Want to know what it’s really like to be part of the Professional and Technical Writing (PTW) program?
This week, graduate and undergraduate interns Amanda Bingham and Katy Morejon Portillo sat down for a conversation, not just about the program, but about their personal journeys as writers. From forging connections at Mason to discovering what fuels their passion for PTW, their discussion offered insights into the challenges, opportunities, and unexpected moments that have shaped their experiences.
They brainstormed some questions then sat down to talk. Here’s some of their conversation.
Katy: What brought you to Mason and specifically to the PTW program?
Amanda: Sure! I graduated in the spring of 2023 with my undergraduate degree from Rowan University in southern New Jersey. I studied Writing Arts with a concentration in Technical and Professional Writing, as well as writing for the environment. During that time, I wrote for South Jersey Climate News, a Rowan-run environmental news site, where I did interviews and journalistic writing across different topics. Through that experience, I discovered medical writing and wanted to find a program that would not only help me develop the necessary skills but also build a strong professional network.
When researching different programs, I was really drawn to Mason because of the diversity, not just among the student body but also the faculty. Their research interests aligned with mine, which made the decision even easier. What about you?
Katy: As for me, I started at NOVA and graduated from there before deciding where to transfer. I had a few key factors in mind when choosing a university. First was location, I needed to be in a place that had everything I needed as a writer. The second was resources—I wanted a university that would give me the best support to grow, thrive, and fully embrace who I am.
What drew me to the PTW program was the freedom it gave me as a writer. I love being in an environment where my writing isn’t limited, where I can explore different fields through research. PTW at Mason provided that opportunity, which is why I chose to come here.
So, next question! How do you feel about working with the PTW program, and how did the opportunity come about?
Amanda: I’m really excited to see where it takes us. We’re just getting started, but we already have some great ideas and big goals. I was honored when I received an email from Dr. Lawrence about the internship, it felt like an amazing opportunity to be a part of something meaningful.
Katy, I wanted to ask, what’s your major? Did you start out in that field, or did you find your way to it over time?
Katy: That’s an interesting question. I have to go way back for this one. I graduated high school in 2020, right as the pandemic hit, and went straight to community college to study film. But I quickly realized that, while I love film, the program felt too restrictive for me. So, I took a break.
In 2022, I returned to college and tried several different majors: business, general studies, art. I even switched to English, left, and then came back to it. It just felt right to stay. While working a work-study job, I learned about rhetoric and professional/technical writing, and that’s when everything clicked. I knew this was exactly what I had been looking for.
So, after graduating from NOVA, I transferred to Mason as an English major with a concentration in Writing and Rhetoric, and I’m also minoring in Women and Gender Studies.
Amanda: That’s quite a journey!
Katy: Yeah, it took a while, but it feels right.
Amanda: And when did you first get connected with Dr. Lawrence?
Katy: It was through my interest in professional and technical writing. Getting connected with Dr. Lawrence really made me feel at home, it reassured me that this was where I was meant to be. What I love about PTW is that I can work in so many different fields without feeling restricted. That’s what really drew me to both the program and this internship.
Amanda: What do you find challenging—and rewarding—about the PTW program?
Katy: Hmm. I think my biggest challenge is finding balance. I tend to go all in on things either 100% or not at all which is something I need to work on. Also, since Mason is a commuter school, it can be hard to meet people.
But the most rewarding part? The people I do meet. Mason is such a diverse school, and I get to interact with people from all over the world. I love listening to their stories, hearing their perspectives, and learning about what shaped their values and ideas. Those conversations are incredibly fulfilling.
What about you?
Amanda: I’d say time management and finding balance are definitely big challenges.
Katy: Yeah! Especially being in such a great location. It’s so tempting to go out and explore. But then I remember, “Oh right, I have school!”
Final question! Where do you see yourself after graduation?
Amanda: I really hope to go into writing within the healthcare industry. Even if it’s not strictly medical writing, I’d love to do medical communications or marketing for a healthcare organization. What I enjoy most is taking complex technical information and making it understandable for the people who need it most, helping them make informed decisions.
I didn’t realize until recently how much of an impact writers can have in that space, and I want to be part of that.
Katy: That makes total sense. For me, I definitely see myself going to grad school and getting more involved in PTW. I want to keep expanding my network and meeting more people in the field. Like we talked about earlier, PTW has so many different directions you can take, and that’s one of Mason’s biggest strengths, it opens doors to so many possibilities.
Final Thoughts
Amanda and Katy’s conversation highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of professional and technical writing. From finding a sense of belonging to exploring different career paths, their experiences reflect the diverse opportunities within the PTW program. Whether through research, storytelling, or technical communication, both interns are shaping their futures as writers and inspiring others to do the same. Follow Mason’s Professional and Technical Writing to learn more and hear about the amazing team!
February 07, 2025