English Literature and Writing

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:
Bussinesses and Corporations, Government Agendies, Political Groups

Strategies:

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

English Employment Web Sites

General Career Exploration Website - http://online.onetcenter.org
Spotlight on Careers Website - www.spotlightoncareers.org

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

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 one of the Counselors in the Office of Career Services by calling 651.638.6460 or stopping by CC322.

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