Olivia George 

Graduate Student at the University of Illinois for Library and Information Sciences 

“After four rich years at the University of Iowa, I traded one U of I for another. I applied for Library and Information Science school because my favorite part of classes at Iowa was going to Special Collections and viewing materials from the archives that enriched topics being discussed in class. 

“When I started thinking about my future, almost all the options started with a Masters in Library Information Science. I chose University of Illinois Urbana Champaign because they offer robust courses with specific tracks so I could get all the classes I need to be an archivist. I also love how at Illinois, it’s a MS, which means there’s an emphasis on STEM training. I wanted to know I would have job security in the future while also being in a field that’s both enjoyable and rewarding. I’m so grateful for my time at the University of Iowa, and how they prepared me for the future.” 

Cheyenne Mann 

Graduate Student at Brown University in the Fiction M.F.A Program 

“Pursuing my undergrad degree at the University of Iowa directly set me up for my current academic success as an M.F.A student at Brown University. The creative writing program at the University of Iowa is unparalleled in its opportunities, from real world experience working on undergrad lit mags to curated craft courses taught by excellent professors. In a similar vein, the M.F.A program at Brown is both academically rigorous and student focused. The emphasis on creative freedom and individualized voice allows M.F.A students to take classes in any discipline offered at the university, in addition to their creative writing workshops. 

"Both Brown and Iowa hold an appreciation for character driven craft at the sentence level. I loved my years at Iowa and I am very happy in this new chapter of my life at Brown University.” 

Valerie Ann Burke 

Marketing Assistant at Bloomsbury Publishing 

“After graduating this past May, I went back home to New Jersey before starting at the Columbia Publishing Course in New York City. At the six-week program, I learned and worked with publishing professionals from both book and magazine industries. I made lasting friendships and connections and I’m part of a Zoom bookclub with my roommates. In addition to the publishing track at Iowa, I also discovered an interest in marketing classes. The Columbia Publishing Course only confirmed this avenue within the publishing world.

“In October, I accepted a position as a marketing assistant at Bloomsbury where I work with the adult and kids' team. I’m grateful for the publishing track at Iowa for rekindling my childhood dream of working at a publishing house in Manhattan.” 

Samantha Mayer

Teaching Artist at Skyline's Children's Theater and Director at a Performing Arts Center

“My time at Iowa has truly taught me so many skills I am thankful to bring into the workplace as I start my career. As a double major in English and Musical Theater, I had to learn how to balance my time well, focusing on many goals and projects at one time. As a theater student, I have given many wonderful performance opportunities and class options that make me feel confident to walk into auditions, both as a performer and individual. During my time at Iowa, I held multiple leadership positions in both theater and English disciplines. This experience has given me a unique edge and led me to job opportunities that I absolutely adore. I currently work as a Teaching Artist at Skyline Children’s Theater, a director with the Arlington Heights Expressions Performing Arts Center, and have performed in 4 shows post-graduation (one in Iowa, one in New York, and am currently working on my second in Chicago)! I am so thankful for my time at Iowa and always strive to make the Hawkeyes proud!”