8 Career Paths for English Majors

Career PathsFor English majors, finding a job immediately after college could either be really challenging or a piece of cake, depending on luck – and some acumen. Everyone assumes that English majors end up teaching English, and that it is the only real profession out there for them. This, however, is untrue.

With the rise of internet and online career possibilities, there are plenty of career paths to select from. The good thing about Humanities Major is that it can fit in almost anywhere! The best career path for you depends on what skills you possess. Ask yourself how you can make use of those outstanding language skills.

So, where exactly does English major get dispersed? Do they all wind up as English teachers? Not at all! In fact, many of them scatter away and diffuse into other professions that require great language and communication skills. Here are some “diverse” examples of career paths that many English majors end up in only because …they have what it takes.

1)    News Reporting

Not all news reporters have graduated with a mass communications degree. There are plenty of people in this industry with a Humanities or Liberal Arts degree as well. They look for people with excellent writing skills and communication skills. If you can be a well-skilled English teacher, then why not becomea news reporter? If you have the necessary command over the language needed for the job, go for it!

2)    Journalism

Here’s another profession which many people believe requires a mass communication degree or Mr. Something in journalism. Not true! There are plenty of famous journalists out there who hit it with professional journalism with a major in something as strange as, “Cultural Arts.” If you believe you are a genius writer, then go for this field!

3)    Copywriting:

Whether direct response or digital, copywriters are a big hit in the corporate field. Don’t have a business degree? No worries! Many English majors are working as copywriters nowadays, combing their language skills with marketing skills. Digital copywriters can make banner ads, marketing collaterals, white papers, marketing strategies, or promote anything via the internet. The best part is that this industry is pretty flexible, i.e., you can even work from home.

4)    Content Writer:

Similar to copy writing, content writing requires excellent language skills with a combination of creativity and intellect. An increase in digital marketing (and Google search) has given rise to the need for content writers. Many content writers are required by companies to write their blog posts which are updated daily. This one has grown fast in the past 10 years and continues to demand more and more talent in the field.

5)    Sales:

This is a field that welcomes all. If you choose the right place, you’ll be making big bucks in no time. Even if you don’t, this is a great industry to use as a basis for enhancing your marketing skills. Use your communication and language skills to stun the buyers with a clever choice of words. Once you’ve gathered the right amount of skills and experience, you can use the selling experience in a wide range of professions that require the art of “stunning”.

6)    Lobbyist:

Are you intelligent, articulate, and crafty? Do you possess the power of rhetoric? A professional lobbyist has all of those qualities. You can try to find a way into this field with right the sources – if you know what I mean.

7)    Editor/ Proofreader:

The best editing jobs require University degrees. Lucky for you, you have one of those. You can be an editor for almost anything and at almost anywhere, even for online firms like Dissertation Avenue. Editing a novel, a text book, a bunch of articles online, the magazine copies, and so the list goes on. Not everyone has excellent grammar or vocabulary, but you certainly do!

8)    Speech Writer:

What? Did you think every politician writes his own speech?I hate to break it to you, but sometimes they’re just reading off of a piece of paper with content that someone else wrote. Study some classic examples of speeches, learn the power of rhetoric, know your politics, and you make your way in.

Don’t let your peers de-motivate you about your potential for growth with an English major. Study some examples of “the greats” who made it big this major, and you’ll have the required motivation to guide you in the right direction.

Rochelle Ceira works as a chief editor for an online platform that offers academic assistance to learners and educators alike. When she isn’t at her desk, she can be found writing insightful pieces of career development and leadership

By Rochelle Ceira
Rochelle Ceira