The best jobs for English majors allow professionals to leverage their in-depth understanding of the language to get into rewarding careers. This degree opens doors to many possibilities that range from teaching to writing and everything in between. These jobs can be highly lucrative, creative, and fulfilling.
In this article, we’ll examine some of the best jobs for English majors based on the current economic conditions and the business climate. We’ll see what the requirements for jobs beyond a degree are, what additional skills you should have, and what the work is like. Without further ado, let’s jump in!
Key Takeaways
The best jobs for English majors reward their comprehensive language knowledge with fulfilling and lucrative careers.
Some of the most notable skills English majors have include writing, research, editing, attention to detail, critical thinking, and time management.
These jobs vary from copywriting and technical writing to journalism, content management, blogging, fundraising, and more.
One of the easiest ways to get a job for an English major is by submitting a resume and a cover letter to the employer who is hiring.
What Skills Do English Majors Have?
English majors develop a broad and diverse skill set that can help them enter many different careers. Some of the most prominent skills that English majors have include:
English Majors Skills
Writing skills. English students regularly write essays on various topics. This improves their writing skills, polishes their style, improves clarity, and helps them convey messages in a clear and concise manner. Writing skills are crucial in many careers, but especially in journalism, marketing, and copywriting.
Research skills. Studying for exams and writing papers requires plenty of research. This improves English students’ ability to analyze and interpret information before extracting valuable data.
Editing and proofreading. These hard skills are some of the biggest strengths of English majors. Frequently and attentively reviewing texts and essays helps correct mistakes and improve writing.
Attention to detail. Plenty of focused reading and concentrated proofreading boosts attention to detail, which is particularly important in editing and research-oriented professions.
Critical thinking. Frequently analyzing lengthy texts and challenging writing enhances the ability to understand and evaluate complex ideas and arguments. Critical thinking is vital in roles that require problem-solving and decision-making.
Time management. The ability to organize your time, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines improves time management and is essential to finishing your studies. This transferable skill is essential for every professional, but more so for those who work on time-sensitive projects.
11 Best Jobs for English Majors
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What can I do with an English degree besides teaching?” you’ll find the answer below. We prepared a list of the best jobs for English majors, outlining the requirements, salaries, outlooks, and more.
#1. Content Manager
Content managers are in charge of creating, organizing, and publishing content on various media, such as websites or social platforms. They look at the bigger picture, develop strategies, create content calendars, maintain consistency with brand voice, and ensure that everything aligns with business goals.
This is one of the best jobs for English majors who have strong management skills and one or more technical abilities, like SEO knowledge, data analysis, and digital marketing. Some of the core duties of content managers include coordinating content/projects with writers, video editors, digital designers, and marketing professionals.
Content management is one of the best-paying jobs for English majors, as the median salary is $90,000 per year, going up to $116,036 in California or $130,105 in Washington. The job outlook is around 10%, which results in about 33,700 new jobs each year.
#2. Technical Writer
Technical writers leverage their language skills and writing competence to create clear and precise technical documentation, such as product guides or user manuals. The main goal for these professionals is to bridge the gap between technical experts and end users. To achieve this, they need to convey complex ideas and terminology in a simple and digestible manner.
That’s why technical writers need in-depth knowledge of the product or service they write about. As such, even though this is one of the best jobs for English majors, it might also require an understanding of intricate science or engineering concepts in addition to linguistic prowess.
Technical writers have a median annual pay of $80,050 per year and a 4% job outlook, which is as fast as average. This amounts to about 4,100 new openings each year, and a strong technical writer resume can help you grab one of those spots.
#3. Editor
Editors oversee creation processes and review and revise content before it’s published. They can work for news and marketing agencies, publishers, media companies, corporate clients, and many others. The work involves editing and refining blog posts, ad copies, books, technical texts, website pages, and more.
This is one of the best jobs for English majors with outstanding language proficiency and exceptional attention to detail. Moreover, editors often need solid interpersonal and collaboration skills.
The median annual salary for editors is $75,020, and the job outlook is -2%. Despite that, there will still be around 9,300 projected openings each year between 2023 and 2033. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, you might also need some work experience in the field (typically no more than 5 years).
#4. Copywriter
Copywriting involves crafting persuasive text and marketing material for ads, websites, social media pages, and similar. It’s one of the most creative jobs for English majors, encompassing everything from writing descriptions for products and services to coming up with taglines and comments on social platforms.
To become a copywriter, you need knowledge of the language, writing skills, a keen eye for detail, an understanding of marketing principles, and familiarity with psychology and human reasoning and behavior. Highlighting those in your resume and copywriter cover letter will maximize your chances of getting a job.
Writers and authors, in general, have a median pay of $73,690 per year with a 5% positive job outlook. However, due to the nature of copywriting and its impact on businesses and their revenue, skilled professionals can make much more. High earning potential and creativity make this one of the best jobs for English majors.
#5. Public Relations Specialist
Public relations (PR) specialists manage the image of the person or organization they work for. They promote positive messages through media, social platforms, events, etc. This requires strong writing and persuasion skills, exceptional interpersonal abilities, media literacy, and knowledge of human psychology.
