Career Options for English, Writing & Communication Majors

Writing & Editing

Career Areas
Creative writing (books, poetry, plays, screenplays, scripts, greeting cards, lyrics/jingles), journalism (writing, reporting, editing), technical writing (science and medical writing), and freelance writing.

Potential Employers
Newspapers, magazines, broadcast media companies including television, radio, and film; trade, professional, or consumer publications; internet-based organizations; large corporations; government agencies including the Departments of Homeland Security, Defense, State, Veterans Affairs, and the National Archives and Records Administration; universities and university presses; technical industries; and self-employed or freelance opportunities.

Strategies
Select elective coursework in areas of interest and write for campus publications such as newspapers, magazines, or departmental newsletters. Volunteer or work in a writing center to build experience and tutoring skills. Students interested in technical writing should consider a concentration in technical writing and take science or computer courses to gain subject-area knowledge. Become familiar with proposal writing and submission processes for freelance work, and gain experience through internships, volunteer positions, or part-time jobs. Demonstrating patience and persistence is essential, particularly for creative writing careers.

Education

Career Areas
Teaching, administration, student affairs, academic advising, information science, non-classroom teaching, and tutoring.

Potential Employers
Public and private schools, colleges and universities, language institutes (domestic and international), libraries, museums, private learning centers, test preparation organizations, and nonprofit organizations focused on literacy.

Strategies
Obtain appropriate state certification for public school teaching and consider earning certification in multiple subject areas or age groups to increase job opportunities. A master’s or doctoral degree is required for postsecondary teaching, and graduate study in student affairs or information science is recommended for those fields. Gain volunteer experience working with children through tutoring programs, summer camps, YMCA programs, or organizations such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Participate in school activities including debate teams, literary clubs, campus publications, or student government, and pursue leadership roles such as resident advisor, peer mentor, or student advisor. Maintaining a strong GPA and securing faculty recommendations is important for graduate school admission.

Publishing

Career Areas
Editing, advertising, sales, circulation, production, publicity, marketing, promotion, and administration.

Potential Employers
Trade publishers, special-interest magazines, trade and association magazines, newspaper supplements, educational publishers, religious and scholarly publishers, university presses, independent publishers, and alternative media publishers including e-books and audiobooks.

Strategies
Obtain internships in the publishing industry or participate in a summer publishing institute. Develop strong word processing, editing, grammar, and desktop publishing skills, and gain additional technical skills for digital or online environments. Write for student publications such as newspapers, literary magazines, or yearbooks, and volunteer to write or edit for local nonprofit organizations. Conduct informational interviews or job shadow publishing professionals, research career ladders within the industry, and be prepared to relocate to areas with a strong publishing presence.

Advertising

Career Areas
Creative services (copywriting and art direction), account management, media, account planning, and production.

Potential Employers
Advertising agencies and in-house marketing or advertising departments within large organizations.

Strategies
Demonstrate creativity, persistence, assertiveness, and enthusiasm, and be prepared to begin in an entry-level position. Creative roles require a strong portfolio showcasing originality and imagination. Gain experience through campus newspapers, television, or radio, and participate in sales and promotional activities for student organizations or private businesses. Students interested in market research should develop strong statistical skills, while coursework in marketing, economics, mathematics, art, or graphic design can strengthen preparation for advertising careers. Internships in advertising agencies or market research firms are strongly recommended.

Public Relations

Career Areas
Account coordination, writing and editing, media relations, and account management.

Potential Employers
Public relations firms, advertising agencies, in-house public relations departments, trade associations, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.

Strategies
Obtain internships or other relevant work experience to enter the field, and be prepared to start at an entry-level position. Develop strong research skills, public speaking abilities, enthusiasm, and interpersonal communication skills. Supplement coursework with business classes and build teamwork skills by participating in group projects and campus organizations. Volunteering to write or manage communications for student or nonprofit organizations can provide valuable experience.

Business

Career Areas
Management, sales, marketing, human resources, and insurance (claims and underwriting).

Potential Employers
Business organizations including banks, real estate agencies, insurance firms, and large or small corporations, as well as retail organizations such as department, grocery, specialty, and book stores.

Strategies
Consider earning a business minor and gain experience through part-time jobs, internships, or relevant volunteer work. Seek leadership roles in campus organizations and join student professional associations to build networks. Develop strong analytical and computer skills, and pursue roles such as financial officer or treasurer within student organizations to gain practical experience.

Law

Career Areas
Legal practice, corporate law, government, and public service.

Potential Employers
Law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and public service organizations.

Strategies
Develop strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to debate and speak publicly. Gain experience by organizing campus events, speakers, or political activities, and seek part-time or summer employment in law firms. Shadowing an attorney can provide insight into the profession. Paralegal roles require specialized training, while becoming an attorney requires earning a Juris Doctor (JD), maintaining a strong GPA, securing faculty recommendations, and preparing for the LSAT.

Helpful Advice for English Majors

A major in English provides strong preparation for graduate or professional study in areas such as English, law, political science, public administration, psychology, counseling, communications, and religious studies. Students are encouraged to develop a specialty area through additional coursework or work experience and to save writing samples for a professional portfolio. Freelance writers should be proactive, determined, and confident, recognizing that rejection is common and supplemental career opportunities may be necessary. Additional expertise in journalism, broadcasting, technical writing, or politics can enhance marketability. Entry-level positions are typical in advertising and public relations, while a bachelor’s degree in English qualifies graduates for many business and industry roles. Teacher certification is required for public school teaching, and graduate degrees are required for college-level teaching. Informational interviews and job shadowing are valuable ways to explore career paths.