Writing her own story: How Elizabeth Engel found her forever career

From the moment Elizabeth Engel first arrived in Blacksburg, she knew she would call it home.

With breathtaking mountainous scenery blanketing the area, she has always felt welcome in the New River Valley. Because both of her parents attended Virginia Tech, she also felt tied to the university and wanted to continue in their footsteps.

As a result, she attended Virginia Tech, graduated with a bachelor's degree in English literature in 2013 and eventually secured a job at her alma mater as an academic advisor for students pursuing the exercise and health sciences major in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise. But for Engel, the road was anything but ordinary.

Choosing her path

Although she was certain of where she wanted to study, she was uncertain of what she wanted to pursue. After trying out both hospitality and tourism management and international affairs majors, she sensed something was missing.

“I was not interested in continuing my studies in either field,” Engel said.

Unsure of where to go next, she received some helpful advice from her mother, who recommended she switch to English literature. With her mother’s guidance, Engel felt the major would give her a well-rounded set of skills that could lead to a wide variety of future careers.

“I’ve always loved reading,” Engel said. “I’m a super analytical person — sometimes to a fault — so I feel like studying English lit nurtured that skill, forming a solid foundation of critical thinking abilities.”

An involved Hokie

During her time at Virginia Tech, Engel was involved in many extracurricular activities. She volunteered as a member of the Virginia Tech Union (VTU) and served as the vice president of the organization for one year. The union provides educational and social entertainment to Virginia Tech’s students and its community. 

"Helping run a concert for VTU and enjoying the Avett Brothers from the pit area of the stage is still one of my favorite memories from my time in college,” she said of the 2011 event.

Another exhilarating experience was participating in the London Calling study abroad program the summer before her junior year, led by Jane Wemhoener, who is now a senior instructor emerita.

“London Calling was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” she said. “I got to explore a place I hadn’t been to before and do so many new things.”

For Engel, the study abroad experience solidified her major, sparking her interest in travel.

She said she owes much of her thanks to Nancy Metz, English professor emerita, who she "would not have graduated" without.

Toward the end of Engel’s college experience, Metz helped instill a sense of confidence in her. Engel was struggling with classes, but Metz encouraged her throughout the hardships and did not give up on her

“She had this way of caring — she had confidence, hope, and faith in me when I needed it the most," Engel said.

Finding her “forever career”

After graduating, Engel worked as an events manager at the Nature Conservancy in Richmond.

“Having the skills I learned as an English major definitely helped in the job,” she said.

But while it was a decent job, Engel could not see herself working there indefinitely and longed to find her "forever career."

As a result, she decided to pursue a master’s degree in counseling at Virginia Commonwealth University. Little did she know the decision would lead her to her dream job.

When searching for jobs, she found a posting for a position as an academic advisor for exercise and health science majors at Virginia Tech. Engel did not hesitate to send in her resume. Witnessing loved ones who struggled with and overcame mental health challenges in their early 20s ignited a passion deep within Engel to help college students find their footing in life.

As an academic advisor in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, she provides students with academic, mental, and emotional support by giving them guidance for their future at Virginia Tech and beyond. Engel helps students grow and find direction so that they develop confidence like she once needed.

“English literature majors have a stigma: All we do is read books,” she said. “But we can continue to use these skills in future careers. There are a lot more jobs out there waiting to be explored. There is more to us English majors than being a teacher or librarian.”

She said the solid foundation in reading and writing that she built as an English major has helped her career tremendously. 

“Be open-minded for what types of positions and jobs are available," she said. "You never know how these opportunities will impact you and where they will take you."

She loves her job and its welcoming environment so much so that she hopes to keep it until she retires. For what else lies ahead, Engel will become the lead instructor for the First-Year Experience class for students in her department. She said she cannot wait to teach and hopefully influence students’ lives for the better.

Written by Alyssa Trull, a sophomore majoring in professional and technical writing with minors in Spanish and psychology