Career Development and Calling

English Literature and Writing

English
English Department Home Page
 

A career in English is ideal for a liberal-arts student with problem-solving, creative thinking, management, and communication skills. These functional transferable skills combined with specific content knowledge in an area of specialization are extremely marketable in today's market.

 
 

What is Your Focus?

Here's how to build skills as a Bethel student that will prepare you to compete for some of the most popular English/Journalism jobs today.

Writing / Editing / Journalism

Job Titles:
Freelance Writer. Editor, Journalist, Reporter, Technical Writer, Critic

Potential Employers:
Newspapers, Magazines, Publishing Houses, Periodicals

Strategies:

  • Gain writing experience with on-campus publications
  • Develop a portfolio of writing samples
  • Intern at a newspaper or magazine

Library

Job Titles:
Librarian, Informational Specialist, Document Analyst

Potential Employers:
Historical Societies, Schools, Public Libraries, Law Firms, Businesses, Churches

Strategies:

  • Pursue graduate programs in library and information science
  • Volunteer at a local library to familiarize self with programs and databases
  • Consider a double major or minor in history

Publishing

Job Titles:
Publisher, Editorial Assistant, Circulation Specialist, Advertising/Publicity Coordinator

Potential Employers:
Publishing Houses

Strategies:

  • Gain experience on campus with print production
  • Intern at a publishing house
  • Show written communication skills by creating portfolio
  • Consider a minor in business

Education

Job Titles:
Teacher, Professor

Potential Employers:
Public/Private Schools, Universities, ESL Centers

Strategies:

  • Gain licensure for the state (K-12)
  • Pursue graduate programs in area of interest

Public Relations

Job Titles:
Trainer, Publicity Coordinator, Advertising Agent, Media Liaison, Speechwriter, Interviewer, Translator, Press Representative, Convention Coordinator

Potential Employers:
Businesses and Corporations, Government Agencies, Political Groups

Strategies:

  • Consider a minor in communications or media communications
  • Obtain an internship in the area of your choice

Employment Web Sites

General Career Exploration Website - O*Net
Spotlight on Careers Website (You must be logged into the Bethel network to receive access to this site.)

For current employment websites, type keywords such as "journalism employment" in an online search engine.

Internships

Coffeehouse Press - Local non-profit publisher with a variety of internships. Recommend applying 6 months prior to when you would like to start.

Magazine Publishers of America (MPA) - The MPA is the industry association for consumer magazines. The internship listing are continually being updated and enhanced. The MPA represents more than 200 US-based publishing companies with more then 1,200 titles; more than 75 international companies; and more than 90 associate members providing services to the industry.

Women's Press - A Twin Cities based organization that connects women around the state. It has internships in publishing and management.

Professional Associations

Need More Info?

For more information or assistance with an internship, graduate school or the job search process, please set up an appointment with a Career Counselor in the Office of Career Development and Calling by calling 651.638.6460 or stopping by CC322.

Adapted From:
http://www2.gasou.edu/sta/career
http://careers.wcu.edu/majors