SAHS Academics > English Department Web Site > Careers for Lovers of Language Arts

Typically, students who love English class more than any other may consider becoming either English majors or communication/journalism majors. In making this decision, students should dismiss the preconception that only three job opportunities exist for language and literature lovers. There are many more careers available in addition to teaching, newspaper/magazine writing, and creative writing.

English majors, like other liberal arts majors, make excellent candidates for law or medical school and graduate school. When thinking along these lines, seek advice from the university about what additional prerequisites you may need for specific postgraduate programs.

English majors may find an outlet for their creativity in the field of advertising and/or marketing. Entry-level management positions are receptive to bright, liberal arts majors. Non-profit organizations are another sector where liberal arts majors can put their creativity and sensitivity to work.

Those with a bit of wanderlust might consider a career in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Opportunities in this field exist both at home and abroad. For those who love writing but not literature study, the field of technical writing is wide open. Every product we buy has instructions and information for the consumer. Someone is writing this stuff. It could be you!

One of the best Web sites I have found is Nebraska Center for Writers http://mockingbird.creighton.edu/NCW/career.htm

This site has two areas of interest:

1. A four-page bibliography including the following titles, just to name a few.
   • Aside from Teaching, What in the World Can You Do?
   • Career Choices for Students of English
   • English: The Pre-Professional Major
   • Making it in the Media Professions
2. A Link called Jobs for Writers (http://mockingbird.creighton.edu/NCW/jobs.htm) which displays a list of jobs and careers as well as agencies and Web links and sites where you can get more detailed information.

As an English teacher, I'll give you my candid view on that career. Teachers must be student-centered individuals. Teaching English is not so much about showing what you as the teacher know as it is about getting students to show what they know. An English teacher takes the love of language and literature and tries to instill that into students, but above all the teacher's duty is to help students read, write, speak, listen, and think well enough to pursue the things they love.