English
Writing/Editing
- Creative Writing
- Novels: fiction and nonfiction
- Poetry, plays, screenplays, and scripts
- Greeting cards
- Lyrics/Jingle writing
- Journalism:
- Writing/Reporting
- Editing
- Critique
- Freelance writing
Employers
- Newspapers/Magazines
- Broadcast media companies: television, radio, and movie
- Trade, professional, or consumer publications
- Internet sites
- Government agencies
- Departments of Homeland Security, Defense, and State
- Veterans Affairs
- National Archives and records administration
- Universities and university presses
- Technical industries
- Self-employed/Freelance
- Large corporations
Strategies
- Select elective coursework in a particular area of interest.
- Write for campus publications such as college newspapers, magazines, or departmental or program newsletters.
- Volunteer to assist or tutor students in a writing center.
- Become familiar with the proposal writing and submission process involved in freelance writing.
- Gain as much experience as possible through volunteer positions, internships, or part-time jobs.
- Demonstrate patience and persistence in starting a career in creative writing.
Technical Communication
- Technical writing and editing
- Science and medical writing
- Grant and proposal writing
- Software and hardware documentation
- Information technology writing
- Human-computer interface design
- Corporate communications and training
- Mechanical communication
Employers
- Management, scientific, and technical consulting companies
- Technical industries
- Retailers including electronics
- Engineering firms
- Healthcare industry
- Computer systems design companies
- Software publishers
- Self-employed/Freelance
Strategies
- Earn a bachelor’s degree with a focus in English, communication, or journalism. Complete coursework in technical communications.
- Minor or take classes in science and/or computer science to learn about technical areas and trends.
- Gain experience in a specialized field such as engineering, medicine, science, web design, or computer software.
- Develop strong grammar and language skills; consider a second-language.
- Obtain volunteer or internship experience as a research assistant in a technical information department.
- Pursue a technical writing or editing internship.
Publishing
- Editing
- Advertising
- Sales
- Circulation
- Production
- Publicity
- Marketing
- Promotion
- Administration
Employers
- Trade publishing
- Special interest magazines
- Trade magazines
- Association magazines
- Sunday newspaper supplements
- Educational publishing
- Religious books and magazines
- Professional and scholarly publishing
- University presses
- Independent publishers
- Alternative media publishers (e.g., e-books, audiobooks)
Strategies
- Obtain an internship in the publishing industry.
- Participate in a summer publishing institute.
- Develop proofreading, editing, and copy-editing skills; maintain current knowledge of digital production technology.
- Gain experience by writing for student publications such as the newspaper, creative writing magazines, the yearbook, etc.
- Conduct an informational interview with or shadow a professional in the publishing industry.
- Look for positions with local dailies and alternative weeklies in the community.
- Volunteer to write or edit publications with local nonprofit organizations to gain experience.
- Be prepared to relocate to cities with a publishing presence. A large majority of opportunities exist in New York City.
- Research the publishing industry to learn more about career ladders.
Education
- Higher education administration:
- Admissions, financial aid, academic advising and support services
- Student affairs (e.g., residence life, student activities, orientation, leadership, Greek life, multicultural programs)
- Development and alumni affairs
- International education and study abroad
- Information/Library Science
- Non-classroom Teaching
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Research
- Teaching
- Tutoring
- Administration
Employers
- Public and private K-12 schools
- Colleges and universities
- Language institutes, local and abroad
- Libraries
- Museums
- Private learning centers
- Test preparation organizations
- Nonprofit organizations involved with literacy
Strategies
- Obtain appropriate state certification for public school teaching. Gain certifications to teach multiple subjects or age groups for increased job opportunities.
- Earn a master’s or doctorate degree for post-secondary teaching.
- Maintain a high grade point average and secure strong faculty recommendations for graduate school.
- Plan to attend graduate school in college student personnel or information science for those fields.
