Erica Rapp

Additionally, because I have a background in journalism, I run a side company called Fargo Underground. It features news, articles, and a guide to the city that allows me to stay in touch with my community and also do more long-form writing in a more casual setting.

How did your time as an English major prepare you for your current role or your career?

My English degree prepared me for a career that has taken me in a lot of different directions. I started out in journalism and editorial work, where I learned how to research, interview, find the story, and write for a specific audience. From there, I moved into marketing and communications, working across different industries and subject areas, and eventually into areas like operations and proposal writing. I'm fully convinced that an English major can adapt to almost anything, and that English majors are some of the most well-rounded people a business could hire. A lot of what I do comes down to being curious, analytical, and perceptive, and paying close attention to details. I need to understand not just what we're saying, but what matters to the person reading it and how we can communicate it effectively. An English degree teaches you how to look at things from different perspectives, recognize patterns, ask better questions, make sense of information, and communicate it clearly. Those skills aren't limited to writing or any particular industry—they've allowed me to move from journalism to marketing to operations to proposal writing without having to completely reinvent myself each time. Being a strong writer is only part of it; an English degree teaches you how to think, how to learn, and how to understand an audience, and those skills can take you almost anywhere.

What advice would you give to someone considering an English major?

Dive headfirst into whatever industry or opportunity comes your way. Don't be afraid to enter an industry where you don't feel like an expert yet—your English degree gives you a head start because you've already developed the skills to learn quickly, ask questions, understand different perspectives, analyze information, and communicate effectively. Industry knowledge can be learned, but knowing how to find the important information, recognize what people need, make connections, and turn complex ideas into something clear and meaningful is incredibly valuable. I would also encourage English majors to be curious and say yes to opportunities that might not seem directly related to writing. You never know where those skills will take you, and being adaptable can become one of your biggest advantages. Behind every successful company is someone behind the scenes making sure the messaging makes sense, every social post is grammatically correct, the details are right, and all the T’s are crossed and I’s are dotted.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I loved my time in the English Department at NDSU. My professors and advisors felt like family while also preparing me with practical skills I use every day. I was grateful to give back by serving as an advisory board member after graduation, and I still value the foundation the department gave me.