I have considered grad school, but I don't know exactly what I want to do. I think if I was going to go, I would go for an M.A. in either Film History, Creative Writing or Screenwriting first, before committing to pursuing any degree higher than that. I don't have any specific programs or schools in mind. I haven't looked into grad school much- it's really only been a recurring and passing thought since I don't know exactly what I want to do. Ideally, out of college, I would like to work for a production company in or near New York City. I could see myself working in development or sales. I think I'd be good at both. I'm having trouble picking out specific things to focus on, though. Some of my interests seems completely unrelated to my area of study and I've focused more on working than being active in clubs and organizations on campus. I don't have much experience in my field outside of coursework, my current internship and personal endeavors.  

Careers in Writing Arts Self Evaluation

1.    List your personal strengths and weaknesses (responsible, procrastinator, creative, etc.).

a.    Creative, persuasive, procrastinator, late

2.   List important or related courses you have taken.

a.    Writer’s mind, Film Scenario Writing, Creative writing 1 & 2, fiction writing, principles of literary study,  writing children’s stories, film production 1

3.   What is your major and specialization? What is your overall cumulative GPA? In your major? How many credits have you taken in your major?

a.    RTF/Creative Writing 3.45/ ? 33 RTF/30 writing

4.   Do you have a minor or coordinate major? Explain.

a.    Creative Writing (concentration)

5.   List hobbies, activities, interests, especially those related to your major.

a.    Writing

b.    Photography

c.    The food industry

d.    Vegan cuisine

e.    Yoga

6.   List all the offices you have held in clubs or writing associations.

a.    Rowan Television Network (member)

b.    Cinema Workshop (member)

7.   Do you hold any special licenses?

a.    none

8.   List special skills. Have you served in the military? Have you ever published? What computer programs are you skilled in?

a.    5 years sales experience

b.    managerial experience

c.    Photoshop

d.    Adobe Audition

e.    Final Cut Pro

f.     Adobe Premiere

9.   List the types of writing you do the most.

a.    Short stories, prose, essays

10.                  List awards, honors, academic or otherwise.

a.    none

11.List special programs in which you have participated.

a.    none

12.                  List charity work.

a.    Volunteer for Downbeach Film Festival

b.    High school

13.                  List any scholarships you have received.

a.    Rowan University Tuition Assistance

b.    High school

14.                  List key projects and roles you have played in them.

a.    Dog- (short film), art director

b.    Addiction (working title)- short audio mockumentary, writer, producer, director, editor

15.                   List all jobs you have had (dates, length if employment, promotions, responsibilities, title, etc. Note: it’s okay to say “Summer 2010” and not list specific dates.

a.    Sunglass Menagerie- sales, assistant manager (Summer 2007-present)

                                              i.     Retail, oversight, ordering, sales, maintaining register

b.    Natural Foods (January 2012-present)

                                              i.     Cashier, consultant, retail

16.                   Describe the kinds of employment you seek (rank order of your top three job goals)

a.    Development for Film/TV production company

b.    Writing for magazine/blog in field of interest

c.    Teaching

17.                   List three people who can recommend you and how you have been associated with them.

a.    Bruce Lehrer- Employer Sunglass Menagerie 5 yrs

b.    Jonathon Mason- course instructor, internship

c.    Drew Kopp- course instructor

Since I decided that I want to be a writer, I've been so overwhelmed by the scope of what that actually means that I find myself frozen in the idea itself and not able to actually start doing it. I know the things I'm interested in and the kinds of pieces I would potentially like to write- ideas flow as I'm walking from class to class, in between tasks at work, while I'm cramming for an exam in a subject I don't care about- it's like I'm too busy learning how to be a writer or paying for how to learn how to be a writer that I'm not actually writing. Like now, for instance, I'm writing this post in my public speaking class because it's the first chance I've gotten since Tuesday. I think trying to focus on select topics would help ease my racing mind and channel my thought flow into something more productive than the vague abstractions about vegetarianism, feminism, pop-culture  and why they all matter that settle hopelessly in the limbo of the Notes app on the iphone that I take for granted (another topic for musing), slowly easing into a a complacent, stagnant existence. I'm ranting now, but I'm ranting because the assigned articles got me thinking- I may not know exactly how I see myself in a few years as a writer (in a few years, or as a writer), but I know the habits that I'll have to change to get anywhere, and I think I'm ready to get started, starting by focusing my attention and efforts on topics I care about (finally) and forcing the laissez- faire writing habits I've employed thus far in my dances with language and to evolve with me.      

I'm a senior at Rowan University majoring in TV and Film Production with a concentration in Creative Writing. I'm interested in writing for the screen, blogging about television, films and other things I think merit discussion, short stories and poetry (sometimes). I'd like to gain some field experience on the development end of film production before deciding if I'd like to pursue my education further. So far, this introduction makes it seem like I have a better idea of what I want to do post-grad than I actually do.  I'm also interested in photography, the food industry and vegan cooking.