823 Advizers

Kathryn

Independent Writer/editor

Self-Employed

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
No graduate programs

Kathryn McKenzie has more than 40 years of experience in newspaper and magazine writing, editing and newsletter production across industries including newspapers, magazines and grocery chains.
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Creative
Creative Writing, Journalism
Honors Student

Q1Career path

Writing

Freelancing

Journalism

3:18

"It was very much student led and, um, you know, really was a lot of fun."

Q2Main responsibilities

Freelance Writing

Editing

Magazine Publishing

3:45

"what I'm doing right now really suits my interests and my needs. So, um, it's, um, it, it's working out."

Q3Day in the life

Problem-Solving

Communication

Project Management

6:02

"no two of my days are really alike, and I do have a lot of freedom during the week"

Q4Most important skills - role

Writing Skills

Communication

Time Management

3:54

"That's always what has attracted me to journalism."

Q5Favorite parts - role

Self-Employment

Communication

Flexibility

1:16

"I love the flexibility of being self-employed."

Q6Biggest challenge - role

Stress Management

Overcoming Challenges

Resilience

2:20

"the number of people that can actually make a living from freelancing is pretty small"

Q7Favorite parts - industry

Creative

Networking

Communication

1:36

"Every day is different. There's always new things. You're always learning. Um, and that's what I love about it."

Q8Who thrives in industry

Problem-Solving

Resilience

Communication

1:53

"For bright people who do not want to be doing the same thing day after day, it's a perfect job."

Q9Wish known before - industry

Career Exploration

Time Management

Industry Knowledge

2:26

"I wish I had known more about other career possibilities that I could have explored"

Q10Entry-level positions

Networking

Persistence

Entry-Level Jobs

2:11

"you just have to keep at it and see what is available, even if it's working a non-writing type job, like being a receptionist or something."

Q11Significant lesson - career

Communication

Writing

Openness to new experiences

1:46

"Try not to say no too much. Try to be open to new experiences."

Q12College ideas for success

Liberal Arts

Well-Rounded Education

Communication

1:20

"I tried a lot of different things and I didn't say no very often."

Q13How identity impacted career

Career Choices and Gender

Work-Life Balance

Flexible Work Arrangements

1:47

"I was not, um, you know, I don't have the kind of aggressive, assertive personality that was required for doing news."