Will an english degree actually get me anywhere?

Question

I've always wanted to be a writer, but have come to the grim realization that there is not really any work in this field. Besides being an editor or, god forbid, a high school english teacher, is there really any work out there?

And nevermind the avatar.

Answer 1

You might want to try teaching EFL (English as a Foreign Language.) If you want to travel, like adventure and experiencing different cultures, you'd be able to get a job in a country like, say, China. Also, it could provide good material for an aspiring writer

Try the links below.
(I did it for over 20 years - in Iran, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.)

Answer 2

The English degree will not get you a job as a writer. However, it could get you some sort of work, possibly based on the very idea of having persisted to a degree, which will pay your way in life while you write your stories. For example, most secretaries and mid-level administrative people have some BA or BS degree, but nobody much cares what degree.

However, the education in English, as distinguished from the degree, may indeed make you a good writer, if you let it. Don't count too much on the idea that just because you spend four years in a college which creates baby-courses in English just so people have something to put on their resume, and which considers "creativity" more important than craftsmanship, or puts political correctness above both, you have gotten a good education in English. You need to seek out the really good teachers, the really challenging courses, and the best within yourself for four years, and see if that doesn't turn you into a good writer.

Or you could possibly get a job in journalism, even with an English degree, particularly if you take a journalism minor.

Answer 3

I have a BA and MA in English. And professors were always pointing out the career possibilities in the field. Some have already been suggested (technical writing and journalism), others have not (becoming a lawyer). My personal opinion is that English majors make great librarians. Assuming you're an English major because you love to read...then librarianship is the perfect field...you're surrounded by books...and you get to help people 'discover' books and reading.

Answer 4

No, unless you go the teaching route, there really is not. And you are right, the writing venue (fiction, non fiction, journalism) IS VERY difficult to succeed in and make a decent living at, unless you are a top editor at a MAJOR newspaper, and mny of those people are now getting the ax. You might want to think about going into something else entirely.

Answer 5

I was an English major (graduated in 93) I worked in retail and taught. I went back to school and got a Masters degree in Library and Information science and am a librarian so here's a great option!

Answer 6

I have two friends with degrees in English. One is an International Import Specialist with US Customs and the other one is a Detective Sgt. with the Chicago Police Department. They are good friends and good people. In other words, there are other options for you.

Answer 7

Check out how many authors' actually have degrees in English Lit and you may be surprised. It is really a good thing because you are one up on people who have no conception of storyline, plots or conclusions.

Answer 8

Writers are born every day. If you have something to write you absolutely should give it a shot. You can work for a publishing house, copywriter, newspapers, bookstores, etc. Good luck figuring out what you want to do.

Answer 9

Gets you to talk proper like wot i do, seriously a good degree is worth the effort, i would presume an english degree could be the foundation of a prospect of employment in the journalistic area of the media/ tv. advertising ect. certainly it would not hurt your cv tp have one ,would it. regards LF

Answer 10

Hey, when you find out let me know b/c I'm also an english major and have no clue what I'm going to do with it.

Good Luck