Careers and Planning for English Literature Majors
"Poetry is the best preparation for law school." Maybe this is not every lawyer's view, or experience, but we hear such comments, or something similar, too often to ignore them. The study of literature takes the student into the world of language and art, philosophy and religion, the history of ideas and human events, the workings of politics and psychology. But it also prepares the student well for the world beyond college, whether in a graduate program or a job. A major in English gives students a distinct practical advantage, in fact.
Many medical and law schools, for example, have found that highly specialized undergraduate preparation does not serve students as well as a program that emphasizes critical thinking, clear and logical self-expression, and sensitive evaluation and analysis of other people's ideas and words—in short, the practices and skills that the study of English literature demands and develops in students.
Similarly, successful business careers result from more than an MBA: without competent communication skills and a high degree of literacy, graduates of reputable business schools struggle to find and keep jobs. A background in literary studies often enhances not only reading and writing facility but also organizational and administrative proficiency.
In short, a major in English is not impractical or "artsy" but excellent preparation for professional life and—whatever path you choose—a life of the mind.
Our Literature majors have done university internships:
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
CAPA Academic Center
America Reads
School of Nursing
Writing Center
Sterling House Publishing
Office of Special Events
Career Possibilities for English majors include:
Advertising
Archives and records management
Community relations
Computer systems analyst
Congressional aide
Copyediting
Copywriting
Editor, editorial assistant
Free-lance writer
Lexicographer
Management occupations
Medical secretary
Paralegal
Personnel officer/director
Press relations
Publishing occupations
Radio/TV coordinator
Teacher
writer
Underwriter
