriend. When he read it, he looked at me and said, "You know, you're my favorite writer". And there the idea was planted: "Me, a writer?"
I started my career at York, working as the news editor for the Excalibur. In 2003, I graduated with honours with a bachelor's degree in English and Communications. But I feel what I learned in that small newspaper office at York became the foundation for my career: I learned to write for print, edit, scout writers, be skeptical and pitch stories; eventually this led to freelancing opportunities, including writing for NOW magazine and Reader's Digest.
Since leaving York in 2003, I've been a writer, freelancing for magazines, newspapers, web and for public relations and social media campaigns for large brands.
These days, I'm taking on the challenge of feature writing for magazines and newspapers and writing a book of short stories, to be self-published. The opportunities for self-publishing are huge today, and I'm excited to head down that road and learn more.
A career in writing isn't always easy to get a grip of, but it is possible, by working smart, with a lot of passion and a bit of savvy. I'm honoured to be sharing my side of the story.
Edward Fenner
Web Communications & Publications Assistant, York University, Office of the Associate Vice-President International
& Freelance Writer/Editor (personal website)
Alumnus: BA (Hons.) Professional Writing, York University, 2010
I have known since I was growing up in the 1970s that writing would be my life. Most of my 25-plus years in the business has been in technical communications. Gradually, I explored corporate communications, marketing writing, corporate journalism, and public speaking. Recently, I have re-discovered my creative writing side through writing plays and poetry and acting as an advocate for mature students and adult learning issues. Having a diverse skill set and portfolio is advantageous to any professional communicator and certainly helps me in my many duties at the AVPI's office and private consulting. Returning to school in 2004 as a mature student and studying writing has helped my writing skills but opened up new opportunities. I am now exploring science writing while I pursue a MA in Science and Technology Studies here at York where I have also been mentoring students in creating a semi-annual literary journal called Existere – Journal of Arts and Literature.
Adrian Newman
Publisher, Lombardi Publishing Corp
Alumnus: BA, York University, 1995
As a kid, I always wanted to be in advertising. Work in a big firm and pitch logos and slogans and big full page print ads. When I got the opportunity to become a copywriter I thought I was on that road. But, now through a path that has included writing, design, sales, data management, customer service and a little bit of HR, I feel like I'm in the right place. Working in the information publishing industry is the best thing for me. My results are measured. When they're great, you feel great and learn from them. When they're bad, you feel bad but you learn so much more.
Eric Tyndale
Writer and Game Designer, Ganz Studios Inc.
Alumnus: BA Professional Writing, York University, 2009
While at York I majored in Professional Writing (institutional communications) and minored in Creative Writing. I also studied screenwriting at Centennial College. After graduation I interned as a creative writer at Social Game Universe and then became a narrative and game designer at Ganz Studios Inc. At Ganz I write story and dialogue for children's online games (Webkinz and others) and am also involved in the game design process.
