Where can an English degree take you?
June 9, 2023 2023-06-09 14:49Where can an English degree take you?
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Are you considering an English degree and curious about what your job prospects might look like once you graduate? You might have heard the cliché “You can do anything with an English degree,” but it might be true! An English degree can open up some amazing job opportunities.
Publishing
Writing and publishing are popular career paths for English majors. These students often possess strong writing and communication skills which are highly valued in the publishing industry. And, they often find success in writing or editing for publishing houses, writing articles for magazines or websites, and communicating with authors. It’s a natural career choice if you enjoy the putting pen to paper (or keyboard to word processor!) part of your classes. Plus, this field provides the opportunity to work with books and authors daily, helping bring new stories to readers.
Teaching
Another great career field for those with an English degree is teaching — whether it be K-12, high school, or college classes. As an English teacher, you can help your students develop their communication skills by learning grammar, syntax, narrative structure, and other concepts. Crafting a curriculum that inspires learners to think critically is essential in any teaching role, especially on topics like the power of storytelling and literary devices. If inspiring young minds excites you, an English degree could be the start of your dream career!
Marketing
An English degree provides a solid foundation for those looking to enter the world of marketing and advertising. Professional writing and language skills are essential when it comes to creating catchy copy, persuasive ads, and successful communications campaigns. You can also focus these skills on public relations, market research, SEO, social media, advertising, or branding. With the research, communication, and writing skills you’ve acquired after majoring in English, you can quickly tackle marketing tasks like keyword research, data analysis, and segmentation.
Law
An English degree can help you become well-rounded and open opportunities in certain career paths. For instance, the attention to detail, analysis, and critical thinking skills gained from an English degree lend well to a career in law or government. Strong analytical skills are essential for legal and government work and are used to analyze legal and policy issues to develop effective arguments. Meanwhile, the deep understanding English majors have of language and rhetoric can be used to draft legal documents and communicate policy ideas. You will have the potential to work in public policy as a lawyer or political consultant and make a positive difference in the world.
Nonprofit Sector
An English degree can be a fantastic foundation for a career in the nonprofit sector! During your college years, you’ll develop persuasive writing and communication skills, which can be useful once you work for a nonprofit. Nonprofits often rely heavily on written materials to communicate their message and fundraise. And, once on the job, you’ll have opportunities to work alongside passionate people who are dedicated to fostering change in their local and global communities — from improving education and health access to assisting in natural disasters.
To sum it up, an English degree opens doors to diverse and unique paths in many different fields. From writing your own books to working in advertising or climbing the corporate ladder, there is something for everyone with an English degree. Not only does it offer practical opportunities for career success, but it’s also incredibly valuable when learning how to communicate effectively.
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Faculty Spotlights
Faculty Contact
Meghan McGuire, PhD
Assistant Professor of English
Geraldine Lyon Owen Professor
Chair of the English Department
434.544.8385
[email protected]
