As an English major, one of the most common questions you'll get is "oh, you want to be a teacher?" This is great if you want to teach, but for the other half of us who don't, it's only a lead up to the question of "what else is there to do?" The fact is, as an English major you are trained in critical thinking and obtain massive reading and writing skills. It's those skills that make English such a versatile major in the job force. You're like a superhero, you can do anything, especially if you get a masters or doctorate degree post grad. Though for those who want to enter the job force equipped with only your bachelors degree and unyielding confidence, these are the jobs for you.
1. Non Profit Program Director
Do you have a cause you care about? Whether it is women's rights, environmental justice or adult literacy, every cause needs a leader and organizer.
2. Paralegal
As a Paralegal, you work alongside attorneys to research their cases, conduct meetings with the clients and prepare and draft legal documents.
3. Technical Recruiter
As a Technical Recruiter, your job is to bring people in who can assist customers when something goes wrong and they need to call a 1-800 number or come into the business. Owners will contact you and it's then your job to write up an ad, hold interviews, and bring people in. Similarly, you could also be a Headhunter.
4. Interpreter
While similar to a translator, you work with spoken word instead of written. You can preside in a courtroom, medical or government office, school, or tour company. Your goal is to get the person's point across without ever changing the meaning of what they're trying to say.
5. Set Designer
Also referred to as a Production Designer when discussing television or film. You're the head of the art department and responsible for the set. You work alongside the Director and Director of Photography to determine the best theme or concept for the sets of your production.
6. Journalist
As a journalist, your job is to dig up the truth and expose it to the public through television, radio, print, or the web. You can work as a writer, editor or reporter.
7. Music Executive
You have to know the music market inside and out. This is because it's your job to produce, record, market, and distribute the artist's songs. Essentially, you are holding someone's dream in your hands and it's up to you to make sure it's sellable so that you both can profit.
8. Film Director
You decide the look, style, and feel of a film as you are the artistic and creative force behind the film.
9. Wedding Planner
Wedding Planners are equal parts Mediator and Money Manager as you help brides plan what they expect to be the most important day of their lives. It's your job to focus and do the best job possible so the bride doesn't need to stress.
10. Ambassador
You work as a representative of the President and US Government in your placements throughout the world. You may live in another country for an extended period of time as you deal with foreign policy or you may travel often to visit countries with whom you handle foreign affairs.
11. Advertising Manager
As a senior employee, you supervise everything from the smallest classified to the largest full page ad. May work for a company, magazine, or ad agency.
12. Divorce Mediator
Your role is to listen to and advise couples who are splitting to help them divide their assets, children, pets, and money civilly. People choose this method to avoid the costly attorney charges that would occur if their divorce were to go to court.
13. Chief Operating Officer (COO)
As a COO, you report to the CEO, but you're also in charge of overseeing budgeting, evaluating the processes and material costs, and managing the employees. If interview, hire, fire sounds good to you, this may be a goal to work toward.
14. Film Editor
Your job is to find and choose the best footage from the months of shooting and combine it to create a whole coherent piece. The film as shown in theaters in it's final narrative order is the result of a film editor.
15. Software Developer
Software Developers design programs and applications to take a computer, that without software is essentially an empty box, and make it useful.
16. Screenwriter
As a Screenwriter, it's your job to create a piece of work that audience members can experience visually. You're essentially writing a story in script form as you outline what viewers will see and hear throughout the film or television show. It's your job to draw in the audience with suspense and character connection.
17. Senator
A Senator is an elected representative of his or her state, who helps create, evaluate, and pass new legislation.
18. Family Support Worker
You will be placed in counseling offices, nursing homes or shelters, working with every step of the family ladder. From pregnant teenagers to grandparents in nursing homes, they're your responsibility. You provide those in need with abuse centers, job placement, housing, and counseling. You may also just need to listen and provide positive support.
