What can I do with an English major?

Areas	Employers	Strategies
WRITING/EDITING
Creative writing Journalism Freelance Technical writing	Newspapers, magazines, broadcast media Trade, professional or consumer publications Advertising agencies, corporations, government agencies, colleges and universities Any organization or publication with technical focus or technical areas	Select a wide variety of electives Write for on-campus publications Develop speaking/debate skills Write and edit reports Take basic science/computer courses; gain knowledge about technical areas and trends Publish/edit literary works
EDUCATION
	Public and private schools Colleges and universities Libraries	Gain volunteer experience involving children Participate in school activities: student publications, government, and clubs Need licensure for public school teaching Obtain graduate degree for post-secondary teaching; doctorate or MFA required for full-time professorship
PUBLISHING
Magazines/books/newspapers Editorial Advertising sales Circulation Production Publicity Recreation	Special interest magazines Trade magazines Association and organization magazines Sunday newspaper supplements Mass-market paperbacks Educational and professional books Religious books and magazines	Obtain summer internships Develop word processing and editing skills Work on student publications Publish/edit literary works
ADVERSITING
Creative Media Research	Advertising agencies In-house agencies of large companies	Demonstrate talent, persistence, assertiveness and enthusiasm Obtain solid statistics background for research Create portfolio of writing/ideas showing originality and imagination Obtain campus newspaper and radio experience
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Research Writing/editing Media liaison	Public relations firms Advertising agencies In-house public relations department Trade associations Colleges and universities Nonprofit organizations Government agencies	Obtain internships/work experience Develop strong research skills, public speaking ability, enthusiasm and interpersonal skills Supplement curriculum with business And communication classes Become an effective team worker by working on group projects for campus organizations
LAW
Paralegal Attorney	Law firms Corporate legal departments Government agencies Public service agencies	Develop organizational skills and concern for detail Become skillful in debate Organize campus events, speakers or political rallies Obtain summer or part-time work in law firm Specialty training required for paralegals Plan to attend law school to obtain Juris Doctor
BANKING
Management Sales/marketing Human resources	Business organizations	A business minor and technical writing experience are helpful Acquire computer skills Gain work experience through part-time jobs, internships or related volunteer work Secure a leadership role in a campus organization; join professional organizations
RETAILING
Store management Buying Sales	Department, grocery, drug, specialty and variety store chains Bookstores	Supplement curriculum with business courses Gain experience through part-time jobs or internships in retail

English Department HomePage

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
Portions reproduced with permission from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
CLA Advisement Center; Spring Semester 2001