Career Options

English Literature graduates can start a career in a variety of fields such as public relations, business and teaching. Furthermore, students who major in English literature can choose to become a writer or editor for online publications, magazines, advertising agencies or corporations. The creative writer can opt for a job as the author of children's books or novels.

Writers and Editors

Writers and editors develop material for online publications, newsletters and trade journals, as well as books, magazines and newspapers. Whether they write articles, textbook chapters, video game text or biographies, writers perform research, organize their material and present it in a style appropriate to the medium to convey a message. Editors review and edit writing for clarity, grammar, content and style. Writers and editors may work heavily with electronic publishing software, multimedia software and scanners.

Publishing and print journalism, traditional industries for English majors, have been experiencing crisis and change. Alternative markets and media, however, provide additional opportunities for English majors interested in working in the competitive writing and editing fields. Writers and editors work in marketing and communications departments in private industry. They work in electronic publishing, and they write and edit advertising copy. Writers and editors with a scientific or technical background can find many opportunities in technical writing and editing.

Job Outlook for Writers and Editors

Competition for writing and editing jobs is stiff, and the market isn't experiencing swift expansion. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), employment opportunities are expected to increase 3% for writers and decline by 2% for editors from 2012-2022. For journalist reporters and correspondents, employment is expected to decline 14% over the same period. Enjoying better prospects, jobs for technical writers are projected to increase by 15% within that decade.

Business Occupations and Public Relations Specialist

English major skills are useful in numerous business professions that require strong writing skills and analytical abilities. Many businesses are willing to train candidates with these essential strengths in the business acumen and procedural knowledge related to entry-level business positions. English majors write and edit grants, perform administrative tasks and develop marketing materials, among other duties.

Public relations, marketing, advertising and promotions attract many English majors due to the centrality of writing and creativity in these business fields. Public relations specialists strive to build a positive relationship with the public and other organizations through media presence and other avenues, such as community participation. Creative and media services departments employ English majors with creative writing talent.