Professional Writing Brochure November 2013 | Page 8

Kathryn HOUGHTON
Assistant Professor
Professional Writing, MSU
East Lansing, Michigan
Kathryn Houghton, a 2008 graduate
who concentrated in editing and
publishing, moved away from MSU
after graduation, but eventually found her way back to the program she loved. After
completing her MFA at Eastern Washington University and working for the Michigan
Department of Education, Houghton was contacted by
Dr. Laura Julier with an opportunity to return to
PW. She is now an assistant professor teaching
?rst-year writing and PW courses, and enjoys
it immensely.
Before becoming a Professional
Writing major, Houghton majored in
microbiology. However, instead of doing
her homework for those classes, she found
herself writing. “I ?nd sometimes people
undervalue their strengths when they ?rst
enter the job ?eld. As for goals, it’s important
to have an understanding of what you want
to do, what you need to do to get there, and what
sacri?ces you’re willing to make for a paycheck.”

“It’s important to have
an understanding of
what you want to do,
what you need to do to
get there.”

Houghton reminds PW seniors that maintaining your professional network is very
important. She also recommends starting the job search as soon as possible, not
just right before graduation.

Check out Kathryn’s online portfolio at
kathrynhoughton.com