I love being an English major. Nothing makes me happier than editing work for a friend or writing a paper to explain why Supernatural should be considered an epic. (It really should be.) The skills that I'm learning are transferrable and the work that I've completed has made me a better writer and editor. Despite this, some people think my major is a waste of time. This is what I want them to know.
1. When I tell people I’m an English major, I typically dread their response. "Why would you do that?" you might wonder. It isn’t because I’m ashamed of my major or because I secretly wish I had my dad’s math abilities or my best friend’s nursing skills (although that would be awesome). It’s because I am sick and tired of hearing “So you’re going to be a teacher?” or even worse, “What grade level are you going to teach?” I am tired of the assumption that English majors are limited to classrooms and that stepping outside that boundary is somehow impossible. It isn’t. You just have to know where to look.
2. There are a lot of good job opportunities for English majors. Although it may seem as though I am resigned to a life of teaching, there are so many other career paths that I can take. Here is a short list of careers that an English major could have after graduation: marketing director, editor, technical writer, paralegal, interpreter, blogger, journalist, headhunter, public relations manager, social media manager, creative director, copywriter, grant writer, publisher, lawyer, reporter and so much more. The only limits to what I can do are the ones I set for myself.
3. The grammatical skills that English majors learn are not just applicable in a schoolroom setting. Yes, knowing how to edit papers is helpful for teachers, but it’s also helpful for copy editors, writers, and any person who needs to write documents for his or her job. This likely includes you. Understanding how to write well and edit your work will help you in your career in many ways. Among other things, it will eliminate confusion, make you sound more professional, and make people think that you know what you’re talking about (even if you don’t).
4. English majors know how to communicate effectively. When I am writing an essay, it is essential for me to clearly explain my point and give substantial evidence to support it. This currently helps me to write 15 page research papers, but once I graduate it will help me to write business letters, memos, and other important documents. I will know what to say and how to say it so that I meet the needs of my boss, a hiring manager, or whoever it is I am writing to.
5. It’s okay to not know what you want to do with the rest of your life. People who major in the humanities often experience pressure from friends and loved ones to figure out their intended career and march toward it single-mindedly. I think it’s wise to have a plan, but not keeping your options open is like shooting yourself in the foot: it’s a mistake. Don’t pass up on a great job or paid internship because it doesn’t fit your plan. Embracing unexpected opportunities or even just keeping an open mind about your career path can make a world of difference.