- Seek volunteer experiences working with children through Big Brother/Sister programs, tutoring, summer camps, YMCAs, etc.
- Participate in activities such as debate or literary clubs, campus publications, or student government.
- Pursue leadership roles such as resident advisor, peer mentor, student advisor, etc.
Advertising
- Creative Services
- Copy Writing
- Art Direction
- Web Page Design
- Account Management
- Media
- Account Planning
- Production
Employers
- Advertising agencies
- In-house agencies of large companies
Strategies
- Demonstrate talent, persistence, assertiveness, and enthusiasm.
- Obtain experience with campus media such as the newspaper, or TV, or radio station.
- Be prepared to start in an entry-level position.
- Develop strong statistics background for market research positions.
- Create a portfolio of writing showing originality and imagination for creative positions.
- Gain knowledge of various media, contemporary tastes, and trends.
- Participate in sales and promotions for student organizations or private businesses.
- Complete an internship in a market research firm or advertising agency.
- Supplement curriculum with courses in advertising, communications, business, art, or graphic design.
Public Relations
- Account coordination
- Writing
- Editing
- Research
- Media relations
- Social media
- Account Management
- Fundraising
Employers
- Public relations firms
- Advertising agencies
- In-house public relations departments
- Trade associations
- Colleges and universities
- Nonprofit organizations
- Government agencies
Strategies
- Obtain internship or other relevant work experience to break into this field.
- Be prepared to start at the bottom and work for promotions.
- Develop strong research, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
- Seek experiences being self-directed and a team player.
- Volunteer to write publications for nonprofit or student organizations.
- Supplement curriculum with business courses.
Law
- Law assistance
- Prosecution
- Defense
- Contractual
- Corporate
- Nonprofit or public interest
- Government
- Mediation
- Lobbying
Employers
- Law firms
- State and local government
- Corporations
- Public interest organizations
- Private practice
- Colleges and universities
Strategies
- Participate in a debate or forensic team to hone communication skills.
- Develop strong research skills and attention to detail.
- Take courses in and gain experience with mediation and conflict resolution.
- Get involved with pre-law organizations.
- Obtain a summer or part-time job in a law firm.
- Plan to shadow an attorney to learn more about the field and various specialties.
- Complete special training requirements for paralegal positions.
- Attend law school and earn a JD to become an attorney.
- Maintain an excellent GPA and secure strong faculty recommendations to gain law
school admittance. Plan to take the LSAT.
Business
- Management
- Customer service
- Sales and marketing
- Human resources
- Insurance
Employers
Business organizations: banks, real estate agencies, insurance firms, and large and small corporations
Retailers: department, grocery, drug, specialty, variety, and book stores
Strategies
- Obtain a business minor.
- Gain relevant experience through part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work.
- Secure leadership roles in campus organizations and student professional associations.
- Seek experience as a financial officer or treasurer of a campus organization.
- Develop strong analytical and computer skills.
General Information
- A bachelor’s degree in English is very broad and is sufficient for entry-level positions in business and industry, as well as in areas such as entertainment, radio and television commentary, and museum work. Because English can lead to many different career paths, it is important to identify an area of interest and plan to gain the right skills, experiences, and credentials to enter that field.
- A major in English is also good preparation for continued graduate or professional training in areas such as English, law, political science/government, public administration, communications, religious studies (e.g., seminary).
- Be proactive, determined, assertive, and confident in order to secure freelance writing opportunities. Writers typically experience many rejections for each piece that is accepted for publication. Save samples of written work to be used for a portfolio. Cultivate other career opportunities in order to supplement a freelance writing income.
- Obtain additional areas of expertise such as journalism, broadcasting, technical writing, or politics for specialized positions.
- Conduct informational interviews or shadow professionals in careers of interest to learn more about their jobs.
- Join relevant professional associations. Attend their conferences and read journals.
Professional Associations
Occupational Outlook
Related Resources
Employment Opportunities
