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What can you do with an English degree?
English Degree Careers
English is more than just a degree. Rather, it sets you up for success.
“An English degree is great preparation for any profession that requires critical thinking and communication skills.”
English teaches you more than you would think.
“I always tell students that an English degree is not a vocational degree—itdoesn’t train you for a specific career like a nursing or aeronautics degree does. Instead, an English degree trains you to be a specific kind of person, someone who can think both critically and creatively; someone who can analyze complex and ambiguous issues; someone who can communicate in a clear and persuasive way,” said Jeffrey. You can gain a lot from studying English, which will help you figure out what type of career you can go into after you graduate.
“I believe that studying these art forms can reveal much about humanity’s heart, such as the ups and downs of our relationships with ourselves and each other, with God and His creation.”
What are some careers one can do in English?
More than what most people might think.
COMMUNICATION:
Careers in communication are not just for someone with a communication degree. Someone in English could do something in communications.
Public Relations Manager
A public relations (PR) manager is someone who manages how the public sees a person, brand, or company. Essentially, they make sure they have a good reputation. English majors can write press releases, manage relationships that the media sees, create messages or campaigns, and can protect the public image.
Editor
Editing takes a lot of critical thinking, which is exactly what strengths an English major has. There’s a copyeditor, who corrects grammar, tone, etc. of a book or article. They also ensure that the author’s writing is clear and makes sense, while also ensuring that they are following the publication style. There’s a developmental editor, who is someone who reviews earlier drafts and provides feedback. There’s also a content editor, who reviews and edits online pieces such as articles, blogs, and websites.
Social Media Manager
There are also some jobs English majors can do in social media. A social media manager is someone who plans content, manages communities online, and makes sure the brand they are managing has a good reputation.
EDUCATION:
What probably comes to most people’s mind for education is an English teacher. While that is a great career, there are many different types of jobs in education an English major could consider.
Curriculum Developer
English majors can design textbooks, instructional materials, and assessments for school districts.
Academic Advisor
An advisor is someone who guides students throughout their college education. They help them map out class schedules, choose majors, and help them design what they can do after they graduate. This would be a great career for an English major who wants to do something in a school besides teaching.
Library Assistant
While you can’t be a librarian with a bachelor’s, there are still jobs one can do in a library. A library assistant is the person who keeps the library running smoothly. They work behind the scenes making sure books are organized and shelved in the right places. They also sometimes help customers by checking materials in and out, issuing library cards, and helping customers find certain books they may be looking for. If you are interested in going into library science, this would be a good job while you work on your master’s.
Teacher
Of course, there’s always becoming a teacher. “After my undergrad, I plan on pursuing a PhD in the field and teaching English at the university level, so I can continue to grow my skills and guide others to the same of love of literature,” said Lane. Becoming an English teacher is a great and steady career for an English major.
WRITING:
For English majors who have solid writing skills, having a career in writing would be a great choice.
Copywriter
A copywriter creates clear and persuasive content for different things, such as advertisements, websites, or social media. Their goal is to get people to take action.They use persuasive language to encourage people to buy a product or subscribe to a service, etc.
Technical Writer
A technical writer translates complicated technical information into more clear and simple language, in order for people to understand it better.
Grant Writer
A grant writer helps organizations, such as nonprofits, charities, or communities convince government agencies or companies to help fund their work. They write convincing proposals to try to persuade the organization to fund them a grant.
Freelance Writer
A freelance writer writes content for various clients. They usually work independently writing content such as blog posts, websites, or articles. They have the freedom to manage their own projects and can make their own schedules and deadlines.
Where will your English degree take you?
There are also more careers in government, law, fine arts, and much more not listed here. However, as both Jeffery and Lane mentioned, English teaches you more than just a degree. It builds communication skills that employers value in almost every industry.
Adrienne Antley, author, is an intern in the CSU Marketing & Communication Office and is a double major in communication and public health.
Learn more about English at Charleston Southern.
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