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English students often hear that even if they excel in their classes, they’ll never get a real job. That’s not true. You can craft a rewarding, well-paying career with your chosen degree. Check out these interesting jobs for English Literature students to start planning a future with the skills you’re learning.
1. Journalist
The first thing you learn as an English student is how to analyze and use words more effectively. That’s an essential skill for journalists too. You could report local, national, or international news if you have a love for your English studies and breaking headlines.
While you’re a student, look for entry-level jobs or volunteer opportunities with local papers. You could also minor in Journalism to launch your career with a better understanding of what you’ll need to do in that job.
2. Social Media Manager
Understanding what a text means and communicating your thoughts about it can turn into a great future as a social media manager. You’ll have to read your consumer base’s posts and feedback to generate content that speaks to them more efficiently.
Social media management falls under the marketing field, so research agency and in-house marketing roles to find entry-level jobs that you’d enjoy most before or after graduation.
3. Lawyer
You can’t become a lawyer with an English Literature degree, but you can use it to become the most well-written lawyer in your field. Consider going to law school after graduating from your undergraduate studies to write legal drafts and documents for your firm. Critical reading and writing skills could propel you to the highest paying roles.
Given that law school would be another four years of classes, you may want to think about upgrading your backpack and finding a job to keep you afloat before you pass the bar exam. Your hard work will be worth it if you’re passionate about defending people in need or drafting laws that improve lives.
4. Librarian
Librarians need a Master’s in Library Science, which will be another year or two of school after your undergrad ends. Your English Literature skills will make you an informative librarian and help you better connect with residents who need guidance regarding their reading or research.
It’s worth noting that you can think strategically about your minor and use your time as an undergraduate student to your advantage. Librarians often minor in education because many of their roles involve leading community classes or programs. See if your university offers that kind of minor to better prepare yourself for a future in a community or educational library.
5. Content Manager
When you need to know something, you research your question on the internet and find an explanatory article. You might also find your latest clothes or electronics through recommendation articles. That content comes from a team of writers led by a content manager.
You could become a content manager with your critical reading and writing skills. Add a marketing minor or certificate to your resume to learn the other essential job skills like researching competitors and formulating a brand identity. You can also work your way up to that role by starting part-time content writing jobs in college.
6. Public Relations Specialist
Public relations specialists use English Literature skills every day. They have to craft specific media or press releases to improve the public perception of their client or brand. Your writing abilities will be essential to this career, along with a bit of creativity. You may have to respond to events in real-time.
Find Jobs for English Literature Students
There are many interesting jobs for English Literature students that need the skills you’re learning in college. Think about your strengths and how you could use them in roles like these to pick a rewarding career that doesn’t require switching degrees.
