Careers

Why English?

The biggest challenge of the degree, of course, is discovering how to make it work for you.

You might add a minor (Business? Native American Studies? Computer Science? Art Education?) to augment your studies and increase your options as you begin your job search.

Ideally you'll complement your degree with practical experience. Perhaps you'll do research with an Irish Studies professor or write for the Kaimin. Maybe you'll run voting drives with MontPIRG or pitch an idea in the John Ruffatto Business Startup Challenge. There are so many ways to apply and enrich the English major.

Our majors work in many fields and do great things. They have continued on to nationally recognized graduate programs, started businesses, gone to law school, traveled abroad to teach, begun work in nonprofits, entered the publishing industry, become freelance writers and journalists, found jobs as marketing specialists and computer analysts, etc.

English provides a versatile and well-rounded foundation for the job market as surely as it can make you more alive to the beauties of our world and the possibilities of language.

As you move through our program, visit with your professors during office hours; beyond their advice, many have experiences that might surprise you. And go to the Office of Experiential Learning and Career Success (in Lommasson 154) early and often to explore what your future has in store.

What Can I Do with an English Degree?

Potential Career Paths:

  • Writing/Editing
  • Technical Communication
  • Grant Writing
  • Sales Management
  • Publishing
  • Speech Writing
  • Online Content Writing/Web Design
  • Education
  • Advertising
  • Public Relations
  • Business
  • Law

Skills:

  • Written and oral communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Time management and organization
  • Leading and participating in discussions
  • Understanding of social, cultural, and literary perspectives
  • Ability to read a body of work, critically evaluate it, and articulate an appropriate response