We love literature and we love language, but we certainly do not love the reactions we hear when we tell people we're English Majors. We've heard all the jokes and sarcastic remarks about never finding a job and being a drain on society, and we know darn well it's just not true. It's time to talk about some of the misconceptions about English majors.
1. "So...You want to be an English teacher?"
Not necessarily, but if I had a dollar for every time I heard this line, I could drop out of college and move somewhere sunny. To be fair, most English majors can point to an English teacher or two who influenced them at some point in their life and helped steer them in the direction of language and literature. Some English majors do plan to move into teaching roles in the future, but it's not for everyone. What many people don't realize is that having an English degree does not equate to having an Education degree. Many of us will go on to careers in fields like journalism, editing, copywriting, and public relations, to name a few.
2. "You aren't learning any practical skills."
This one doesn't just apply to English majors, but we fall under the umbrella most of the time because people fail to see the practical applications of the skills we learn from our major. Remember, when we're adults, we will be expected to communicate effectively with others in various settings. As English majors, we learn to state our opinions and ideas, and to converse successfully. No matter what you end up doing with your life, the ability to effectively communicate your ideas to others is a highly marketable skill.
3. We always use perfect grammar and know the definition of every word.
False and false. We'll always know where you should and shouldn't place your commas, and we'll know when to remove your superfluous "that," but we're not perfect, so don't expect perfection. And just because we're probably more well read than the average college student does not mean we are walking dictionaries. Just the other night, I forgot smoothen is a word. For the record, it's a word, guys. You can make something smooth by smoothening it. Dictionary.com told me so.
4. We love reading the classics...All of them.
There are some classics I really enjoy reading, but there are also a few I can't stand. I'll read Jane Austen all day and night, but I'll cry real tears if I have to read a Thomas Hardy novel. Just because we generally like to read books doesn't mean we like all the books.
5. We want to edit everything you write.
We always appreciate the chance to gain experience, and we'll be there when you come to us at 12:45 a.m. with a philosophy paper rough draft and a pleading look, but this doesn't mean we'll enjoy it. Remember to appreciate the English major who edits your writing; they do so because they love you.
