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English degrees will vary, but recent college graduates will have skills in close reading, creative analysis, and problem-solving. The degree may not prepare students for a direct career in one field but instead offers applicable skills in various careers.
So, what can you do with an English degree?
Teaching
Teaching is often the first thing that comes to mind when people think of an English degree. Becoming a high school or middle school teacher is a common career path for English majors. The majority of schools will have a program specifically designed for teaching to meet state qualifications.
Teaching can also be at the college level but requires going to graduate school to obtain a Master's degree, and often a Ph.D.
Journalism
Becoming a news writer is another common career path. Historically, newspaper writing was a common option, but the industry is shifting to focus on digital reporting and writing. There are various places you could work from small, local news stations to large corporations like NBC News.
Publishing
Book and magazine publishing connects English majors with that the type of writing they love. Book publishing is a great option for those with literature concentrations or students who plan to publish their own creative works one day. Although a competitive field, it's a rewarding career path that's intimately connected to literature and creative writing.
Non-Profit Writing
Not-for-profit organizations need strong writers in various positions. A general non-profit writer, content writer, grant writer, and social media manager are a few writing career paths in the non-profit world. This career path is especially rewarding and a great option for social justice students.
Freelance
In the digital age and post-COVID-19 world, remote jobs look more appealing than ever. Freelancing can be done remotely, and give writers and editors the freedom to decide their work schedules and what type of projects they take on. The flexibility of being a freelance writer means there are many unique ways to mold your career. Content writing, social media strategy, copyediting, copywriting, and grant writing are just a few examples of genres English majors can tackle as a freelancer.
Public Relations
English majors with an interest in communications should be aware of public relations jobs. They have a variety of positions that focus on different areas of PR including crisis management and campaign management. If working in-house, this career has the opportunity to combine with other interests such as sports, beauty, education, and so on. This career is ideal for those who want to combine their interests and keep them on their toes.
And Much More
These are just a few common examples of what to do with an English degree. Many students will find their career taking them elsewhere, especially if they are a double major or have a minor. With more education, practicing law and going into social work could be a good fit. If students have a knack for computer science and mathematics as well as writing, data entry and insurance writing are two more fields.
The major is made for students to have a variety of options after graduation. From teaching to finance, reading and writing skills can be easily applicable to many different career paths.