Careers in English Studies
A Liberal Arts degree with an English major prepares students for a variety of jobs in a vast range of professions (see our list of famous English Majors). Graduates of Illinois State University’s Department of English learn transferable skills that make them easily marketable. Students are encouraged to declare a minor that matches their career aspirations with the English major. Qualities and skills of successful English majors include:
- Accuracy, coherence and clarity in speech and writing
- Ability to understand jargon and make it accessible
- Problem solving
- Creativity
- Honesty and integrity
- Strong work ethic
- Teamwork skills
- Analytical skills
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Computer skills
- Attentive to details
- Abstract thinking and the ability to develop hypotheses
- Presentation skills
- Independent thinking
According to the Occupational Outlook handbook, from 1994 to 2004 jobs in publishing industries grew by 3.8%. Projections from 2004 to 2014 say the growth will increase by 6.6%. Newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers grew by .9% from 1994 to 2004. Projections for 2004 to 2014 show an increase of 3.1%. Internet and other information services are expected to increase by 8.5% from 2004 to 2014. Independent artists, writers, and performers are expected to increase by 3.4% in the same period.
The most recent labor statistics and projections may be found at the Occupational Outlook Handbook website, sponsored by the United States Department of Labor. http://www.bls.gov/oco/.
You can also read stories from some of our recent alumni about their experiences after graduation.
See also...
For more information about careers for English major, and help preparing for
your job search, visit the Illinois State Career Center on the web at
http://www.careercenter.ilstu.edu/students/