UO English maintains a database of interested alumni who received a degree in English from the University of Oregon. These alumni have volunteered their time, experience, and expertise to answer your questions about the English major experience, post grad exploration, job-hunting, transitioning to the work world, finding and pursuing a career path, and their current jobs.
You can search the database by year of graduation, geographic region, or career/trade field.
Etiquette
Be courteous and professional when contacting and communicating with UO English Alumni Mentors. Maintaining standards of etiquette is essential to fostering a successful experience and shows respect for these busy professionals who have volunteered their time to answer your questions:
- Don’t ask alumni mentors for a job! They are here to provide you with information about their experiences as English majors and their professional or trade fields.
- Don’t simply run through your list of questions.
- Do engage mentors in a conversation about their time at UO to help you think about ways to get more out of the major and the college experience.
- Use proper email etiquette:
- Use “UO English Alumni Mentors” as a subject line
- Include an appropriate salutation such as “Dear Ms. Jones”
- Use a polite, conversational tone
- End with a complimentary close like “Thank you for your time,” “Best wishes,” or “Sincerely”
- Proofread your message before you hit “send”
- Some mentors prefer that you to contact them by telephone. If so, be sure to ask if they are available to speak or if they would rather schedule a later time. If you leave a message, be sure to identify yourself and the program and facilitate a reply by leaving your contact information.