Many of my friends and family members were worried when I announced my plans to pursue a B.A. in English at Western Kentucky University. Some asked "What jobs can you get with that?" while others insisted that I was "wasting my potential." Most English majors share this common experience. Those closest to us doubt our abilities, judging not only our common sense levels, but also our general intelligence measures. To skeptics, we are wasting privilege on a useless degree. After graduation, we are expected to be unemployed and discouraged, pleading for the next literary best-seller to appear in a Word Document. Well, I am writing to inform the clueless and pacify the doubters, for English majors have a world of opportunity available post-graduation. Ultimately, I am proud to be an English major and am excited to remind a math and science-focused world of my importance.
Stanford Arts and Humanities adviser Margot Gilliland published a piece entitled "Careers After an English Major" on the Stanford English recruitment website, stressing the omnipresence of English majors in professional settings. "Critical thinking. Creativity. Interpretation. Studying English prepares you for a diverse range of professional fields, including teaching, journalism, law, publishing, medicine, and the fine arts. English majors also pursue careers in tech companies and other startup ventures..." said Gilliland. "As an English major, you are developing a heightened awareness of the power of language. Your considerable vocabulary, understanding of style, advanced critical thinking abilities, and experience writing complex, original work, gives you distinctive verbal capabilities: precision, subtlety, persuasiveness, and clarity all number among the tools at your disposal."
English majors do much more than study classic literature or write fifteen-page essays. With each reading or writing assignment, we dive headfirst into a world of analysis, interpreting and clarifying the ambiguous. Every day, we illuminate the world's leading issues through fresh lenses. Our courses prepare us for civilized discussion, encouraging skills in cooperative settings. We do not have empty opinions, for our conclusions are always supported with solid evidence. Analyzing. Dissecting. Conversing. Problem-solving. Brainstorming. Leading. Presenting. Crafting. An English major's skills are unmatched by numerous degree programs, and these skills are applicable in any career setting. We are the obvious utility players in a world of specialized service.
So, English-doubters, I have a better question: What can't I do with my degree?
