Jobs for English Degree
English is a popular subject for college students to major in, but many individuals finish their education feeling a little unsure of where to head next career-wise and may feel limited to only a few career paths. Thanks to the skills English students develop, which include keen analytical and communication abilities, English graduates actually have a wider choice than they may realize.
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Copy Writing
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The field of copy writing is one sector where English graduates can utilize their skills in constructing clear and informative text. A range of businesses need people who can put together entertaining and concise copy that can appeal to a specified audience and convey information in a clear manner. An advertising agency, for example, might need writers who can come up with catchy turns of phrases to promote their products and services. Another company might employ technical writers to produce the copy for instructional manuals. Copy writers might be employed elsewhere to write leaflets or brochures for organizations in every sector from the travel industry to governmental health and safety departments.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2008, a salaried writer earns on average $53,070, while a writer working in advertising can expect around $58,740 a year.
Marketing
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Some English graduates go on to work in the marketing field, where they can apply their creative, analytical and communicative abilities to organize and run campaigns promoting the products and services of their clients. Specific jobs here include brand managers, individuals who oversee the marketing of a particular company and work to develop that brand's image. Other graduates might become account managers or media buyers, professionals concerned with the execution of advertising campaigns across various mediums. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2008, average earnings for marketing managers were around $108,580 per year.
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Teaching
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English graduates might choose to teach their subject in a public or private school. Becoming a public school teacher of any age group requires an individual to gain a license through an approved education program. Key to a teaching role is the ability to communicate to children and explain potentially complex issues to a class, so this kind of job requires a graduate to have retained a thorough passion for literature. Other teaching roles include lecturing at a college or similar institution. Earnings can vary, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2008, teachers received an average of $47,100 to $51,180 a year.
Publishing
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The field of publishing covers a number of job roles, spread across print media, broadcasting and the Internet. Publishing jobs include roles for journalists, who research and report on the latest news within a given industry, as well as the editors and sub-editors who proofread and commission work for publications. Other roles include the editorial assistants who help to organize publications and the production planners who control printing schedules and details. Salaries can vary widely, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2008, journalists typically earn $34,850 per year, while those working for publishing companies received an average of $49,280 each year.
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References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Authors, Writers, and Editors: Nature of the Work
- Exforsys: Career Center: Don't Know What To Do With Your English Degree?
- Kent University: Humanities Careers: What Can I Do With A Degree In English?
- Creative Pool: Brand Manager: Job Description, Salaries, Benefits and Useful Links
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers: Earnings
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Teachers---Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary
Resources
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