Career Guide for English Majors

If you love literature, writing, analyzing, and communicating, deciding on a major in English may be right for you. I knew that I wanted to major in English during my senior year in high school. I absolutely loved literature, and it had a profound impact on my life. So, what exactly can you do with a degree in English? Well, the opportunities are endless.

Education

You could use your degree to become an English teacher at the middle or high school level. With a master's in English you could pursue a college teaching career. Or, you may decide that you want to be a school librarian or school counselor. I know of quite a few people who were English majors, and then decided to get their master's in library science or school counseling.

Public Relations

Use your love of writing to write press releases and communicate to the public about whichever company you are trying to publicize. Many public relations companies look for English majors.

Journalism

Broadcast or print journalism is another great field to enter into with an English degree. There is tons of writing involved. Communication via conducting interviews and sharing information with the public utilizes skills that are cultivated as an English major.

Theater/Acting

Many actors and actresses were English majors in college. Again, as a thespian, you are utilizing your ability to communicate. Reese Witherspoon, for example, majored in English at Stanford.

Creative Careers

Creative careers like clothing designer, wedding planner, boutique owner, authors, etc., are other careers that are great for English majors. The sky is the limit. Erin Walker, owner of Orchid Jones, a bridal design company, was an English major in college. The sky is really the limit. Most English majors that I know of don't go into careers involving math. It's usually rare, for some reason, for people who are strong in English to be strong in math as well. It seems to be an either or situation. Still, the opportunities are endless with and English degree.

All in all, as with any major, you have to maximize your time in college to help you stand out from the crowd when it comes to gaining desirable employment. Try as many different things as possible, to figure out what you really want to do. Get internships at magazines, in schools, public relations companies, or any creative career path that you may be interested in. Don't listen to naysayer that say, "What can you do with a degree in English?" If anyone asks you, you can be armed with a number of great career paths that are well suited with your degree.