English is the most practical major you can find. English majors become writers, publishers, editors, lawyers, journalists, teachers, entrepreneurs, world travelers, policy analysts, public relations executives, public servants and much more. They succeed in media, tech, publishing, education, government, marketing, advertising and non-profits.
This is because as an English major, you acquire the reading, writing, and thinking skills that allow you to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. You become an expert communicator who can take complex ideas and frame them plainly and concisely in your own words. You learn to conduct research, to support an argument, to approach a problem from multiple perspectives. You ask questions that are not obvious and not easy to answer; you find multifaceted and real solutions in a multifaceted, real world.
These higher-level, transferable skills are the skills that the modern workforce needs, and those that a successful civilization requires of its citizens. With your training as an English major, you increase both your marketability and your chances for promotion after you land that first job, when employers recognize your higher-level skills. You cannot be downsized, outsourced, offshored or disrupted. Just as importantly, you also equip yourself to be an informed citizen of a democracy and member of a multicultural society.
Here’s what our current majors have said they value about studying English:
“The exchange of powerful, meaningful, and relevant ideas.”
“Truly wonderful literature from people of color and women discussed and introduced in various classes.”
“The direct study of narrative at its core: the ability to tell stories is what makes us human.”
Your English degree will not only stand on its own but is also an exceptionally versatile foundation for a number of graduate disciplines including education, law, business, information science and public policy.
- Career paths that English majors pursue
- Examples of employers in these areas and
- Specific strategies to further enhance your resume for these fields
Career Areas
Creative, Consumer Researcher, Digital Media Consultant, Market/Marketing Researcher or Coordinator
Employers in this area
Advertising agencies and in-house agencies of large companies
Strategies for starting a career in advertising
- Do an in a market research firm.
- Earn a and/or .
- Demonstrate talent, persistence, assertiveness and enthusiasm; be prepared to start entry-level.
- Obtain solid statistics background for research.
- Creative portfolio of writing/ideas showing originality and imagination for creative department.
- Gain knowledge of various media, contemporary tastes and trends.
- Obtain campus newspaper, TV or radio experience. Participate in student-run or personal business involving promotion and sales and/or join the .
Credit Lending, Operations, Retail, Systems, Trusts
Employers in this area
Commercial banks, Regional banks, Savings and Loan associations, Credit unions
Strategies for starting a career in banking
- Do an .
- Earn a , a , and/or .
- Develop strong analytical and computer skills.
- Obtain cashier, teller, or clerical experience.
- Gain experience as financial officer/treasurer in campus organization.
Communications Coordinator or Specialist, Management, Sales/Marketing, Human Resources, Leadership Consultant
Employers in this area
Business organizations
Strategies for starting a career in business/industry
- Do an and gain work experience through part-time jobs and related volunteer work.
- Get a and/or a .
- Acquire computer skills.
- Secure a leadership role in campus organization.
- Join student professional associations for future networking.
Teacher, Professor, Instructor
Employers in this area
Public schools, Private schools, Colleges and universities, Libraries
Strategies for starting a career in education
- Apply to the .
- Gain volunteer experience with Big Brother/Sister program, tutoring, sports, summer camps, teen counseling, child care centers for special populations.
- Participate in school activities: debate, literary club, student publications and government, alumni and admissions work.
- Obtain graduate degree in post-secondary teaching. Master’s required to teach introductory courses. Doctorate required for full-time professorships.
Paralegal, Attorney
Employers in this area
Law firms, Corporate legal departments, Government agencies, Public service agencies
Strategies for starting a career in law
- Do an .
- Get a minor on one of our programs from the or .
Librarian
Employers in this area
Public, school, and university libraries, Museums, Private collections
Strategies for starting a career in library science
- Do an .
- Get a part-time job in a library.
- Pursue a master’s degree secondary secondary and information science.
Research, Writing/Editing, Media Liaison
Employers in this area
Public relations firms, Advertising agencies, In-house public relations departments, Trade associations, Colleges and universities, Nonprofit organizations, Government agencies
Strategies for starting a career in public relations
- Do an .
- Get a and/or a .
- Develop strong research skills, public speaking ability, enthusiasm and good interpersonal skills.
- Become an effective team worker by working on group projects for campus organizations.
Magazines/Books/Newspapers/Editorial, Advertising/Sales, Circulation, General Books Coordinator, Production, Publicity
Employers in this area
Special interest magazines, Trade magazines, Associational and organizational magazines, Sunday newspaper supplements, Mass-market paperbacks, Educational and professional books, Religious books and magazines
Strategies for starting a career in publishing
- Do an .
- Get a and/or a .
- Develop word processing and editing skills.
- Join and/or .
- Develop word processing and editing skills.
- Work on student publications.
Store Management, Sales/Marketing, Human Resources: Assistant Events and/or Outreach, Receptionist, Recruiter
Employers in this area
Bookstores, Department grocery, drug, specialty and variety store chains, Online retailers
Strategies for starting a career in retailing
- Do an .
- Earn a , a , and/or .
- Gain experience through part-time jobs.
Digital Media Consultant, Instructional Consultant, IT Specialist, Laboratory Technician, Technical Consultant
Employers in this area
Businesses, Libraries, Nonprofits, Universities and schools
Strategies for starting a career in the technical field
- Do an .
- Get a job in the at Â鶹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß.
- Earn a .
Book Critic, Business Writer, Creative Writer, Content Manager, Copywriter, Documentation Specialist, Journalist, Freelance Writer, Literary Assistant, Manuscript Reader, Speech Writer, Technical Writer
Employers in this area
Newspapers, magazines, broadcast media, script writing, Trade, professional, or consumer publications, Advertising agencies, corporations, government agencies, colleges and universities, Any organization or publication with technical focus or technical areas
Strategies for starting a career in writing/editing
- Do an .
- Get a and/or a .
- Select a wide variety of electives.
- Join and/or .
- Develop speaking/debate skills; write and edit reports.
- Take basic science/computer courses; gain knowledge about technical areas and trends.
Take advantage of our college’s career services team. You can make an appointment with a career coach, , and even .
Students at Â鶹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß can also access a produced by the University of Tennessee Center for Career Services. Highlights are listed below.