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Career pathways and opportunities for English majors
Considering a degree in English? Here, you’ll find information on common career paths, types of employers that hire in the field, and the in-demand skills you’ll develop as an English major. You’ll also learn steps you can take as an English student to maximize career opportunities.
Those who major in English excel as communicators. They know how to write effectively and how to make logical inferences about what they read, whether that reading is a play script, a work proposal, or a company email. Students in English also learn how to conduct significant research. They know where to find answers to questions and this skill allows them to be productive, pro-active, and independent thinkers. Those who specialize in English also have a strong, historicized sense of the power of cultural texts (films, novels, tweets, memes, and more). Students who have studied English are creators, innovators, and critical thinkers; they succeed and lead in a range of environments. English majors know
how to think critically and creatively
how different social and historical contexts shape cultural texts as well as how modes of interpretation have changed over time
how to conduct and share research
the range of fields that make up English Studies, both what these fields share and what makes them distinctive
Write effectively in a variety of genres, demonstrating understanding of audience, generic conventions, and the writing process
Analyze and interpret a range of cultural texts, including but not limited to literature, film, and folklore
Conduct and share research by finding and evaluating reliable sources
Interpret and share findings responsibly and effectively with an audience
Develop, design, or create applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions
Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology
Writing and editing, including, but not limited to: fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, plays, screenplays, and scripts, commercial writing (e.g. greeting cards, jingles), journalism, podcast script writing, copywriting and editing, speech writing, and social media writing and management
Public Relations/Advertising and Business/Industry, including marketing, sales, corporate communications, editing, social media management, research and fundraising
Technical Communication such as science and medical writing, grant and proposal writing, content management, software and hardware documentation, and manual and tutorial writing
Law, Government, and Nonprofits, including policy research and analysis, legislative services, cultural resources management
Education, including higher education administration, TESOL, K-12 teaching, developing educational products and services, and educational consulting
Publishing (in the public, private, or nonprofit sectors)
To best prepare to enter or advance in your career field of interest, prioritize gaining specialized knowledge and experiences most valued by employers. This might include internships, on- or off-campus jobs, research experience, a minor, or a certification.
Develop your portfolio of writing samples, ad campaigns, and other relevant work
Pursue internships, roles in student media, or related campus/community organizations (and earn leadership opportunities)
Get involved with Watershed Lit: Center for Literary Engagement and Publishing Practice to learn more about the different elements of writing and publication while you build your portfolio
Learn the proposal writing and submission process for freelance writing