Studying English teaches you more than just writing.
English graduates are well-rounded and versatile. They improve their communication, attention to detail, and critical thinking, just to name a few — all soft skills that employers value. And on the technical side, these degrees teach students how to research and write detailed content, from argumentative essays to creative copy.
English degree jobs come in all shapes and specializations, and you have lots of options when it comes to your career path. Your background supports profitable career opportunities that let you exercise the transferable skills you worked so hard to develop.
8 valuable skills that English degrees teach
Studying the English language equips you with a varied skill set that will serve you well, no matter your career path.
Potential employers value cognitive agility, adaptability, and other skills that apply to nearly every job. In LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends Report, 92% of employers surveyed stated that soft skills are increasingly important in the workplace. And the same report stated that 89% of staffing professionals say these skills, or a lack thereof, could make or break a hiring decision.
Here are some of the abilities you’ll gain from an English degree:
1. Written communication
Writing is a foundational skill that you’ll develop throughout your college career. When combined with proofreading and editing, you can effectively transmit information, ideas, or perspectives to diverse audiences. Writing ranks among employers’ top five skills they want to see on a resume, giving you an advantage in any field.
2. Research
Penning journalistic articles, literary reviews, and argumentative essays hones your research skills. You learn how to navigate and evaluate vast amounts of information, locating evidence that supports (or maybe disproves) your thesis. This also includes examining different viewpoints and incorporating counterarguments, which are relevant to many in-demand jobs.
3. Critical thinking
Majoring in English teaches you how to find an author’s meaning behind their words, whether that’s to explain an opinion or express a feeling. You learn the best ways to analyze information and gain the flexibility to explore perspectives alternative to your own.
Critical thinking is a vital skill in the digital world, especially when nearly 40% of people admit to accidentally sharing fake news online. English classes give you the tools to navigate information and recognize the facts when you see them — a life skill that helps you anywhere you go.
4. Argument development
Whenever you offer an opinion or solution, you’ll use supporting evidence to inform and convince your readers. You understand and leverage the power of logic and rhetoric to sway others to your way of thinking. Argument development is especially important when it comes to negotiation, which often comes up in the professional world, whether you’re trying to convince a client to extend their contract, asking for a raise, or negotiating your salary.
5. Feedback
Learning how to write for an audience requires accepting constructive criticism to help you develop your voice. As an English major, you’ve also likely spent time evaluating the work of your peers, developing the ability to assess someone’s efforts for areas of strength and improvement. You know how to receive and present actionable feedback in a kind and understanding way.
6. Public speaking
In addition to the written word, English teaches you how to present ideas, concepts, and conclusions using a logical format your audience can understand, even if you’re drawing on past presentations or class discussions. Your communication skills connect and engage with listeners to create a dynamic experience, whether you’re presenting your company’s budget plan or discussing a self-help book you love.
7. Attention to detail
As an English major, your coursework likely involved massive amounts of reading. You had to balance the need to identify high-level concepts with word-by-word details to create a well-rounded impression of the overall work — and you need to pay active attention to do so.
Attention to detail appears in the roles and responsibilities of many different jobs. You’ll need this skill to practice active listening in conversations, submit perfect reports at work, and avoid all kinds of errors wherever you go.
8. Time management
Thanks to juggling multiple classes and projects at a time, you’ve developed the ability to prioritize tasks and manage your time wisely. Completing independent and group projects during your degree taught you the best tools to communicate with your team and how to manage cross-functional relationships that produce results.
12 best jobs for English majors
Most English grads find employment within educational fields, with elementary and middle-school English teachers being a top career path. But if the classroom isn’t for you, there are myriad other options.
If you’re an English grad looking to escape from behind the keyboard, you’ll find many exciting entry-level jobs that require more than just writing skills. And if you’re passionate about the written word, plenty of employment options offer the opportunity to put pen to paper.
But no matter your preference, you can find career opportunities that let you stretch your wings and develop other essential skills.
1. Copywriter
Copywriters work in a variety of industries and specialize in short-form content. Usually, the copy’s goal is to promote and sell products or services. Keeping brand voice in mind, you may write social media posts, product descriptions, or website copy.
Your creative writing skills will be essential in this position, but most of your training will happen on the job with more experienced copywriters. And depending on the industry, the median salary for a writer can range from $61,940–$80,560, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
2. Social media specialist
Social media and branded content are becoming some of marketing’s main channels, and jobs in this area are fantastic options for English grads. As a social media specialist, your primary task will be to attract new customers for your client or employer by increasing brand awareness and exposure through social media channels.
You’ll use analytical skills to evaluate the success of campaigns, determining what works, what doesn’t, and why. Organization and time management skills are also essential for this position because you have to coordinate activities across multiple platforms.
Supplement your English degree with business, communication, or marketing electives to round out your skill set. Salary aggregate Zippia reports that the median salary for a social media manager is approximately $70,287 and can rise to nearly $100,000 for top earners.
3. User experience (UX) writer
UX writers operate in a technical space that requires a fundamental understanding of web design and user behavior. In this job, you’ll be responsible for creating text for websites, mobile apps, and programs, which can include microcopy for chatbots and error messages. Your expertise contributes to a positive user experience by providing the information and guidance someone needs to successfully navigate a platform.
Since it’s becoming a popular tech job, UX writing can be a profitable specialization. According to ZipRecruiter, the salary for entry-level positions ranges from $23,500–$84,500. An experienced writer can expect a median of $118,555.
4. Brand strategist
Flex your power of persuasion and bring a company or product’s story to life. Based on an in-depth target market analysis, you’ll develop a promotional strategy that connects with potential customers. Working with brand designers and content strategy managers, you’ll set the tone for messaging and promotional elements, ensuring content aligns with established strategy across all communication channels.
As a brand strategist, you’ll also need to draw on your analytical, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. Strong public speaking skills are also an asset, especially if you work with clients. Zippia reports that the median salary for brand strategists is approximately $120,948, making it a lucrative option.
5. Grant writer
Put your storytelling skills to good use as a grant writer. In this job description, you’ll create a compelling case to convince donors and larger organizations to provide non-profits, artists, and entrepreneurs with material or financial support. Responsibilities include:
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Gathering documents
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Researching potential fundraising sources
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Editing stakeholder submissions
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Reviewing past applications to replicate successes
Grant writers generally need at least a year of experience in a related field to develop research skills and organizational expertise. According to Zippia, entry-level salaries begin at $38,000, with a national median of $52,719 annually.
6. Public relations (PR) specialist
This is another great role for an accomplished storyteller. Working in PR, you’re responsible for maintaining and enhancing a company’s or individual’s reputation. It’s your job to craft a positive public image through media coverage plans for print, television, and other promotional channels.
Work experience in journalism, social media, and leadership positions can all lead toward PR. You can also find internships with PR firms to gain valuable hands-on experience. Depending on the industry, expect a median salary of $61,860–$69,170 and a job growth rate of 8% from 2021–2031, according to the BLS.
7. Technical writer
Technical writing translates complex processes into easy-to-understand, step-by-step directions for non-experts to read. Grads with a methodical focus will collaborate with subject matter experts to draft precise and accurate content for instruction booklets, how-to manuals, and websites.
Language and analytical skills are essential for this job because you have to simplify technical jargon into relatable text. Having a background in your specialization’s field, such as information technology or engineering, is also an asset.
According to the BLS, the field is growing at pace with the rest of the job market, expanding at 6% from 2021–2031 with a median salary of $78,060. The BLS also reports that writers in scientific and professional services earn the highest, at an average of $80,150 per year.
8. Editor
If you enjoyed learning about grammar, structure, and writing conventions, you may thrive as an editor. Editors collaborate with journalists and other writers to ensure the content they produce is high-quality and meets the publisher's goals. Some manage teams of writers and assign tasks, manage deadlines, and offer guidance and support.
Editing is a great way to combine your love of reading with the challenge of publishing, marketing, or media. Any industry creating copy likely needs a second set of eyes to review the content.
Working on the school newspaper or as a publishing house intern is a great way to get experience before starting your career development. And once you become a full-time editor, the BLS reports that you can expect a median salary of $63,350 per year.
9. Medical writer
Translating scientific information into text anyone can understand bridges the gap between medical experts and patients, making knowledge more accessible. You’ll need to leverage compassion and empathy along with your love of writing to create informative and educational material for:
A passion for research and factual reporting, plus the capacity to write sensitively about difficult subjects, will be assets in this position. Some employers require an advanced degree and up to two years of experience in a related field before considering a candidate, but once established, Zippia reports a median salary of $93,842.
10. Consultant
If you enjoy research and communications, consider consulting as a career option. Consultants work in an advisory capacity, assisting organizations in identifying and achieving a diverse array of goals. From business growth to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), you’ll provide recommendations based on extensive research and analysis.
Your public speaking skills need to be top-notch in this position, because not only will you gather and interpret data, but you’ll present your findings to stakeholders. And later in your career, you might become a management consultant and aid high-level decision-making.
If this career path appeals to you, a double major in English and a related business field will serve you well. Internships with consulting firms can also give you a strong background. Depending on seniority and industry, a consultant can expect to earn a median salary of approximately $78,912 per year, according to Zippia.
11. Librarian
Want to spend your working hours surrounded by books? Try exploring a career as a librarian. Librarians are experts in finding, organizing, and storing information, whether digitally or onsite. Additional duties include assisting clients with research, teaching basic information technology skills, and managing collections.
Becoming a full-fledged librarian requires additional studies to attain a master's degree in library science. Entry-level job titles include library assistant or page. Librarians work part-time or full-time in the public or private sectors, with the BLS reporting an average median salary of $61,190.
12. Interpreter or translator
If your love of language includes more than just English, you could choose to work as an interpreter or translator. Interpreters transpose the spoken word from language to language, while translators focus on the written. Each requires interpersonal skills and attention to detail.
A bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in another language are enough to enter the field, as long as you can prove fluency. According to the BLS, the median salary is $49,110 per year, depending on your location. And if you choose to specialize, you may significantly increase your earning potential.
Break the mold
Teaching English or becoming an arts teacher can be incredibly rewarding, but the career options for English majors include so much more.
You’ve developed many valuable skills that offer the career flexibility you need to work anywhere. With an English degree, job opportunities are diverse, challenging, and exciting. Don’t be afraid to expand your job search beyond an academic setting.
Take the time to see where your passion for language takes you. The destination could surprise you, whether you end up as a healthcare writer or start editing bestselling novels.
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