December 1, 2024

Dear hiring manager, 

My name is Elysium McCullough, and I am a women’s and gender studies and sociology double major with an openness and understanding for individuals whose experiences I cannot directly relate to and an intersectional approach to everything which I do, I am thrilled to apply for a case manager position.

Within my Women’s and Gender Studies courses, I must consider how different perspectives would be impacted or react to specific issues or representations and have learned about minority populations, particularly how certain legal policies and feminist theories or practices impact them in ways that may not have been intended, as well as how specific voices in these communities react. As such, I am able to more thoughtfully cater my language to be inclusive and respectful of the identity of individuals who I am speaking with, and my experience in the Dean of Students office where I worked in conjunction with professional case workers have granted me first-hand experience with treating individuals with respect and assisting them in resource navigation. Together, my experiences enable me to engage respectfully and knowledgeably with individuals in need, being able to empathize with their situation even if I cannot relate, humanizing those who I work with and providing me with the necessary tools to provide meaningful care.

I cannot wait to offer my academic and professional strengths and skills in engaging with diverse populations as a Women’s and Gender Studies student to your organization. I believe that my coursework in conjunction with my first-hand experience working with caseworkers have enabled me to offer valuable contributions to your organization. I appreciate the time you have taken to consider my application and I cannot wait to hear back from you to discuss further how I may be able to contribute.

Sincerely, Elysium McCullough

Elevator Speech

As a Women’s and Gender Studies major, I take an interdisciplinary approach to researching the impact of social statuses. I study how the relationships between race, sexuality, and gender are tools often used to oppress minorities and uphold a normative identity. With this degree, I am able to open doors by being versatile and approaching solutions critically. My courses involve analytical reading of essays published by key figures in the field, drawing connections between them, and communicating their significance both in writing and in discussions. Within any environment, whether it be academic or professional, I illustrate how I have learned to vocalize my critiques even when they may be unpopular, the importance of inclusivity, as well as a genuine effort to enact change.