From community to career: English Club shapes student success

The transition from college to the professional world can feel overwhelming. As students prepare to leave the familiarities of campus life — late night study sessions, club meetings, and the buzz of day-to-day activities - uncertainty about the future can loom large. But for students in the Department of English at Virginia Tech, there’s a space designed to ease that transition: the English Club.

Restarted a few years ago, the club has become a hub for students seeking to navigate their major and future with greater clarity. Whether they’re first-year students choosing electives or seniors polishing resumes, members find practical support and a welcoming community.

“We try to offer a mix of things -  guest speakers, social events, and academic support - so there’s something for everyone,” said Ashley Kitch, president of the English Club. “The speakers are usually career or grad school focused, and we also host socials like holiday parties where we invite the whole department, including professors. Those events are a great way to connect outside of class and maybe find shared interests or mentors."

Kitch, who is majoring in both literature and professional and technical writing, also highlighted the importance of helping students prepare for life after graduation.

“We’ve had sessions on technical writing, contract work, resume writing, and cover letters — really anything to help bridge the gap between college and what comes next,” she said.

For Kitch, the personal growth fostered by the club has been transformative.

“I’ve never been in a leadership role before, and stepping into this position taught me so much about responsibility and collaboration,” she said. “It’s been a challenge at times, but it’s also given me the confidence I need to pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer.”

Angela Lee, a former co-president of the club, recalls how being a member helped her develop connections and confidence.

“Honestly, the English Club is the reason I have so many connections at the university,” she said. “I don’t think I would’ve gotten into grad school without Dr. Weaver-Hightower’s support. She was there for me every step of the way. And through the club, I connected with professors like Leslie King, which helped me develop skills that I still rely on in my career today.”

Now working as a digital marketing specialist intern at LeadPoint Digital, Lee credits her leadership and organizational abilities, developed through managing the club, with preparing her for the fast-paced professional world.

“One of the most valuable things I learned was how to collaborate with others and lead a team,” Lee said. “When I was co-president, I worked alongside Ashley Kitch, and we had to juggle a lot — events, promotions, recruiting new members. Those skills, especially working under pressure, have helped me immensely in my current job."

The success of the club is also a reflection of the dedication of faculty members like Rebecca Weaver-Hightower, a professor in the Department of English and the club’s faculty sponsor. Weaver-Hightower has witnessed firsthand how the club provides students with crucial support as they navigate both their academic and professional journeys.

What Weaver-Hightower hopes students take with them after their time in the club is a deep appreciation for their studies and the value of their degree.

“I want them to understand that their degree matters, whether it’s in creative writing, literature, or professional and technical writing,” she said. “These are not just academic pursuits; they are tools for success, and I hope students continue to value them as they move forward in their careers and lives.”

For Lee and many others, the club has been a vital part of their journey.

“The English Club really gave me the confidence I needed to take on new challenges, and I know it’s doing that for so many others,” Lee said. “It’s not just about what you learn. It’s about who you meet, how you grow, and how you push yourself forward.”

As the club continues to grow, it remains a vital resource for students navigating the transition from college to career. Whether through workshops, leadership opportunities, or fostering valuable connections, the club has become an essential part of the student experience for those in the Department of English.

“The community they build in the club is vital,” Weaver-Hightower said. “The students are not only supporting each other but also answering each other’s questions, especially when it comes to life after college. That sense of connection can make all the difference when students are stepping into the professional world.”

Written by Abbie Smith, professional and technical writing major and English literature minor.