SPS Stories
Student Spotlight
Ellie Sabby
Turning the Page to a Professional Writing Career
Fast Facts
Transitioned from a career in healthcare to professional writing and editing
Works full-time as a Document Editor at Health Dimensions Group
The program flexibility enables her to pursue her master’s online from St. Paul, MN
<p>For current student Ellie Sabby living in St. Paul, Minnesota, the <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-professional-writing.html">MS in Professional Writing</a> program at the NYU School of Professional Studies made it possible to reconnect with her creative passions and land a role in her industry of interest—all without having to leave home.</p>
A Dream Delayed, Not Denied
<p>For creative spirit Ellie Sabby, a childhood dream of writing professionally seemed far away after establishing her life in Minnesota and beginning a career in healthcare. Due to NYU SPS’s flexibility and career-focused approach, she was able to turn that dream into a reality.</p>
<p>She began her academic journey at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, where she studied English, Psychology, and Editing and Publishing. Here, she fell in love with editing while serving as the chief art editor and online editor of the university’s literary and art magazine. </p>
<p>After graduation, Sabby chose to pursue meaningful work in healthcare, working as a mental health specialist at Children’s Minnesota Hospital. While this role was fulfilling, she felt that something was still missing.</p>
<p>“I loved the impact I was having on my patients,” she says, “but I missed the creative side of the editing and publishing field that I fell in love with in the first place.”</p>
As a little girl, I wanted to be a writer and an editor,” she reflects. “NYU's support and influence on my writing skills made that happen for me. Getting to see the 'Editor' title next to my name is the best feeling.”
Crafting a Career
<p>Hoping to transition into a writing-centered career, she felt she should continue her education to compete in the field’s job market. She began looking into graduate programs that could meet her where she was, and the MS in Professional Writing program at NYU SPS was one of the first programs to grab her attention.</p>
<p>“I was attracted to the [program] flexibility—the ability to complete it at my own pace and to do so virtually was a huge selling point,” she explains. “NYU was my dream many years ago, but my life in Minnesota was well-established and I wasn't willing to uproot it.”</p>
<p>As a graduate student, Sabby is pursuing a top-tier education with real-world application, all without having to pause her life or career. The program has quickly helped Sabby rebuild her editorial confidence and professional writing skills, and the payoff came fast. Two semesters into the program, she landed a role as a Document Editor at Health Dimensions Group, a senior living consulting practice. In this position, she edits a wide range of internal and external materials such as proposals, reports, PowerPoints, and even social media content.</p>
A Tailored Program Experience
<p>Beyond the flexibility, what stood out to Sabby was the program’s unique combination of creative freedom, professional relevance, and online community.</p>
<p>“I looked at specific classes before I applied and was interested in the content I would be learning, as well as the freedom I would have to choose what I wanted to study and still meet program requirements,” she explains.</p>
<p>That freedom has led to real-world experiences through a Directed Study course that allows her to receive credit through her work for a local internship. In this role, she helps edit episodes of<i> The School of Higher Consciousness</i>, a holistic health podcast, as well as manages the brand’s digital communications.</p>
<p>The program also provides writing electives across a wide range of industries. For Sabby, this program feature allowed her to explore the technical writing concentration.</p>
<p>“I had never taken an interest in technical writing, but once I took the course I found I enjoyed learning about such a unique style of writing and explored that career path by talking to other technical writers in the industry.”</p>
Beyond the Screen
<p>Though fully online, the program doesn’t feel isolating to Sabby. In fact, she has developed lasting friendships and a strong support system through her cohort.</p>
<p>“I've made friends in the program who have guided me through challenging assignments, but also supported me in my personal life and increased my social circle,” she shares.</p>
<p>She believes that the sense of support and community within an academic setting has been key to her success in the program and has helped her bridge the feeling of being completely online in a different state.</p>
<p>“I [can] see that distance has no impact on what I am gaining from my time as a student at NYU.”</p>
<p>With new career experience, a growing network, and a deeper sense of creative confidence, Sabby is now thriving as a professional writer and editor.</p>
I am still writing every day, growing as a person, developing my career, and meeting lifelong friends at the same time,” she shares. “Having access to NYU's resources has been instrumental for expanding my career search while trying to zero in on where I fit in the professional writing community.”
