Career Opportunities

A recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers lists written communication skills as the single most desirable attribute any employer seeks. Similarly, Google’s Project Oxygen revealed the seven top characteristics of success at Google are all soft skills cultivated by humanities degrees including communicating and listening well, possessing insights into others, particularly those with different values and points of view, and being able to make connections across complex ideas. An undergraduate degree in English provides exactly those skills.

Additionally, a degree in English is good preparation for graduate study in English, as well as other areas such as, law, education, public administration, or business. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are imperative for most careers related to non-profits, education, law and business. Gain experience in fundraising and grant writing techniques. Nonprofit and educational organizations are often funded in this manner. Part-time and summer jobs, internships, and volunteer positions are critical to gaining the experience and skills that employers seek.

Bachelor-Level Job Titles

• Editor
• Fundraiser
• High School Teacher
• Human Resource Specialist
• Library Technician
• Proof Readers and Copy Markers
• Public Relations Specialist
• Reporters and Correspondents
• Research Assistant
• Social Media Coordinator
• Staff and Legislative Assistant
• Technical Writer

Graduate and Professional Level Job Titles

• Advertising Executive
• Attorney
• College Professor or Administrator
• Copywriter
• Director of Communications
• Public Policy Specialist

Professional Associations and Resources

• Association of American Publishers
• International Association of Professional Writers and Editors
• Modern Language Association
• National Council of Teachers of English
• Society for Technical Communication

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.