Inside UC’s Rhetoric & Professional Writing Program

Hands-on projects, real clients, mentorship help alum translate her capstone project into a career

6 minute read November 18, 2025

Professional writers are the artists who bring the science of business, technology, and discoveries to life. They are storytellers who break down complex stories for everyday readers.

The University of Cincinnati’s Rhetoric and Professional Writing (RPW) program in the College of Arts and Sciences gives students real-world experience from day one – an approach that helped recent grad, Olivia Hoge, turn her capstone work into her new career.

Katie Powell, assistant professor in UC's Rhetoric and Professional Writing program. Photo/Provided

“We prepare students to tell whatever stories they need to tell once they’re out in the world,” said Katie Powell, Assistant Professor in the Rhetoric & Professional Writing Program.

“What makes us different from other programs is that our foundation is still in writing—our students love storytelling, but they’re also learning to do it in a professional context.”

Starting in their introductory classes, students start building their professional writing portfolio. They learn to build their own websites, search for job listings, and identify skills for future employment. From there, professors start to build and design their courses and assignments around those skillsets.

Laura Wilson, director of undergraduate studies for the English department. Photo/Provided

“That experiential learning starts early, continues for years, and culminates in the Capstone project,” Laura Wilson, Director of Undergraduate Studies for English, said.” By the time students graduate, they’ve built a body of work—not something they have to scramble to create at the last minute.”

The Rhetoric & Professional Writing program aims to identify the vast areas students are interested in and form networks, service learning and projects based on that. In their Capstone class, students are exposed to HR documents, website audits, flyers and more just by responding to clients' needs. Outside of class, they host workshops and panels where professionals talk to students about their work in practice.

That combination of exploration and hands-on learning is what led Oliva Hoge to Breakthrough Cincinnati, the nonprofit where she completed her capstone -- and now works full-time.

From capstone project to career

When it came time to choose a capstone project, Hoge knew she wanted to choose an organization that’s mission aligned with her own values.

“I worked with Breakthrough Cincinnati, the nonprofit that I work for now,” Hoge said. “I chose that project because I really resonated with their mission. We were tasked with writing impact stories from people who had gone through the program, and I loved getting to interview people and tell their stories.”

Through her project, she discovered the power of storytelling – especially in the nonprofit world by connecting donors, families, and the broader community to specific missions.

“I liked that I could combine my writing skills with real things that help people,” she said. “That showed me the kind of work I wanted to do.”

Her capstone also gave her a chance to practice design, a skill she now uses daily. “I use the design aspects we learned all the time,” Hoge said. “It definitely sets RPW apart from [other] programs.”

That showed me the kind of work I wanted to do.

UC graduate Olivia Hoge

A supportive program that builds confidence

For many students, the capstone class can sound really intimidating – real clients, long-term projects, and tedious revisions. Hoge felt that same way.

“I was terrified of graduating. I was terrified of capstone,” she admitted. “I kept thinking, ‘My writing isn’t good, nobody’s going to like it.’ But it’s such a supportive space. You realize you’re capable of more than you think. You really can do it.”

The capstone is structured like a real work environment; students choose clients, conduct meetings, collaborate and revise pieces, and deliver polished work.

“We lecture for maybe 20 minutes,” Wilson said. “The rest is hands-on work—client meetings, feedback sessions, and refining drafts. It mirrors the real world.”

Why RPW stands out

Wilson and Powell credit the program’s success in the mix of craft, theory and technology. Students learn how to efficiently use Adobe Suite, Canva, website builders, and AI to expand their writing strategies.

“Our students become holistic writers—creative, strategic, and tech-savvy,” Wilson said.

It’s an approach that not only shapes how they write, but also how they view future career paths.

“Don’t be afraid to be an English major,” Powell said. “There are careers where you can write, be creative, and still be practical. Professional Writing shows that.”

The bigger picture

Hoge hopes that her story encourages current and future students to trust and have confidence in their unique abilities.

“You’re so much more capable than you think,” she said. “Capstone shows you that. The program shows you that.”

For Wilson and Powell, stories like Hoge’s demonstrate the core purpose of RPW: helping students turn their love of writing into meaningful and impactful careers.

“Words in action matter,” Powell said. “And our students are doing that every day.”

By Denise Meads

Student Journalist, College of Arts and Sciences Marketing and Communication

artscinews@uc.edu