Tessa Wegert

Tessa works as a novelist.

More than anything else, it’s the storytelling skills I developed while at Concordia that built my career. 

Career questions with Tessa

What do you love most about your work, and what inspired you to pursue this career in the first place? 

When I started at Concordia, I didn’t expect to end up as a full-time novelist, but this second career is fulfilling in so many ways. I love the challenge of writing stories that evoke an emotional response while also providing entertainment and a brief escape. I made the switch after twenty years of working in journalism and content development, and that non-fiction writing experience (not to mention the marketing knowledge I gleaned along the way) has been invaluable. 

Looking back, what skills have been the biggest gamechangers in your career? 

More than anything else, it’s the storytelling skills I developed while at Concordia that built my career. Under the guidance of professors with real-world experience, I had a chance to play with structure and form, and was encouraged to engage audiences regardless of the medium and message. 

How did Concordia prepare you for your career? 

I chose Concordia’s Communication Studies program expressly for the breadth of experience it could offer in disciplines like media, marketing and journalism. When I started the program, I didn’t know exactly which path I wanted to take, but my time at Concordia enabled me to work in digital marketing at the height of the dot-com boom, create content for major brands in the golden age of content marketing and flesh out my writing portfolio. Because I had a strong, wide-ranging knowledge base, I was able to pursue my professional interests in all of their forms. 

What is a standout memory from your time at Concordia? 

While at Concordia, I had the pleasure of taking a class with scriptwriter and author Michael Leo Donovan. That was when it really struck me that, someday, I could parlay my interest in storytelling into a career as a novelist. It was many years before I decided to explore fiction writing in earnest, but I credit Michael and Concordia with planting that seed. 

If you could give your younger self one powerful piece of advice, what would it be? 

I would encourage myself to make as many connections as possible. I didn’t fully grasp the value of community at a young age, but building relationships and maintaining those ties is crucial to future growth, both on a personal and professional level. 

What’s the most exciting shift happening in your industry right now? 

In publishing, it’s a race to harness the power of social media and influencer culture for book promotion. Publishers and authors are learning to navigate the influencer space and forge relationships that can amplify their message and boost the visibility of their books online. 

Feeling inspired?

• Write content for Concordia’s newspapers The Link or The Concordian.
• Attend events organized by COMS Guild or other student clubs to connect with like-minded peers.
• Apply for internship opportunities to gain practical experience while studying.
• Build your confidence with FutureBound’s storytelling and public speaking series. 
• Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to plan your career path.