What Can I Do With a Major in English?

Our English Major prepares you for a successful career in literary writing, academics, journalism, law, or the communications industry.

This program is perfect for those with a passion for English language and literature. It's also ideal preparation for successful and creative careers in literary writing, academics, journalism, law, and the communications industry.

An English major is also a good choice for those who may be unsure about their professional path. That's because English majors graduate with a broad range of writing, communication, analytical, interpretive, research, and critical thinking skills that are eagerly sought by employers across a wide range of fields.

Sources: Ashland University, Rutgers University

Career Options, Employers, and Transferable Skills

*Some may require further education or specialization.

Abstract Writer
Advertising Copywriter
Advertising Executive
Arts Administrator
Bibliographer
Consumer Affairs Investigator
Copy Editor
Corporate Communications Critic
Customer Service Representative
Editor
English/Literature Professor
Feature Writer
Fundraiser
Grant Writer
Journalist
Legal Assistant
Legislative Aide
Lexicographer
Librarian
Literary Agent
Lobbyist
Manuscript Reader
Market Research Analyst
Mass Media Assistant
Media Planner
Museum Curator
Newspaper/Magazine Journalist
Office Manager
Poet
Policy and Procedures Analyst
Political Campaign Organizer
Proofreader
Public Affairs Coordinator
Public Relations Specialist
Publisher
Radio/TV Announcer/Program Assistant
Researcher
School Administrator
Screen/TV Script Writer
Senior Editor
Song Writer Specialist
Speech Writer
Technical Writer/Communicator
Writer/Author
Writing Center Director

Private & Non-Profit Organizations

Advertising Agencies
Books and Magazine Publishers
Community Arts Centers
Community Service Organizations
Consumer Organizations
Cultural Organizations
Education Institutions
Financial Institutions
Foundations
Healthcare Facilities
Historical Societies
Hospitality Organizations
Insurance Companies
Investment Firms
Libraries
Market Research Companies
Media (Radio, TV)
Museums
Newspapers/Magazines
Public Relations Firms
Research Organizations
Retail Stores
Telecommunications Firms
Theaters

Government Agencies

Civil Rights Commission
Consumer Affairs Office
Cultural Affairs
Department of Education
Division of Youth and Family Services
Legislative Affairs
Motor Vehicle Department
National Endowment for the Humanities
National Institutes of Health
Peace Corps/AmeriCorps
Political Organizations
Small Business Administration
Travel and Tourism Department

General Skills
Concentrates for long periods of time
Possesses liberal arts background
Works well under pressure
Reads carefully
Analyzes closely

Research Skills
Conducts and clearly explains research results
Reads analytically
Evaluates and integrates information

Problem-Solving Skills
Makes critical observations and appropriate decisions
Analyzes the problem closely
Explores various solutions

Communication Skills
Reads, writes, and speaks proficiently
Possesses a comprehensive command of grammar and vocabulary
Listens, clarifies, questions, and responds well
Communicates ideas thoughtfully and creatively

Experiential Learning

  • Editing books for a publishing company
  • Writing articles, essays, and short stories for a local magazine
  • Working as a staff writer for a small publication
  • Transforming scientific and technical data into understandable language for a children's magazine

Professional Associations

Enhancing Your Employability

Here are ways to improve your job prospects:

  • Join relevant student organizations to develop leadership skills.
  • Participate in internships and field experience placements.
  • Become active in alumni and/or mentor networks.
  • Plan on a graduate degree for advancement.
  • Write and/or produce for the school newspaper, journal, radio, and broadcasting channels.
  • Take part in mock interview opportunities.

Contact Us

To make a career counseling appointment or for additional assistance in our services, call us at 904-819-6286 or email us using the button below.

Email Us With a Question