How did majoring in English prepare you for your career?

It might surprise people to know that there are more parallels between English and computer programming than one might think. 

On a typical day I spend the majority of my time reading, writing and editing code, technical guides and project plans. The analytical reading style, critical thinking and writing that are practiced as part of an English major curriculum have been invaluable to me in my work as a software engineer.

My English major also helps me to think about code as a communication tool rather than simply instructions for a computer. A well-written software program reads like a good story with clear transitions, making its inherent complexity easier to understand. Being both concise and expressive is just as important for writing software applications as it is for any other form of writing.

While learning the technical aspects of software engineering is often a simple matter of memorization and practice, applying that knowledge requires creativity and a particular sensibility about written communication that would be hard won without my English degree.

How has majoring in English enriched your life?

I have a daily practice of reading, particularly books and long-form articles. It’s something that I enjoy and find it a welcome antidote to the current trend of bite-size content on social media. However, an English degree is about much more than professional reading and writing skills. A well-rounded graduate with an English major gains perspective in a broad range of disciplines: philosophy, ethics, history, religion and psychology, to name a few. Many of the things I’ve learned continue to shape my outlook on a variety of issues in my personal life as well as in current public discourse.

What advice or insight do you have for VSU alumni and students interested in your career field?

Especially considering the emergence of AI and machine learning, we increasingly need engineers with a broad range of informed opinions regarding ethics in technology and how it impacts society. Every day there is a new story about the adverse effects of the tech industry. I think it is more important than ever that people from diverse backgrounds are involved with the creation of our technological future to ensure that it is a force for good in the world.