Professional Writing Brochure November 2013 | Page 5

“Get internships. Get side jobs.
Be proactive about your education.”

As a young graduate, Ettema is already making headway
with her professional writing background. She attributes
her diversity of skills—which is especially important in
the context of nonpro?t work—to the PW program. The
website and code building introduction taught in WRA 210
Introduction to Web Authoring has been especially useful
to her. “I didn’t enjoy every minute of it, but the know-how
I gained has been beyond helpful.” Ettema also appreciates
the program’s exposure to software like the Adobe Suite.
Ettema has plenty of sound advice, especially for those
students still ?nishing their undergraduate degrees:
“Get internships. Get side jobs. Be proactive about your
education.” Ettema’s experiences as a writer for MSU
Career Services, an usher at the Wharton Center, and an
intern with the Michigan Nature Association contributed to
her metamorphosis into a well-rounded individual. Some
nerve and boldness helps too, said this graduate who
traversed more than mountains to emerge as a successful
professional. “Ask if you can help [with projects], if you can
get advice, or if you can get coffee with someone.”

www.msu.edu/~ettemaha

“You have to
be bold and
get beyond the
awkwardness
of feeling like
you’re not
supposed to
be asking for
help or for a
conversation.”

Follow Hannah
on Twitter
@hannahbelles