- Alumni Discuss Their Career Paths
- Career Paths for English Majors
- The English Internship
- Ph.D. Job Placements
- Rhetoric & Composition Placements
- Study Abroad Opportunities
Department Internship Coordinator: Dr. Elizabeth Koonce
Live your dream: An undergraduate degree in English provides a strong foundation for many careers
Rather than simply being an obvious training ground for students who wish to be writers, editors, teachers, or professors, the undergraduate English major provides the necessary critical thinking, writing, analytical and communication skills associated with a wide variety of future career paths. This includes job opportunities in business and industry, as well as careers in public relations, journalism, advertising, non-profit organizations, entertainment, technology industries, radio and television commentary, government careers, law, public administration, library science, and museum curation.
Because the English major offers so many diverse opportunities, it is important that students begin thinking about where they might want their degree to lead them early on. The key to successful career planning is to start early in exploring potential job interests (even as soon as your first year!). One way to begin this process is to pursue coursework, internships, and workshops that can assist in achieving your career goals. Yet, another key is to network with professionals in the areas of your career interest.
Both the Ohio University English Department and the Student Success Team provide services particularly designed to assist you in exploring your career potential. These services include workshops, career coaching, and opportunities to network with English Department alumni.
- See Career Paths for English Majors for details about how to prepare for writing careers in a variety of fields.
Secondary Teaching
Ohio University offers a master's program with licensure for those who want to teach adolescent to young-adult education. Students can get an undergraduate degree in English from the College of Arts & Sciences, followed by a master's degree with licensure from the Patton College of Education.
Individualized Career Coaching for Arts & Sciences Students
College of Arts & Sciences students can take advantage of individualized career coaching, with many resources to help them prepare for successful lives. Students with liberal arts degrees are highly sought after because they are educated to think critically and become problem solvers for 21st century issues.
- Make an appointment with OHIO's Career Services , by logging into Handshake !
Career Paths for English Majors
Writing and Editing
- Creative Writing
- Books
- Poetry
- Plays
- Screenplays
- Scripts
- Greeting Cards
- Lyrics/Jingle Writing
- Journalism
- Writing/Reporting
- Editing
- Technical Writing
- Science and Medical Writing
- Freelance Writing
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- Broadcast media companies including television, radio, and the movie industry
- Trade, professional, or consumer publications
- Internet sites
- Large corporations
- Government agencies including:
- Department of Homeland Security
- Department of Defense
- Department of State
- Veterans Affairs
- National Archives and Records Admin.
- Universities and university presses
- Technical industries
- Self-employed/Freelance
How to Prepare for Writing & Editing Careers
- Select elective coursework in a particular area of interest.
- Write for campus publications such as college newspapers, magazines, or departmental or program newsletters.
- Volunteer to assist or tutor students in a writing center.
- For technical writing positions obtain a concentration in technical writing. Take science and/or computer courses to gain knowledge about technical areas and trends.
- Become familiar with the proposal writing and submission process involved in freelance writing.
- Gain as much experience as possible through volunteer positions, internships, or part-time jobs.
- Demonstrate patience and persistence in starting a career in creative writing.
Education Careers
- Teaching
- Administration
- Student Affairs
- Academic Advising
- Information/Library Science
- Non-classroom Teaching
- Tutoring
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Public schools
- Private schools
- Colleges and universities
- Language institutes, local and abroad
- Libraries
- Museums
- Private learning centers
- Test preparation organizations
- Nonprofit organizations involved with literacy
How to Prepare for Education Careers
- Obtain appropriate state certification for public school teaching. Earn certifications to teach multiple subjects or age groups for increased job opportunities.
- Earn a master's or doctorate degree for post-secondary teaching. Maintain a high grade point average and secure strong faculty recommendations for graduate school.
- Plan to attend graduate school in college student personnel or information science for those fields.
- Seek volunteer experiences working with children through Big Brother/Sister programs, tutoring, summer camps, YMCA's, etc.
- Participate in activities such as debate or literary clubs, campus publications, or student government.
