A lot of young people do not figure out clearly what career opportunities are waiting up for English Language graduates out there rigorous years of reading, research and studying the course in their various universities. The problem is many youngsters look down on the course or anyone who study the course as unserious and, maybe, such person may, after their hard work in school, have limited career opportunities for English graduates out there.
Although there’s no one industry which takes precedence, English degree graduates are often found where strong communication and written English skills are top priorities; for example, within the worlds of media and publishing.
On the one hand, the widespread demand for good communication skills means English literature degrees offer lots of potential career paths. But, since this is a non-vocational subject, students may want to consider gaining work experience during their studies– a good way to get a feel for different options, and often an essential asset when it comes to applying for graduate jobs.
Career Opportunities for English Graduates.
The following are fields of various careers in which English Graduates can thrive and also make headway in life without having to thrash out the capacity which their certificates can cover for them in the labor market:
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Teaching
Although careers in teaching often require additional qualifications and/or experience, an English literature degree can be a great way to develop the academic knowledge and communication skills needed.
To teach at primary or secondary level, you’ll usually need to complete a professional teaching qualification and gain some experience working with children and/or young adults. For university-level teaching, you’ll be required to gain at least a master’s degree (in the field you wish to teach) and often also a PhD, as many universities combine teaching and research roles. Careers in teaching and academia can also tie in with careers in media. This is one of the career opportunities for English graduates that are open for grabs.
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Advertising and Public Relations
Roles in advertising, marketing, and public relations have become increasing popular and sought-after by English graduates. Elements of marketing, advertising and PR are available across many different sectors and almost every business contains at least small elements of these.
While still involving high levels of creativity and excellent communication skills, these roles all demand more of an explicit focus on generating profit and expanding business or brand reach. This revenue-based mindset is also often paired with higher starting salaries compared to more purely artistic/creative media roles, and career progression possibilities are often more clearly defined. With technology becoming more involved in marketing, advertising and PR, it’s becoming more of a requirement for students to be technology savvy.
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Writing
Grant writers are also storytellers, as they must explain to funding agents in a convincing manner how resources will positively impact their constituents. They often review, edit, and modify submissions from scientists and faculty as part of the grant development process. Research and reading skills are essential to grant writers as they investigate funding sources and review projects which have been funded by target organizations over time. The artistic sensibilities of many English majors favor them in situations where they are generating funding for organizations in the realms of art and culture.
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Law
Those who study English at university are also likely to develop many of the skills required for careers in law and the legal sector, although a graduate-level degree will be needed for many legal roles like a barrister or solicitor. Despite this restriction, there are many careers in law available with just an undergraduate-level degree. These include administrative, organizational and research-based roles, within local and national courts (both civil and criminal), as well as government agencies and independent legal firms. A paralegal or legal secretary, for example, will often hold just an undergraduate degree. Those wanting to enter the legal profession but don’t possess a law degree can also complete a Graduate Diploma in Law
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Publishing
Although often intersecting with the media world, publishing does in fact belong to a distinct sector. In recent years, the publishing industry has seen much disruption, thanks in large part to the digital revolution. Although this means many traditional print publishing companies are becoming smaller or struggling to survive, those that have adapted to the world of digital publishing are continuing to thrive – and in need of graduates with the skills to help them keep evolving.
Digital publishing encompasses areas such as e-books and electronic journals (e.g. scientific periodicals), as well as online magazines and news sites. English graduates entering publishing careers may be involved in a variety of areas, including administration, production, editorial, marketing, public relations and sales. To land a job in publishing you will need to have a passion for books, a good level of computer literacy and a strong knowledge of trends within the industry. This is one of the career opportunities for English graduates that are open for grabs.
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Editing and Content Management
Editors must have the critical eye of the English major as they review submissions for magazine and book publishers. They provide critical notes and directives for revisions to writers. Content managers and online editors need to evaluate the writing ability of potential contributors, often freelance writers, and provide feedback and direction. Editors, like English majors, must know their audience and plan for communications that will appeal to their readers. They must be able to set and abide by deadlines in order to produce publications on schedule.
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Librarian
This is one of the career opportunities for English graduates that are open for grabs. Librarians can tap the English major’s ability to appreciate good literature as they consider which books to incorporate into their collection. Reading skills help them to quickly read book reviews as they decide upon selections. English majors learn how to tap resources as they compile information for papers and librarians spend considerable time guiding patrons regarding the best sources for their research projects. The detail orientation and organizational skills of the English major help librarians to set up efficient systems for cataloging and shelving books.
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Social Media Management
Social media managers need the kind of creativity possessed by English majors to devise strategies to promote an organization through social media outlets. Often, they develop written proposals for other staff to consider and must explain their ideas to colleagues in order to draw consensus. Another cone of the career opportunities for English graduates.
Skills English Graduates may Offer Employers:
- Creating a compelling argument
- Proofreading and editing written work
- Giving constructive criticism
- Reading for the big picture while noting the details
- Managing their time and prioritizing tasks
- Respecting differing points of view
- Exercising creativity
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