Alum Spotlight: Beth Icard
Beth Icard, USU alum, has had an exciting career after earning her master’s in Technical Communication and Rhetoric. From Ballet West to Norton, she has practiced skills she learned during her graduate studies while establishing herself as a professional in the field. Following her time at USU, Beth studied copyediting at UC San Diego for their Copyediting Certificate and has almost completed a Master’s in Publishing program with George Washington University.
At Ballet West, Beth was the digital marketing coordinator, where she managed the company’s communications, including social media strategy, email marketing, and website updates for Ballet West and Ballet West Academy. During her time, she wrote and edited over 700 marketing emails, 450 social media posts, and 100 news articles for the website, and she was the copyeditor for the hard-copy materials, such as playbills and magazines, that were distributed.
“My time at USU helped me develop the analytical and writing skills necessary for this role. I learned how to craft engaging content, tailor messaging for different audiences, and use digital tools to optimize communication strategies,” Beth comments. “My coursework in professional writing, editing, and rhetoric gave me a strong foundation for managing large-scale projects and producing high-quality content, and coursework in using Photoshop that I was permitted to take from the adjacent ITLS program specifically helped me learn to produce and edit content.”
From her time at Ballet West, Beth learned how much she enjoyed the copyediting process and decided to pivot to pursuing an editorial career with a children’s publisher. Now, she is an editorial and marketing intern at Norton Young Readers, where she is tasked with manuscript evaluation, proofreading, copyediting, market research, and promotional content creation.
“The skills I gained at USU—especially in research, editing, and audience analysis—have been invaluable in this internship. My experience writing concisely and clearly helps when drafting marketing copy or evaluating manuscripts. Additionally, the critical thinking skills I honed at USU allow me to assess book proposals and marketing strategies with a discerning eye,” Beth says.
For English students hoping to get a job in the field after graduation, Beth’s number one piece of advice is to gain practical experience. “Internships, freelance work, and campus publications can give you hands-on skills that will set you apart when applying for jobs,” she comments. “Networking is also key—connect with professionals in your field through LinkedIn, attend industry events, and don’t be afraid to reach out for informational interviews. I am not a natural networker and have had to work hard to develop these skills in myself, but many opportunities come from who you know, so building relationships early can be incredibly beneficial.”
She also recommended students be open to different types of roles. “Skills in writing, editing, and communication are highly transferable across industries, so don’t be discouraged if your first job isn’t your dream job,” Beth says. “Use it as a stepping stone to build experience and refine your career goals.”
Beth noted her favorite part of her time at USU was the sense of community and how it introduced her to her passion of editing. “I’m incredibly grateful for the foundation that USU gave me in writing, editing, and critical thinking. The experiences I had there shaped my career path and helped me transition into the publishing industry,” she reflects. “Whether working in digital marketing or book publishing, I’ve found that the skills I developed at USU—attention to detail, audience awareness, and effective communication—continue to serve me well.”