The paths ahead of senior English majors.
by Evan Randle
The English Department at UW-Madison is well-known for its excellent programs and for the great things its alumni go on to do, as I wrote about quite recently. Today, the department is just as strong as ever, and will soon see off around one hundred students as they pursue greatness. I reached out to a variety of high-achieving seniors majoring in English to learn what the future has in store for them.
Wylie Dituri, a student majoring in Computer Science and the English Literature track, is already working at his future site of employment. Wylie currently works as an AI software engineer with a Healthcare consulting company and will enter a full-time role upon graduation. Though he has an interest in one day tutoring or teaching writing workshops, Wylie seems content with his current prospects: “I have really enjoyed the work so far, and think I will continue to do so as I get to work with both emerging tools and on cutting-edge technologies.”
Eeshan Chakrabarti also studies English Literature and Computer Science, and intends to work as a software engineer while preparing to earn an English PhD. Although he said he doesn’t plan to be a software engineer long-term, he still welcomes the experience: “I feel excited, I think, to get out in the ‘real world.”
Emily Laskowski, majoring in English and Communication Arts, hopes to be a development executive at a major studio or production company. The journey is a competitive one that will likely take her to Hollywood or New York, but has the potential for great strides in the entertainment industry. As for her chances, Emily said she’s “hoping that my experience and network will provide me with enough support … I’m very excited about what the future has to bring!”
Ty Schanhofer, meanwhile, will spend at least three more years in Madison. An English and Political Science Major, Ty was recently accepted to UW-Madison Law School, where he hopes to learn about civil service and how he can best help his community. Ty acknowledged that we live in trying times, but said: “I’m excited about the future. [This moment] just means there is a treasure trove of meaningful work to be done by graduates.”
Han Raschka, a student on the Creative Writing track, also plans to attend graduate school. They are still awaiting all their application results, but will be attending a MFA program in poetry this fall. Han told me they look forward to spending time developing their writing and teaching abilities, and that “[their] main purpose in the MFA program will be to write – an absolute dream come true!”
Priya Kanuru, majoring in Political Science and on the Creative Writing track, will similarly be attending a MFA program, albeit in fiction. She has been accepted to Sarah Lawrence College in New York and wants to gain experience in writing and as a higher education/student affairs professional and as an educator. Priya looks toward the future with energy and optimism: “This next chapter of my life will have a lot of uncertainty, but I am feeling so excited and fortunate!”
Finally, Aideen Gabbai also plans to enter the creative industry. She hopes to pursue a publishing internship in New York City or be an English teaching assistant in France. She remains optimistic about her future regardless of her destination: “In the end, I’m just hoping to find something I enjoy doing, and to have space to see what life outside of school is like.”
These students represent seven of around one hundred Spring 2026 graduates, but even this small sample shows the diversity and promise of the English department’s students. I, for one, am certain I will hear about their achievements long after they have left the shores of Lake Mendota behind.