A conversation with Molly Mathews, English alumna

1. Briefly describe your job/opportunity. 

I work with a talented team of researchers and policy experts at the Pew Charitable Trusts to make high-speed, affordable internet available to everyone in the United States. We educate policymakers and the public about the challenges millions of Americans face in getting access to to the internet, affording a subscription, and obtaining the skills to use their devices and the internet. My job on the broadband access initiative is to help develop our strategy and build the relationship we need to achieve universal access. 

2. How did Arts and Sciences and your Catholic University education help you find this career path?

As an English Literature major and Media Studies minor, journalism just made sense. My first job at Fox News Channel started two weeks after graduation. My education, internship, and the network of contacts I built while in school helped me get an interview at a very difficult time for job seekers, in the 2010 recession. I’d like to think I exceeded expectations on the writing test (yes, jobs do test your skills!) and proved I could distill a story to its most essential parts, which got me the job. It could all be thanks to my high school and CUA teachers, but it was a pass/fail, so I guess I’ll never really know.

3. What activities were you involved in during undergrad?

I worked in the Modern Language Lab, participated in a number of English Department events, and attended alumni networking opportunities. I tried to be a part of different types of communities at CUA. It’s important to have a wide array of friends with different interests.

4. What were some highlights of your time at Catholic University?

I’m still close with many friends from CUA. We’ve grown into “real” adults together — from freshman in Unanue — to professionals with families of our own. My husband, also an alumni, and I call them our CUA family or “cousins” to our kids. It’s a blessing, particularly in Washington D.C., to belong to a group of friends with shared values, hard work ethic, and who support one another through the different phases of life.

I would also say my love of philosophical discussion and debate grew out of my english, philosophy, and rhetoric courses. I enjoyed watching and sometimes participating in disagreements in class about the author’s intended message or a perceived symbol. Spirited but respectful debate is definitely a highlight.

5. Did you have an internship? Summer experience or semester study abroad?

I studied abroad in the UK at the University of Essex for a semester and can’t over-emphasize how transformative the experience was for me. To any student considering it — no question, I recommend doing it. Life is about pushing through discomfort, expanding boundaries, challenging your assumptions, and growing. Leaving my “safe” network of friends, family, and university faculty helped me build the confidence to navigate new and uncharted situations. 

As a senior, I interned for a television studio that hosted many of guests you see on the news and various shows today. Production is an intense environment with little room for error. I had to learn to problem-solve quickly and under pressure. And accept harsh criticism with grace. Both experiences helped me develop real grit.

6. What advice do you have for students during their job search?

Be resilient and open to unexpected opportunities. Have the nerve to believe you can handle any situation. And when faced with a tough situation, handle it. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does need to be your own. Be determined to solve problems. And most of all, learn from everyone you meet — whether they are champions or a critics. The best teachers are usually both. 

My practical advice is to work with the career services to develop your resume and test your interview skills. Bring them into your job search process and implement their advice. Engage with the alumni network and any other recruitment opportunities. People help you get jobs, resumes will only start the conversation. 

7. If you could recommend one course (or professor) not to miss, what course (or professor) would you recommend?

I loved my senior thesis class with Dr. Gibbons. I still love the metaphysical poets to this day, thanks to him. And I incorporate elements of their style of writing in all my work. I'd also like to throw Dr. Gregory some love. Just when you think you've read enough Shakespeare throughout your highschool and college studies, he brings it to a whole new level. And it's not just the scansion.

8. What would be your Top 10 Bucket List of suggestions before they graduate to the incoming class?

1. Tour the monuments on a warm, clear night — it’s the best time to go
2. Read in Mary’s Garden, in silence. No music. No phone. 
3. Sprinkle Pryz french-fries on your salad
4. Join one thing to meet new people outside of your immediate friend circle — a club, a team, volunteer, study group —something
5. Ask a professor you respect to coffee — seek mentorship
6. Intern off campus
7. Study abroad
8. Attend a homecoming event
9. Attend a networking event
10. Thank your family, your parents, the support system that helped you get to university