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WIU English graduate Emma Bryan.
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Just Hired: Emma Bryan

April 3, 2025

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Just Hired! Through the experiences of local, regional, national and international students, Western Illinois University has some incredible alumni who are changing the world in the workforce. This series will feature students from all over the world who are hired post-graduation.

MACOMB, IL - - Meet Emma Bryan, a Western Illinois University English graduate, who has been hired by the City of Peoria, a municipal unit of local government dedicated to enhancing residents' quality of life through public services and community development.

Bryan was hired as a grant writer. She found the job during her summer job search after graduation and decided to apply. After a month, she received an invitation for an interview.

"The interview process was fairly standard, followed by a one-hour written assessment where I had to draft a grant proposal for a specific project using provided data to support my case. Less than a week later, they called to offer me the position!" Bryan said.

For Bryan, attending WIU provided her with the preparation and skills necessary to succeed in her career. Throughout her education, she highlights the guidance she received from her instructors and recognizes professor Amy Mossman, who sparked her interest in grant writing.

"My English degree with an emphasis in Creative Writing and a minor in Professional Writing effectively prepared me for my career in grant writing," Bryan said. "Taking a grant writing class with Amy Mossman sparked my interest in pursuing this as a career path. All of my creative and professional writing professors helped me hone my craft to the point where I can now feel confident writing million-dollar grant proposals that benefit my local community here in Peoria."

As an Alumna, Bryan plans to stay involved by participating in events and hopes to return as a guest speaker to share her experience.

"I plan to stay connected with WIU by participating in alumni events and I'd love to return as a guest speaker to share my grant writing experiences to give students insight into how these skills translate to real-world careers," Bryan said.

To share your hiring story with WIU, visit https://go.wiu.edu/4eVgEuw.

To learn more about the WIU English programs, visit wiu.edu/cas/english/english_undergraduate.php.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing