SPS Stories
Student Spotlight
Jane Griffin
From Remote Learning to Real-world Impact
Fast Facts
- Jane Griffin is an MS in Professional Writing student at NYU SPS, residing on an island off the coast of Portland, Maine
- She balances her studies with a social media internship at Yelp, where she creates content and manages the social media calendar
- Inspired by courses in social media and digital media writing, she plans to pursue a career in internal or external communications for a values-driven organization after graduation
<p><span class="p-body">Jane Griffin was born and raised in Washington, DC, but her life has taken her on a journey across several states, from Ohio to California to Virginia. Today, she resides on a serene island off the coast of Portland, Maine, commuting to the mainland nearly every day by ferry.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">A lover of varied experiences, Griffin fills her days by trying out new restaurants, traveling, relaxing on the beach with a good book, and spending time with her German Shepherd puppy, Lena. Her inclination toward adventure is present in her current academic endeavor of pursuing an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-professional-writing.html" target="_blank">MS in Professional Writing</a> at NYU SPS.</span></p>
Choosing NYU for Flexibility and Reputation
<p><span class="p-body">For Griffin, choosing NYU was strategic. She immediately noticed the university's strong reputation and the flexibility it offers. "NYU not only has name-brand recognition amongst many employers, but boasts a strong alumni network that I hope to rely on post-graduation," she says. The ability to gain a world-class education without uprooting her life was important to her, which is why she chose the 100% online MS in Professional Writing program. This allowed her to build her professional network, gain practical experience, and balance her existing commitments.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Although Griffin is in a remote program, she has felt immensely connected to the NYU community. "My experience has been overwhelmingly positive and incredibly rewarding," she explains. Despite the challenges of remote learning, Jane has found her professors and advisors to be accessible and supportive, always just a call away. "I don't feel as though I'm just another nameless face in the crowd, but rather a valued part of the student body."</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Her classmates have also played a significant role in her experience, offering mutual support through quick video calls or text messages to discuss assignments or share weekly updates. Griffin believes these connections have been invaluable to her academic journey. "Being able to text or hop on a quick video call with a friend to discuss an assignment or talk about how our weeks have been has made all the difference," she reflects.</span></p>
Transformative Learning Through Practical Experience
<p><span class="p-body">Griffin's time at NYU SPS has significantly shaped her understanding of professional writing and helped narrow down specific fields she is interested in. Courses like <i>Writing for Digital Media</i> were particularly impactful. "Taking Writing for <i>Digital Media</i> taught me the ins and outs of working in a social-media-based position, and ultimately encouraged me to apply for the internship I currently have," she shares. </span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">This course equipped Griffin with a robust social media portfolio and the confidence to secure an internship with a local branch of Yelp, where she now co-manages their social media calendar and creates original content. In this role, she has gained valuable field experience and extended her internship from six months to a year to get the most out of it.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Another course that stands out to Griffin is her course with Professor Raul Sanchez called <i>Style and Rhetoric</i>, which had a profound impact on her writing approach and perspective. She recalls a powerful quote that resonated with her from the course: "The first thought that goes through your mind is what you have been conditioned to think; what you think next defines who you are."</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">To Griffin, this quote speaks to her growth as both a person and a writer—questioning initial, conditioned responses and striving for deeper, more intentional thought processes. </span></p>
My courses in the MSPW program have taught me to craft pieces that adhere to the 'laws' of professional writing while still infusing my distinct style and personality where possible."
<p><span class="p-body">This balance has allowed her to write content that challenges and resonates with her audience, creating a lasting impact in today's fast-paced digital world.</span></p>
A New Direction in Communications
<p><span class="p-body">As she prepares for graduation in 2025, Griffin has set her sights on a career in internal or external communications for a for-profit organization whose values align with her own. Her coursework and internship experience at Yelp, along with learning about B-Corporations in her <i>Business and Organizational Writing</i> class, have inspired this direction. She explains, "Learning about the rigid standards of ethicality that B-Corps are held to pushed me to understand that working for a corporation isn't necessarily synonymous with selling my soul." Griffin is now excited about the prospect of working in a supportive and ethical corporate environment.</span></p>
Finding Inspiration in the Classics
<p><span class="p-body">Jane Griffin finds inspiration in the timeless work of Jane Austen, whom she cites as a major influence on her writing style. Austen's ability to present complex ideas with wit and clarity is something Jane admires deeply. "Writing about delicate or complicated topics in a simple way is an important skill in content creation or marketing," she notes. She draws parallels between Austen's adaptability and relevance across time and the importance of flexibility in professional writing today. "Austen's concise writing, ability to emotionally connect with her audience, and timeless writing style are all things that I strive to emulate in my career as a professional writer."</span></p>
Advice for Future SPS Students
<p><span class="p-body">For those considering NYU SPS, Griffin emphasizes the importance of time management, stepping outside comfort zones, and making the most of the program's resources. She advises, "Never be afraid to ask questions or reach out to your professors, advisors, and peers. Everyone in the program is there to help you succeed, and genuinely want to see you grow." By embracing challenges and taking risks, Jane believes students can maximize their growth and success in the program.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">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" target="_blank">MS in Professional Writing</a> at NYU SPS.</span></p>
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