It’s a common misconception that you can’t “do anything” with an English degree. In reality, an English degree is one of the most versatile that you can have, and English majors are scattered across thousands of jobs in dozens of fields. If you’re wondering what options will be available to you with an English degree, here are just a few ideas.
1. Publisher
An English degree can really help you get your foot in the door if you’re seeking a job in the publishing industry. It isn’t strictly required, but once you’ve spent four years writing essays and dissecting book passages, you’ll be well-qualified for the demands of literary work. An English degree will look good on your resume when you go to apply for a publishing job, too. It will let employers know that you have a background with this kind of work.
2. Librarian
Most libraries want their applicants to have a master’s degree in library and information science, so you’ll need to go back to school for this one. An English degree, however, will provide a great foundation for further study. In this video about librarianship, you can see for yourself how the job of “librarian” has evolved over the years and become something unique and exciting. An English degree is only the first step!
3. Writer
It’s common for aspiring writers to be drawn to English degrees, but don’t think that dreamy poets and brooding novelists are the only people who can benefit from its coursework. Copywriters can also learn a lot from their technical classes, and editors will need to know all about grammar and syntax if they want to be good at their jobs. There are many different kinds of writers out there, so open your mind to all of the possibilities.
4. Filmmaker
From directors to scriptwriters, there are many places where English majors can fit in on a movie set. There are also many places where they can work behind the scenes. Have you ever heard of feature film story development? Have you ever imagined working on the technical details of shows, movies, commercials, and documentaries? There’s a whole slew of jobs in Hollywood, so don’t be afraid to explore them.
5. Business
This isn’t the first career path that people envision for English majors, and it’s true that you’ll probably need to get a master’s in something business- or finance-related if you want to be taken seriously by employers. That said, getting your first degree in English can be a real help to you as a businessperson. You’ll learn how to think critically about people and problems, and that’s exactly the kind of thing that’s needed in boardrooms.
6. Teacher
Last but certainly not least, the world of teaching can be a lucrative choice for English majors. You don’t have to teach English itself as a subject, either. You can teach a variety of subjects in the humanities with an English degree, so whether your passion is reading, writing, communication, journalism or public relations, you’ll have options.
As you can see, there are many different ways to utilize your English degree after you graduate. These are just a few of the most common, but there are plenty more. Have fun with your job search!
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