Opportunities: What Can I Do with English?
The question really is: what can't you do? An education in English is an education in critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and engaged composition. English as a department comprises many academic categories, and offers many opportunities for personal and professional development. Consider the following resources:
What Does English Do For Me?
The popular misconception has always been that English is primarily for
those who wish to teach; however, many opportunities arise for those who
study English. The majority of the world uses English to communicate in
writing and speech, particularly in the business sector. For further
information, check out the following
departmental guide (pdf), or read below:
Studying English contributes to…
- Planning and organization
- Flexibility
- Persuasion
- Interpersonal Skills
- Careful consideration of audience
- Word processing familiarity
- Analyzing large bodies of text
- Analyzing short sections of text
- Stating arguments succinctly
- Logical argumentation
- Prioritizing work
- Interpreting ideas for audience, topic, purpose, etc.
- Finding information
- Coping with deadlines
- Addressing the public
- Listening to others
- Working as part of a team
- Mediating
- Recognizing boundaries
- Setting goals
- Taking Responsibility
- Applying knowledge
- Taking initiative
- Taking independent action
- Working in a competitive environment
- Creating new ideas
Tons! Think of how many jobs use many of the above skills. Consider the benefits of technical writing or professional translation. You might also be interested in:
- Broadcasting
- Editing
- Radio
- Science Writing
- Columnist/journalism
- Public relations
- Entertainment reviews/publications
- Web publication and management
- Managers and administrators
- Teaching and education
- Office assistants
- Insurance
- Non-profit
- See a much more complete list at the UNCW career center.
Is a PhD a Good Option? (Return to Top)
That depends on what you are aiming to do. Different education levels open up different jobs and pay grades; however, many non-academic jobs do not necessarily require a PhD.
A Master’s degree on the other hand, opens up a wide variety of jobs, frequently offers a higher pay grade, and is often required by professional writers.
If you strongly desire a PhD, you probably shouldn't be dissuaded; more PhD information can be found here.
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The links provided are intended to acquaint users with information and services, and do not constitute an endorsement by the University or any student organization. The views and opinions on these sites to not necessarily reflect those of the University. The Graduate English Association has made every reasonable effort to ensure that the information on this site is current; however, all information is subject to change.