Maxine Mulvey
Maxine's first job post-grad was in journalism, editing mostly news columns and comic strips. She is currently working in tech marketing where she copy edits blog posts, infographics, reports, and video scripts.
How has your professional writing minor benefited you?
In pursuing the professional writing minor, I took classes closely related to what I wanted to pursue professionally. The upper division journalism and editing classes in particular gave me hands-on experience with writing different types of pieces—with different audiences and therefore different voices. I’m especially thankful to teachers Greg Miller and Andy Jones, who insisted that I push my limits as a writer. In working as a full-time editor, I fondly remember the self-discovery I experienced in their classes. That and their insistence on consistent participation—which they met with refreshingly honest feedback—helped me build the confidence to apply to jobs that imposter syndrome told me I wasn’t qualified for.
Why were you interested in pursuing the professional writing minor?
I pursued the professional writing minor because I wanted to work as an editor. The UWP offered classes focused on editing and nonfiction writing and journalism and grammar— subjects not covered in as much depth in other departments. I loved my English classes, but they didn’t delve into the nitty-gritty ugliness of multiple rough drafts and interview-hunting and journalistic ethics and dangling modifiers. Pursuing the professional writing minor put me in the trenches and made me a better soldier in the war of life.
What advice do you have for current UC Davis students considering or currently completing the minor?
Participate in class. Push yourself in your writing. Get out of your comfort zone. Go to office hours more than once, and not just when you’re struggling. Ask your teachers their favorite books. Write what you know. As much as possible, use your class assignments to your advantage: working with your teachers, try to fit the prompts to your personal and professional goals.