English majors develop a powerful set of skills that can lead to success in a wide range of careers and in graduate studies:

Communicate

Any business, trade, profession, or service that values communication and skill with language offers a potential career. Not only are there many fields for writers, there is also a critical need for managers and adminstrators who can prepare effective reports and presentations.

Analyze and solve problems

Real-world problems aren't always the ones you find in business textbooks. English Majors learn analytical skills that help them solve problems no one has seen before. You may never be asked to analyze a Shakespeare sonnet, but your analytical skills will make you adaptable to new challenges.

Learn quickly

In a world where careers and job descriptions change at a faster and faster pace, those who have "learned how to learn" have an advantage.

Organize

The ability to synthesize and organize ideas and information isn't just useful for term papers. It's an invaluable skill for countless occupations.

Recommended Reading:

• Bly, Robert W. Careers for Writers & Others Who Have a Way with Words
• DeGalan, Julie and Stephen Lambert. Great Jobs for English Majors
• Gould, Jay R. and Wayne A. Losano. Opportunities in Technical Writing Careers
• Lemire, Tim. I'm an English Major—Now What?
• O'Hara, Shelley. What Can You Do with a Major in English?

For even more career ideas for English Majors and links to English-related sites, visit the Career Center's English page. You can also take their Focus online assessment to learn more about what kinds of jobs suit your interests and skills

English majors work in all of the fields listed below and more. Some careers require additional training that builds on a solid core of English skills.