The unexpected archivist: How literature shaped an alumna’s career
Kat Zinn, a 2023 graduate, has always been passionate about literature and writing. This led her to pursue a degree in English, a path that many might not expect to culminate in a career as a project archivist at University Libraries focused on aerospace exploration. Yet, Zinn’s journey demonstrates the versatility of an English degree and the valuable skills it imparts.
Children’s literature class ignites inspiration
Zinn’s love for literature deepened at Virginia Tech. A particular class, Literature for Children with Jane Wemhoener, a senior instructor emerita, stands out in her memory.
“The way Jane taught the class was amazing,” Zinn said. "And I could tell that she loved children’s literature.”
The experience solidified Zinn’s own appreciation for the written word and its power to inspire. Zinn, who was a triple major in creative writing, literature, and professional and technical writing, said her writing style is unique and is characterized by a strong focus on voice and rhythm.
“I often find inspiration in unexpected places,” she said.
Her process involves what she calls “word vomit,” a free-flowing exploration of ideas sparked by interesting phrases or words she encounters in her work. This approach allows her writing to take on a life of its own, driven by the inherent rhythm of the language.
From English major to archivist
While working as a student library assistant in the Special Collections and University Archives, Zinn stumbled upon a job opening that caught her eye. The position was for a project archivist focused on aerospace exploration, but offered much more than what was presented. Zinn applied. Although her background is in English, she said her strong organizational skills honed through her studies proved to be an asset.
She said every day on the job is different. A project might involve meticulously backlogging and processing historical documents related to aerospace exploration, while another could see her planning an event centered around a paper airplane competition. This diversity extends to her physical workplace as well. One day, she might be sorting through large collections of documents at a warehouse, and then the next, collaborating with colleagues at Newman Library.
The unexpected nature of her work is what she enjoys most.
“While digital archives are becoming increasingly important, there’s a certain satisfaction in organizing physical documents," Zinn said.
Prioritization is a crucial aspect of her role. When deciding which materials to preserve, she considers factors like the project’s focus and the fragility of the documents.
“It’s important to be careful, especially when handling older materials,” she said.
Life after literature
For English majors navigating the competitive job market, Zinn offers the following advice:
“Gain as much experience as you can, even if it doesn’t seem directly related to your field,” she said.
She also recommends utilizing resources like Handshake to find internship and career opportunities.
“I had an idea of what I was signing up for when applying to be an archivist,” Zinn said, “I was looking forward to starting my new job and I really enjoy it.”
Looking ahead, Zinn’s path is clear. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in library science with a specialization in archives. This also aligns with her desire to remain within the educational field, potentially teaching or mentoring younger generations.
Written by Nataly Lopez, a junior majoring in creative writing and professional and technical writing.
