Mackenzie Dwyer

1. What is a proposal coordinator? How and why did you decide you want to pursue this position?

My job is to write proposals for Aetna. It usually begins with a company reaching out to Aetna looking to purchase new insurance with a list of questions, which my team and I are responsible for answering. I work with sales representatives to handle the behind-the-scenes tasks, such as editing the database of responses Aetna receives, as well as a liaison between the company and my clients. After graduating from TCNJ with a Master’s in English, I wasn’t sure what my next step would be, but I had also just completed an internship at a financial wealth firm working in their editing department. This experience helped me realize that my passion for writing was not limited to solely fiction writing. 

2. Was this job a part of your original plan? Are you happy with the position right now, or are you looking for growth opportunities in the future?

This job was not part of my plan. I was originally leaning more towards a position in a publishing house. I ultimately chose to go with Aetna, and I can confidently say that I do not regret my choice. I’m very happy with my current position. It is fully remote, which, while intimidating at first, has proven to be a really great way to transition from college life into a full-time position. There are growth opportunities that I can see myself taking advantage of in the future.

3. Do you find yourself often thinking back to techniques you learned in college?

It is very important in my line of work to ensure clarity so that my customers can understand more complicated financial vernacular. I credit my organization and time management skills to my time as a student at TCNJ. As an English major, I had practiced setting deadlines for myself, as well as delegating to team members. As a personal coordinator, I create schedules for when all of the steps of the processes must be completed. More generally, I use the grammar and editing skills that I used and honed throughout my four years as an undergraduate in my position every day. 

4. If you could do your English major experience over again, what would you change? Would you add any specific courses or professors?

I got a lot out of my time as a student at TCNJ and I wouldn’t make any drastically different choices, but I might have wanted to add onto my experiences in new ways, such as getting to know different professors or joining more clubs. I especially valued the time I spent studying abroad in England and Ireland and would love to go back and pursue similar opportunities. To be a college student, especially one studying at TCNJ, is such a unique experience since there will never again be a freedom to try new things and meet such a diverse group of people. I would continue to make the most of the overall experience if I could do it all over again. 

5. How do you handle stress in this role? What is your work/life balance like?

I have a healthy work/life balance, especially since I’m a remote worker. When I first started, I was worried there would be a blurring of boundaries between work and home, but I was able to separate these two by just setting up an office in another part of my home. I’m relatively new to Aetna, so my superiors are easing me into my job, which also contributes to a relatively calm work environment. I currently have less work than I might have in the future, and because of that, I don’t need to work overtime at the moment. To manage the stress of working in a remote environment, confined to a singular room, I prioritize taking a walk or sitting outside.