PR specialists have a median annual pay of $66,750 and a 6% job outlook. This growth is faster than average and results in about 27,100 new openings every year. You can get one of those spots by submitting a public relations resume and cover letter.
#6. Librarian
Librarians manage books and media, conduct research, and help people find information. This is a solid pick if you’re looking for government jobs for English majors, as librarians typically work for local governments, schools, and similar organizations.
As an English major looking to become a librarian, you should have solid organizational skills and research proficiency. On top of that, interpersonal skills are essential when helping library users.
Librarians have a median pay of $64,370 per year, and the job outlook is 3%, which is as fast as average. This amounts to about 13,300 openings annually. If you’re after one of these spots, you can maximize your chances with a strong librarian resume and cover letter.
#7. Fundraiser
Fundraisers typically work for nonprofits, organizing events and campaigns to secure funds. It’s one of the best jobs for English majors, where a degree can get you ahead of the competition. In addition to language skills, you typically need to be good at persuasive writing and speaking and have a foundational knowledge of psychology.
In addition to organizing events, fundraisers also need to maintain relationships with potential donors, oversee the creation of promotional material, and manage donor databases.
If you’re looking to become a fundraiser, you can expect a median annual pay of $64,160 with a 6% job outlook. This is faster than average and results in around 10,000 new openings in various fields ranging from healthcare to education.
#8. Paralegal
Paralegals support lawyers through various tasks, including research, document drafting, and file management. They need to have a foundational knowledge of legal concepts to prepare documents, communicate with clients, and more.
A typical requirement for an entry-level role is an associate’s degree, putting those with a bachelor’s degree ahead of the competition.
The median pay for paralegals is $60,970 per year, and the job outlook is 1%, which is slower than average. Despite limited employment growth, there will still be more than 37,000 new openings in the following years. Numerous openings and a low barrier of entry make paralegal one of the best entry-level jobs for English majors.
#9. ESL Teacher
ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers help non-native speakers learn and improve their English skills. They teach fundamental skills like listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Additionally, they can help students obtain the equivalent of a high school diploma.
This is one of the most straightforward careers for English majors, as the primary (and typically the only) requirement to enter is a bachelor’s degree. However, to boost your employability and be an exceptional ESL teacher, you should also have people skills and be patient and culturally responsive.
ESL teachers, including adult basic and secondary education teachers, can expect a median salary of $60,560 per year. The job outlook is -13%, which leaves about 4,100 new openings each year until 2033, making it vital to write and submit an outstanding ESL teacher resume that highlights your key strengths.
#10. Journalist
Journalists investigate and report on current events and important information. It is one of the best careers for English majors who want a fulfilling vocation of gathering information, conducting interviews, and synthesizing everything into stories. Journalism is also one of the best summer jobs for English majors, as many do it part-time or as their second job.
Journalism skills and traits needed for the profession extend beyond mere writing and analysis. These professionals need to be curious and inquisitive, have exceptional research skills, and have a strong work ethic.
In the current climate, the job outlook for journalists is declining, at -3% projected growth. However, that still leaves around 4,500 new openings per year, one of which can be secured with a well-written journalist resume and cover letter. Median annual pay is $57,500.
#11. Blogger
Bloggers create online content on topics they are knowledgeable or passionate about. They typically write posts for websites to inform readers and help pages rank on search engines. As such, the job requires expert-level proficiency on the subject and familiarity with content writing and SEO practices.
This is one of the best remote jobs for English majors, as all you need is a computer and internet connection, so many roles don’t require office work. It’s also one of the most fun jobs for English majors, as you can pick a topic you like and start your own blog as a side project before eventually turning it into a lucrative business.
How much bloggers earn varies considerably based on numerous factors, such as the number of posts, the age of the blog, the number of page views, etc., and it can range from pocket money to upward of $100,000 per month.
How to Get a Job as an English Major
One of the best ways to get a job as an English major is to submit a well-written resume and cover letter when you find a job ad. However, as there are many different roles and opportunities out there (even the most common jobs for English majors vastly differ), you should first identify your potential career path.
You can start by analyzing your skills, experience, and interests to determine which job would suit you best. For instance, some professionals are better at writing than speaking. Then, there are those who are looking for the best part-time jobs for English majors, while others aim for long-term employment.
If you’re a recent graduate looking for an entry-level position, you should write a resume and cover letter with no experience. These can help you highlight your skills and key strengths through internships, volunteering, academic accomplishments, and more.
For job searching, it’s often best to look up online job boards like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, or Monster. You can find positions on LinkedIn as well, where you can also network.
For a more proactive approach, you can browse the websites of the companies you want to join. Many organizations highlight when they have open positions and are hiring. Even if a company you wish to join isn’t hiring at the moment, you can send a resume to express your interest.
Final Thoughts
English majors possess varied skills that make them suitable for many roles. They are great at written and verbal communication, adept at research and analysis, creative, and meticulous. That’s why it should come as no surprise that the best jobs for English majors exist across many different industries.
By analyzing your strengths and career goals, you’ll quickly determine which path to take. From there, all you need is a solid resume and cover letter, and it won’t be long before you’ll be interviewing for the role you’re after. Best of luck!
