I'm Proud To Be An English Major
Start writing a post
Student Life

I'm Proud To Be An English Major

I can do more than read and write.

9
I'm Proud To Be An English Major
Flickr

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?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

47624
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

30183
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954252
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

171161
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments