Hello! For our second #wewrite spotlight, we are excited to introduce Madhu Koduvalli! Madhu graduated from the University of Iowa in 2013 with a B.A. in English while also obtaining her Certificate in Writing from the Frank N. Magid Center for Undergraduate Writing. We caught up to her to ask her some questions on what she's doing now, and her thoughts on the MCW. Feel free to scroll down and take a look!

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When did you graduate/what was your major and certificates?
I graduated in May 2013 with a BA in English and a Certificate in Writing.

What are you doing now?
I am currently working as an acquisitions editorial assistant at The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group. Rowman & Littlefield is an academic publisher, and I help acquire titles in Political Science and African Studies. Mostly my job is to keep in touch with authors, help them navigate through the publishing process, and make sure that the manuscript and all other book data is in order before we send the titles to production.

What did you gain the most from pursuing the Certificate?
I gained confidence in my writing ability, which has made me a much better editor. I learned to trust my own instincts and take pride in my own work. I also learned about different kinds of writing, like business writing and creative non-fiction. I learned to look at the English language as a medium for both art and communication, and I learned that really, they're inseparable from one another.

I also took an English Grammar class for the certificate, which has been truly indispensable to my work.

What would you like to tell the world about the Magid Center?
It's incredible how much of a difference this certificate program can make. It was only a few extra classes, but I know that these classes led me to pursue publishing as a career. If you're considering doing this program: it is so worth it.