<p>Before embarking on a career in professional writing, Lara Romanowski initially enrolled in a nursing program at Boston College (BC). But after one year, she realized that a clinical path was right for her. Luckily enough, she had an advisor that alerted her to the Master's in Health Communications program at Tufts University. </p>
From Entry-level to Team Leader
<p>She transferred to the communications program at BC, where she ultimately earned a bachelor's degree, before enrolling directly in the health communications master’s track within the public health program at Tufts University School of Medicine. After graduation, she started working for a healthcare technology startup in an entry-level marketing role. At first, she led growth efforts for a single solution, and over almost eight years, she grew a marketing team to support growth for all solutions at the organization. </p>
<p>Years later, one of her former colleagues (who worked at NYU) alerted her to a teaching role at NYU SPS, and recommended that she apply. She has been teaching<i> Writing for the Health Professions</i> since 2018.</p>
The Importance of Paying It Forward
<p>"I often reflect back on that undergraduate advisor who skillfully helped to redirect my educational path, and offered non-judgemental advice, guidance, and recommendations," muses Romanowski. "As an instructor, I like to think that I'm paying it forward, too, as I keep those principles in mind when working with students who are interested in health and medical writing."</p>
<p>Romanowski shares that it's been terrific to work with students at all different stages of their educational path. "Some students are mid-career and bring a lot of real-world experience to the program, and other students enroll straight out of undergrad and are looking to advance their writing skills and develop a portfolio," she explains. "I think this program allows students to pursue their passion for writing while also empowering them to find a "work-school-life" balance through virtual and asynchronous courses."</p>
Facing the Future by "Always Learning"
<p>Of course, things haven't been static in her time as a writer and instructor. After all, writing is no longer an analog endeavor. Writers must know how to harness digital tools and technology to make their work accurate, relevant, and timely. "Whether that means using a citation generator, or spellcheck, or a generative AI chatbot, writers should understand the strengths and limitations of these tools when using them to inform their work," she asserts. "Keeping an 'always learning' mindset will serve you well throughout your career."</p>
<p>Be part of shaping the future of digital media when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-professional-writing.html" title="MS in Professional Writing">MS in Professional Writing</a> from the Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media at NYU SPS.</p>