What Can I Do With A Major In English?
Those with a passion for English language and literature, this program is ideal preparation for successful and creative careers in literary writing, academics, journalism, law and the communications industry. In addition, an English major is also a good choice for those who may be unsure about their professional path—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.
Possible Career Options
(Some may require further education/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
Types of Employers
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
Transferrable Skills
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 creative
Experiential Education
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
Academy of American Poets,
poets.org
American Library Association,
ala.org
Modern Language Association,
mla.org
National Council of Teachers of English,
ncte.org
PEN American Center,
pen.org
The Author’s Guild,
authorsguild.org
Enhancing Your Employability
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, broadcasting channels
Take part in mock interview opportunities