W&L Outcomes: Jamie Spanfeller ’22 Spanfeller will be applying her studies in sociology and strategic communication to her new role as an editorial assistant for Women's Health magazine.

W&L News Office
June 16, 2022

Hometown: New York, New York
Post-Grad Plans: editorial assistant at Women’s Health magazine in New York City
Industry: Journalism
Areas of Study: Strategic Communication, Sociology

“It was incredibly comforting to know there was so much support from W&L’s Office of Career and Professional Development and multiple resources for connecting with enthusiastic alums.”

Q: What are your post-grad plans?

I will be working as the news editorial assistant for Women’s Health Magazine. Women’s Health is part of Hearst Magazines, a larger media company which includes other publications such as Elle, Cosmopolitan and Harper’s Bazaar. The office is located in the Hearst Tower in New York City. 

Q: What did you study here and what are some skills or learnings you will take from your academic experience into the professional world?

I double-majored in strategic communication and sociology while at W&L. I felt that these two majors taught me valuable research, interview and people skills. Between the strategic communication courses that taught me concision and clarity in my writing alongside the qualitative lessons and interview techniques from sociological studies, I found a unique skillset that will positively impact my journalism career path after graduation. I greatly enjoyed the blend of social sciences and humanities in my studies. 

Q: How did Career and Professional Development (CPD) support you? Which resources did you find most helpful?

Career and Professional Development was always an encouraging presence in my job search. Whether it was going over next steps and networking tips or helping decipher an email, Kelley Melvin [director of communications] was always willing to assist in any way she could. It was incredibly comforting to know there was so much support from W&L’s Office of Career and Professional Development and multiple resources for connecting with enthusiastic alums. I appreciated Colonnade Connections and the LinkedIn lessons most of all since they tended to be the most effective in connecting with alums. 

Q: What career-related advice would you give next year’s graduating class?

I previously worked as the editorial intern at Women’s Health, where I met much of the staff that helped me to get this job. Continuing communication and being persistent is therefore the best advice I can give! Making it known that you want to be a part of their team is half the battle.

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