- Question
What are some viable career options for an English major?
A question that every English student ever has received is “Are you going to be a teacher?” To which most of us would reply noncommittally. While it is true that many students who major in English go on to study postgraduate degrees and become teachers, lecturers, professors and the like, it seems that many don’t realise the breadth of career optionsEnglish majors have.
The education sector
Many English majors work in the education sector because it is the most direct career path that allows them to use what they have learned throughout their degree.
The publishing sector
This position holds that publishing is an ideal career for English majors. It argues that their years of close reading, writing and grammatical precision equip them to work as editors — scouting, proofreading and advising authors — and even to become published writers themselves.
The entertainment sector
This position holds that the entertainment sector offers viable careers for English majors. It argues their skills suit a range of roles—writers, screenwriters, copywriters, actors, and critics—pointing to scriptwriting and film criticism as natural fits for the degree.
The journalism sector
This position holds that journalism is a strong career path for English majors. It argues that their skills in writing and analysis make them well suited to producing valuable reporting — working as reporters who gather and tell the news, or as columnists offering comment and opinion.