What Can You Do with a Major in English?: Real People. Real Job. Real Rewards.

by Shelley O'Hara

Your guide to glide from campus to career

You've probably never seen a help wanted ad seeking an "English major." But if you're considering majoring in English or have an English degree, don't let that discourage you. Many interesting and exciting positions are available for people with your skills--including some that will surprise you. This book gives you what you need to seize those opportunities. It goes beyond basic, generic job primers to
* Advice on college and curriculum choices--courses, internships, and more
* Tips to energize your job search
* Profiles of real graduates, their jobs, and how they got them
* Up-close and professional input from a publisher, journalist, speech writer, librarian, and literary agent
* Overviews of typical salary levels, hours, and work environments
* Extensive additional resources including Web sites, professional organizations, periodicals, and more


With practical information plus enlightening perspectives from professionals who have already put their English degrees to work, What Can You Do with a Major in English? helps you determine the type of job you really want. Then, whether you're just starting college, close to graduation, or already in the workforce and looking for a more rewarding position, you can make decisions that will speed you toward your career goals.

114 pages, Paperback

First published February 4, 2005

Reviews

[Morgan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not the best-written book I've read, and there was a major problem w/ the printing--there are large gaps between words and letters, making some parts difficult to read. I was reading this (not for me--I've earned a BA and MA in English) for some advisees who are struggling with their major. And, I'd thought it might be helpful for me to use when recruiting possible majors or minors. However, it's definitely geared for high schoolers contemplating choosing a major and has some good advice. What I was hoping for, though, were concrete career paths and some possible statistics (e.g. "10 out of 15 English majors were hired right out of college!" or something like that).

[VampAmber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Considering this was a book intended for somebody interested in a degree in English, the writing wasn't very good, and the editing was terrible. I noticed at least a dozen typos, and I'm sure I missed a lot more than that. I'd give it a two star rating, except that it did have some good information, once you dug through the slog of repetitive and relatively pointless information this book was full of. I can't help but call the bulk of it filler, because that's exactly how it read. Not bad enough to be two stars, but not good enough to truly earn three stars.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much of this I skimmed, as the first three chapters (well, for me the first four, since I've already been accepted to another graduate program) are targeted for students who are about to go to college or are just beginning college courses.

The most valuable portions for me were the ones that broke down possible growth in particular job sectors as well as those that gave web sites and information regarding job searches and writers organizations. Other than that, everything else was information I already knew.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is useful if you're new to college and want to research different subjects before picking a major. It includes tips on choosing a school and getting hired to a job, as well as an overview of majoring in English (what courses you might take, career possibilities, et cetera).

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just wish I had read this my first year of college.