Printer FriendlyPursuing a Career in English
The skills you obtain my majoring in English provide you with a wide range of career options. Such valuable skills as writing, critical reading, research, and analysis will make you a marketable employee in many areas of the workforce. Many English majors become teachers, journalists, business and technical writers, librarians, or lawyers. Others enter the fields of web or print publishing.
Once you graduate with a B.A. English, you might be wondering about the career options available to you. Prior to graduation, you may also wish to begin researching the graduate school application process. Students are always encouraged to consult with your advisor and the UML Career Services Office for valuable information.
For those who want to teach elementary or secondary school English, the UML Graduate School of Education's "Fast Track Program" provides the opportunity to continue on to the Master of Education program. For more information, contact Dr. Vera Ossen at the Graduate School of Education.
Job titles for those who earned a bachelor’s degree/entry level:
Public relations assistant
Teacher
Management trainee
Mass media/communications assistant
Publishing assistant
Editorial assistant
Related Fields:
High Tech: Web Designer, Software Designer, Technical Writer
Business: Marketing/Advertising, Business Writing, Sales, Banking
Journalism: Newspaper and Magazine, Online Media, Radio and Television (Newswriter and Copywriter), Public Relations
Education: Elementary, Middle, and High School,
Law: The degree prepares you for attending law school. You could also choose a career in such related areas as: lobbying and labor relations.
Ministry: The degree prepares you for seminary or divinity school.
Publishing: Creative Writing, Literature, Online
Librarianship: The degree prepares you for a master’s degree program in library science.
Non-Profit/Social Services: grant writing, event planning, fundraising
Suggested Reading:
Great Jobs for English Majors, 3rd ed. (Great Jobs Series) (Paperback) by Julie DeGalan and Stephen Lambert
I’m an English Major- Now What? By Timothy Lemire
What Can You Do with a Major in English: Real people. Real jobs. Real rewards. By Shelley O’Hara
Careers in English websites (among many others):
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Concordia College
Millikin University
Mississippi State University
Western Carolina University
University of Delaware
University of North Carolina-Wilmington
Additional Resources:
UMass Lowell Career Services
Applying to Graduate School
UMass Lowell Graduate Admissions
Internships and Experiential Learning Opportunities (doc)