What can I do with a major in English?
English is a major branch of the language arts and its main focus is on the written word. A broader definition would include the study of literature, speech and writing.
Reporters and Correspondents gather information and prepare stories to inform the public about local, state, national and international events. May present differing points of view on current issues, and monitor actions of public officials and others who exercise power.
Writers and Editors develop original fiction and non-fiction prose for books, magazines, trade journals, newspapers, radio and TV broadcasts and ads. Editors supervise writers and select and prepare material for publication or broadcasting.
Related occupations:
| Actor/Actress |
Advertising Worker |
Announcer |
| Archivist |
Author |
Bibliographer |
| Biographer |
Bookstore Manager |
Columnist |
| Court Reporter |
Community Affairs Specialist |
Corporate Communications |
| Creative Director |
Critic |
Disc Jockey |
| Editor |
Educator |
Electronic Publishing Specialist |
| Freelance Writer |
Humorist |
Information Officer |
| Journalist |
Lawyer |
Interpreter/Translator |
| Lexicographer |
Librarian |
Library Technical Assistant |
| Linguist |
Lobbyist |
Market Research Analyst |
| Media Specialist |
Narrator |
Paralegal Assistant |
| Playwright |
Proofreader |
Personnel Manager |
| Press Secretary |
Public Relations Director |
Public Relations Specialist |
| Publisher |
Reading Specialist/Consultant |
Traffic Manager |
| Reporter |
Researcher (opinion poll, facts) |
Technical Writer |
| Speech Writer |
Speech Pathologist |
Possible employers of English majors:
| Advertising Agencies |
Bookstores |
| Colleges/Universities |
Communication Firms |
| Film Companies |
Fund-raising Firms |
| State/Federal Government |
Insurance Companies |
| Magazines |
Newspapers |
| Personnel Departments |
Professional Journals |
| Public Relations Firms |
Publishing Firms |
| Radio/TV Industry |
Research and Development Firms |
| Travel Agencies |
Non-Profit Agencies |
Skills important for English majors:
- High proficiency in reading, writing and speaking
- Comprehensive command of grammar and vocabulary
- Good listening, clarifying, questioning, and responding skills
- Ability to conduct research, make critical observations and clearly explain results
- Capacity to work well under pressure and/or in a hectic environment
- Ability to gather and disseminate information
- Ability to relate well to people of differing backgrounds and in differing circumstances
Personal attributes important for English majors:
- Desire intellectual growth
- Independent, creative, imaginative, tactful and self-disciplined
- Possess integrity
- Willingness to work toward a deadline
- Desire to influence and inform others
- Desire for recognition
Related activities for English majors:
- Do an internship
- Serve as an editor or reporter for a campus newspaper, a small local newspaper or newsletter
- Join a yearbook staff
- Participate in local theatre productions
- Work part-time or volunteer for a high school or college radio or TV station
- Compete in writing contests
- Read essays, articles, drama, poetry, professional journals, etc.
- Participate on a debate or forensics team
- Volunteer at a small non-profit organization
Print Resources:
- Bly, Bob. Career for Writers and Others Who Have a Way with Words. VGM Career Book, 1995.
- Communication Occupations. Pp. 179-186. Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Dept. of Labor, (latest edition).
- Eberts, Marjorie and Margaret Gisler. Careers for Bookworms and Other Literary Types. VGM Career Books, 1995.
- Guiley, Rosemary. Career Opportunities for Writers. Facts on File, 1995.
- Reporters and Correspondents. Pp. 182-184, Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Dept. of Labor, (latest edition).
- Selditch, Diane (Editor). My First Year As A Journalist: Real-World Stories from American Newspaper and Magazine Journalists. Walkers, 1995.
- Writers and Editors. Pp. 184-186, Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Dept. of Labor, (latest edition).
Internet Resources:
Professional Associations
- American Society of Magazine Editors
- Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
- The Dow Jones Newspaper Fund, Inc.
- Sigma Tau Delta
- Society for Technical Communications, Inc.
This information was adapted from:
