If you are attending higher education and looking for a location where you can use your degree, you probably have been thinking about the different careers for english majors. There is a large number of degrees available, and although it often does depend on how far you took your degree (bachelors, masters, etc.), you are able use the english major throughout the world, not to mention in the same city you obtained your degree from. Of course, you might find you do not like one particular career path and decide to move to another option. Thankfully, there are so many options for you to choose from it shouldn’t be much of an issue.

Careers for English Majors

Teaching Careers for English Majors

Teaching is a natural career option that you are able to undertake, if you went to school and received an english degree. Some of these jobs you do need some additional schooling, or at least become certified, in order to be eligible for work. For starters, you can teach kindergarten all the way up to high school. There is always a need for educators throughout the country, and as long as you have your degree and a teaching certificate for the state, you are eligible to look for work with your english major. On top of this, if you have received at least a masters degree in english, you can teach in a college setting. It is often easier to start off in the community college rankings and move forward from there (unless you have a PhD, then you can generally start right away). If you enjoy working with older adults rather than children, this might be your best bet for teaching.

On top of teaching inside the country, you are able to travel overseas and teach english to foreign students. This is a desired need in many parts of the world, including Asia and South America. English is the world’s business language, so it is very important for these individuals to learn english, which is why it is extremely important to bring in native english speakers, even if you don’t know how to speak in their language. You are going to find the more industrial countries do pay more for teachers (such as South Korea and Japan), but if you are open to it, it is possible to travel and teach just about anywhere in the world with an english degree.

Writing Careers for English Majors

Careers in Writing

With your english degree you can become a writer. Although journalism is generally its own degree platform, there are many other positions you can obtain. There are thousands of writers who work on columns in magazines, newspapers and on the Internet. It is especially helpful if you have a specific topic you enjoy and want to write about it. You can also write your own fiction or book, although this takes a bit more time than you might desire. For starters, it is rather difficult for individuals who are not yet known obtain a book deal and start selling their book (similar to individuals that are not yet known in the music business, trying to sign a major record deal). However, if you have enough skill and are persistent, it is possible to make this goal a reality.

Technical writers make a considerable amount of money, because not only are they required to be able to write fluently, but they also need to understand the workings of electronics, computers and other hardware. Knowing all the technical terms and how equipment works is a must, so if you enjoy learning about this sort of information, it might be right up your alley. Tech writers not only write reviews of equipment, but also produce how-to books, articles and websites on how to best use the equipment.

Along with technical writers, there is a need for paralegals and other similar positions.This is generally going to take a bit of knowledge involving the law, although many positions help the new individual learn on the spot. Of course, writing up case information and performing research is always a bit easier when you know the law and have studied it a bit. So, if you have an english major and also studied some law in school, this might be your best bet and receiving a new position.

You are also able to write for textbooks and history books, if you enjoy the research aspect of writing. This is going to require a considerable amount of research, as you are basically writing a large report on the history of a specific subject. Many of these books are going to be used by schools and colleges throughout the country, so having all the facts is essential, otherwise it can result in the book losing contracts with schools, and of course you losing your job with your employer.

Social Work for English Majors

There is always a need for someone that is able to write fluently and articulate themselves perfectly. This is why other career paths, such as a social worker, is available for english majors. Although it is possible to obtain a degree more geared toward social working, it is essential for these locations to have individuals that can write up everything that transpires. This is where you come in, so if you enjoy working with other individuals and like to help those that are not as well off, this is an excellent goal path you are able to select.

Although you might not ever make the same amount of money as doctors, engineers and other individuals that spend a considerable amount of time in school, there are still many career options open for you and you never know what you are able to do with it. There are so many different positions available for you to choose from, it is never going to become dull or boring while you are out and about with your english major, as there are so many different careers for english majors available for you and classmates.