As a college student, we face many options when it comes to careers majors. In this age, if you are not a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) major, questions are frequently asked about your choice of major. One of the main majors that is called into question too frequently is English. I happen to be an English major and groan internally whenever someone asks me what my major is. I have to prepare myself for a string of questions/statements to follow. These are the most common:
1. "Well what do you plan to with that?"
Many people believe study of the humanities has no place in the age of technology and STEM. However through English, we learn to think critically, analyze long texts, and write effectively. Writing is an integral part of any career, so we instantly get a leg up.
2. "Oh, so you want to be a teacher."
In high school, we all had an English teacher who showed us the bright side of writing and reading that made us fall in love with it. This does not mean this is our intended career goal. While some future teachers are English majors, the rest of us have other career plans: lawyers, journalists, and so much more.
3. "You won't make any money with that major."
Many English majors go on to law school and the legal field is one of the highest paying careers. Also, money isn't everything. Career choices should be made by your passions, not how much money you will make.
4. "Being an English major is easy."
Okay you try reading 50 pages in one night and be ready to write a flawless in class analyzing the major themes and characters in a well written, well thought out essay the next day. Doesn't seem so easy now does it?
5. "What kind of jobs hire English majors these days?"
Many companies need social media consultants, writers, proofreaders, and editors just to name a few. English majors are versatile in what they can do and are sought out by various employers.
As an English major, we have many job opportunities and options. Don't hate because we choose to study literature and writing over chemicals and numbers. I'm happy with my choice and I hope you are too.
