I’m pursuing my degree in English (BA) and all I hear from my family is that a BA in English won’t get me anywhere and that I’ll end up “flipping burgers.” What are some career options for someone with a BA in English so I can prepare for life after graduation (and shut my family up!)
Ben, University of Arkansas
Hi Ben!
It's frustrating to hear discouraging comments from your family, especially about the path you’ve chosen in college. But we don’t hold with English degree slander here at VT! Rest assured, a BA in English opens up a variety of career paths. With a BA in English, you can become a Content Writer/Editor, Technical Writer, Copywriter, Public Relations Specialist, Teacher/Professor, Marketing Specialist, Content Strategist, Communications Coordinator and more. English as a degree path is anything but limiting! Your degree equips you with valuable skills in communication, analysis, and critical thinking, which are highly sought after in many industries. It’s all about knowing how to package them, especially in today’s more competitive job market. Here are four steps we suggest you take in order to maximize your hire-ability with your upcoming English degree.
1. Gain practical experience through internships in relevant fields.
From nonprofit work to corporate, getting experience as early as you can is always a good idea.
2. Build a strong portfolio showcasing your writing and other relevant work.
Creating a portfolio can be as simple as building a Wix site. Include whatever writing or editing projects you can and be sure to keep it updated as you find more work.
3. Network with professionals in your field and attend industry events.
I know you might want to stay home and read, but it really does pay to be social. Force yourself out at least once a week, if even just to hang out with classmates. You never know what doors you can unlock just by being present.
4. Stay updated with industry trends, consider additional skill development, and tailor your resume and cover letter to each job application.
There are a lot of resources out there to help you tailor your resume to different positions. Search for important key words
5. Be daring! Get out there, take chances, and keep your self confidence and positivity up!
It’s absolutely possible to have a lucrative, satisfying career with a BA in English. Just follow these steps and you’ll be well on your way to a more successful career (and finally getting your family off your back.)
Resources We Love
In order to prepare yourself for the World of Work, we suggest maximizing your skills to make your resume stand out. Strategic Personal Communication, Beyond Basics: Microsoft Excel, and Applied AI (let’s face it, it’s not going anywhere!) are all great classes to build skills.