What Can You Do With an English Major? Advice from Former English Students

1. Introduction

“You don’t necessarily need to have an exact career planned when choosing to study English, but you should love stories and follow your passion for something that English represents.”

It’s been popular and trendy to make fun of humanities majors recently. Articles highlighting rising student debt and stagnating wages often use the underemployed English or philosophy major as a prop - $50,000 in debt, working as a barista, still living at home.

However, personal experience belies that sad trope. Many English graduates find fulfilling and well-paying careers across diverse industries. The key lies in understanding how to leverage the valuable skills developed during your studies.

2. Career Paths and Success Stories

2.1 Public Relations & Marketing

Alyssa Lawrence - Account Manager, Public Relations

• Current Role

  • Public relations for luxury real estate developers
  • Writes creative pitches, press releases, and newsletters
  • Coordinates media visits for journalists

• Key Skills Developed

  • Creative writing and editing
  • Relationship building
  • Project planning and organization
  • Technical editing (Professional Writing minor)

“Who says English majors don’t work hard?! The biggest advice I have is to participate in internships in fields you’re interested in. If you write and interview well, then you’ll succeed.”

Craig Wolfe - CEO, CelebriDucks

• Company Achievement

  • Runs the top custom rubber duck manufacturer globally
  • Only manufacturer still producing in the USA

• Value of English Degree

  • Essential communication skills
  • Effective client and staff interaction
  • Strong brand promotion abilities
  • Enhanced PR and social media presence

“In this day and age, if you do not have good communication skills, you are at a great disadvantage.”

Matthew Lubin - Freelance Writer

• Career Path

  • Started as assistant editor at a newspaper
  • Now runs TotalTaipei.com and BoozeFoodTravel.com
  • Specializes in travel and lifestyle content

• Professional Development

  • Editing expertise
  • Research skills
  • Independent study
  • Technical writing capabilities

Thomas Crowley - Creative Director & Copywriter

• Career Journey

  • Started in stand-up comedy
  • Transitioned to advertising through networking
  • Advanced to creative director position

• Key Success Factors

  • Consistent writing practice
  • Networking opportunities
  • Portfolio development
  • Creative problem-solving

Carrie Juergens - PR Professional, Cura Cannabis

• Career Development

  • Combined English and French studies
  • Marketing internships during college
  • Student newspaper experience
  • Continuous work experience

• Essential Skills

  • Persuasive writing
  • Marketing strategy
  • Portfolio building
  • Professional networking

Adam Cole - Author

• Career Path

  • Graduated with an English Major from Oberlin College in 1991
  • Became a professional author and essayist

• Key Skills Developed

  • Writing and editing
  • Research and analysis
  • Clarity in language
  • Persuasive communication

“For anyone interested in doing anything that involves words today, the writing and editing skills are the best things an English Major can give you.”

Tony Forde - Corporate PR

• Career Path

  • Studied English at the University of Maryland and Brooklyn College
  • Worked in a bookstore and then landed an internship at a boutique book publicity firm
  • Held stints at Hachette, Perseus, and Penguin Random House
  • Made a pivot to Corporate PR

• Key Advice

  • Develop critical thinking skills
  • Learn to communicate effectively
  • Don’t worry about the relevance of your degree to the 21st-century workplace

Caroline Wiita - Master’s Degree Student

• Career Path

  • Majored in English and explored careers in marketing and the entertainment industry
  • Decided to pursue a master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy at CSUN

• Key Skills Developed

  • Critical thinking and analysis
  • Research and writing
  • Understanding of human emotions and behavior

“The English degree isn’t just about reading books. It’s about learning how to think critically.”

Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar - High School Librarian and Author

• Career Path

  • Studied English and worked in libraries
  • Became a high school librarian at an international private school in the Middle East
  • Also an author with a website, http://www.mohadoha.com

• Key Advice

  • Understand the skills you have to offer a workplace
  • Develop people skills and learn to communicate effectively
  • Be social and build a network

Janet Heller - Writing and Editing Professional

• Career Path

  • President of the Michigan College English Association
  • Published six books and gives conference presentations and creative writing workshops

• Key Skills Developed

  • Writing and editing
  • Research and analysis
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving

“I advise current English majors to take a wide variety of courses to prepare them for different careers.”

Juan Brizuela - Quinn PR

• Career Path

  • Graduated with an English degree and struggled to find a job
  • Started studying for a Master’s in communications and realized the importance of experience
  • Took an internship at a PR agency and learned the value of hands-on experience

• Key Advice

  • Do an internship to gain experience
  • Develop a strong portfolio and network
  • Don’t rely solely on your degree

Chelsea Krause - Merchant Maverick

• Career Path

  • Graduated with an English degree and became the Head of Accounting and Invoicing at Merchant Maverick
  • Writes comprehensive reviews of accounting programs and creates engaging blog content

• Key Skills Developed

  • Research and analysis
  • Writing and editing
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving

“My best advice to current English majors is to take advantage of every opportunity that will put you closer to your goal.”

Ashley Schaffer - Private Physician

• Career Path

  • Graduated with an English degree and went on to become a pediatrician
  • Often has conversations with adolescent patients about their college plans

• Key Advice

  • Pursue your personal interests and find careers that align with them
  • Research what experiences or skills future employers may expect
  • Plan your elective courses wisely to develop specific skills

3. Key Advice for English Majors

3.1 Academic Enhancement

• Consider adding a secondary major or minor
• Take strategic general education classes
• Participate in work-study opportunities
• Write for campus publications

3.2 Professional Development

• Secure relevant internships
• Build a strong portfolio
• Document all contributions
• Network consistently

3.3 Career Preparation

• Focus on developing marketable skills
• Learn to communicate value effectively
• Consider technical writing courses
• Study additional languages or business skills

4. Take Action

Ready to explore your potential as an English major? Take these next steps:

1. Use our Major Matcher → to evaluate if English is right for you
2. Research top English programs at different universities
3. Connect with current English students and alumni
4. Start building your portfolio early

Remember: An English degree provides valuable skills in communication, analysis, and creative thinking - assets that are increasingly valuable in today’s digital economy.