- Get involved in roles of leadership such as resident advisor, peer mentor, student adviser, etc.
Publishing Careers
- Editing
- Advertising
- Sales
- Circulation
- Production
- Publicity
- Marketing
- Promotion
- Administration
- Trade publishing
- Special interest magazines
- Trade magazines
- Association magazines
- Sunday newspaper supplements
- Educational publishing
- Religious books and magazines
- Professional and scholarly publishing
- University presses
- Independent publishers
- Alternative media publishers including:
- E-books
- Audiobooks
How to Prepare for Publishing Careers
- Obtain an internship in the publishing industry.
- Participate in a summer publishing institute.
- Develop word processing, editing, and desktop publishing skills; build additional technical skills if working in an online environment.
- Gain experience by writing for student publications such as the newspaper, creative writing magazines, the yearbook, etc.
- Conduct an informational interview with or shadow a professional in the publishing industry.
- Look for positions with local dailies and alternative weeklies in the community.
- Volunteer to write or edit publications with local nonprofit organizations to gain experience.
- Develop extensive grammar and language skills.
- Be prepared to relocate to cities with a publishing presence. A large majority of opportunities exist in New York City.
- Research the publishing industry to learn more about career ladders.
Advertising Careers
- Creative Services
- Copy Writing
- Art Direction
- Account Management
- Media
- Account Planning
- Production
- Advertising agencies
- In-house agencies of large companies
How to Prepare for Advertising Careers
- Demonstrate talent, persistence, assertiveness, and enthusiasm.
- Be prepared to start in an entry-level position.
- Obtain strong statistics background for market research positions.
- Create a portfolio of writing showing originality and imagination for creative positions.
- Gain knowledge of various media, contemporary tastes, and trends.
- Obtain experience with campus newspaper, TV, or radio.
- Participate in sales and promotions for student organizations or private businesses.
- Complete an internship in a market research firm or advertising agency.
- Supplement curriculum with courses in business (marketing, economics, mathematics), art, or graphic design.
Public Relations Careers
- Account Coordination
- Writing/Editing
- Media Relations
- Account Management
- Public relations firms
- Advertising agencies
- In-house public relations departments
- Trade associations
- Colleges and universities
- Nonprofit organizations
- Government agencies
How to Prepare for Public Relation Careers
- Obtain internship or other relevant work experience to break into this field. Be prepared to start at the bottom and work towards higher levels.
- Develop strong research skills, public speaking ability, enthusiasm, and interpersonal skills.
- Supplement curriculum with business courses.
- Become an effective team member by working on group projects for campus organizations.
- Volunteer to write publications for nonprofit or student organizations.
Business Careers
- Management
- Sales
- Marketing
- Human Resources
- Insurance
- Claims
- Underwriting
- Business organizations including banks, real estate agencies, insurance firms, and large and small corporations
- Retailers including department, grocery, drug, specialty, variety, and book stores
How to Prepare for Business Careers
- Obtain a business minor.
- Gain relevant experience through part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work.
- Secure leadership roles in campus organizations and student professional associations.
- Seek experience as a financial officer or treasurer of a campus organization.
- Develop strong analytical and computer skills.
Law and Legal Careers
- Law Assistance
- Prosecution
- Defense
- Contractual
- Corporate
- Nonprofit or Public Interest
- Government
- Mediation
- Lobbying
- Law firms
- Government agencies
- State and local government
- Corporations
- Public interest organizations
- Private practice
- Colleges and universities
How to Prepare for Legal Careers
- Participate in a debate or forensic team to hone communication skills.
- Develop strong research skills and attention to detail.
- Take courses in and gain experience with mediation and conflict resolution.
- Get involved with pre-law organizations.
- Obtain a summer or part-time job in a law firm.
- Plan to shadow an attorney to learn more about the field and various specialties.
- Complete special training requirements for paralegal positions.
- Attend law school and earn a JD to become an attorney. Maintain an excellent grade point average and secure strong faculty recommendations to gain law school admittance. Plan to take the LSAT.