It’s no secret that we ,English students, go on to make great journalists, copywriters, editors and authors, but what if you don’t fancy any of those? Luckily, your degree hasn’t closed any doors – if anything it’s propping them open! Here are some career ideas you might not have considered as an English student or a recent graduate:
1. Public Sector
As English students quickly discover, our field of study doesn’t often have clear-cut answers. Like, for example, we’ve all been through lecturers telling us that the point of few we pick for our essays is a correct one, if we support it with evidence. Excelling in managing conflicting viewpoints and navigating intricate arguments is a forte, and these skills align well with the demands of working in the public sector.
Moreover, graduates in English tend to be adept communicators, a valuable attribute applicable in various aspects of life, particularly crucial in the public sector where the ability to impact numerous lives is significant.
The realm of public sector work is diverse too! National and local levels, encompassing areas such as politics, project planning, public relations, and administration. While salaries may generally be somewhat lower than those in the private sector, there are enticing opportunities, including dynamic graduate programs like the Civil Service Fast Stream. An added perk is the sense of fulfillment, as each day concludes with the knowledge that you’ve contributed to making a positive difference in your country. That, in itself, is quite remarkable!
2. Marketing and PR
Perhaps you’ve already considered this, but if you believe that business isn’t up to par for marketing, reconsider. According to a survey of English graduates employed full-time six months post-graduation, 15.4% found themselves working in the marketing sector – the second-highest percentage across all industries.
This outcome isn’t surprising when you consider that English students excel at communication, a skill crucial in marketing, where the manipulation of words and images is used to influences people. After all, that’s precisely what we, English students, have been studying for years.
Like any employment sector, there’s a lot of options. Opportunities exist within businesses, handling their marketing, and in standalone PR firms that manage campaigns for numerous clients.
Irrespective of the organisation – be it a charity, retailer, or manufacturer – a marketing team is indispensable. In this sector, the possibilities are vast.
3. Law
The legal field extends far beyond attorneys; it involves a comprehensive network of professionals like paralegals, legal secretaries, ushers, court reporters, and more - all contributing to each court case. What’s particularly appealing is that none of these roles require a law degree.
As an English graduate, your meticulous attention to detail, capacity to decipher complex written material, and research skills acquired during your degree can position you as a valuable asset in a legal firm or courtroom.
Given the competitiveness of the legal sector, showcasing a sustained interest in law, such as involvement in a university society or contributing to a political blog, can enhance your prospects.
If you’ve concluded that a career as a lawyer is your aspiration, it’s not too late to enhance your employability. Law conversion courses, like the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), are tailored to guide non-law graduates toward becoming practicing lawyers.
4. Social Media
English students have long played a significant role in the media industry, finding opportunities in film, television, and radio. Notably, renowned director Christopher Nolan was once an undergraduate in English Literature! Impressive, isn’t it?
In today’s graduate market, the internet has revolutionised the media landscape, providing businesses with the ability to engage with their customers in real-time. Naturally, they require individuals to navigate this intricate process for them.
This is where English graduates come into play: possessing a keen understanding of audience reception and the skill to effectively convey messages. What more could a business desire from their social media expert?
These are particularly appealing if you’re considering a career in journalism. Social media has become a crucial platform for news, and engaging in blog writing and management provides a solid foundation in content creation, a valuable asset in today’s media landscape.
5. Finance and Administration
Doing something with numbers as an English student? Absolutely! If the idea of navigating a comprehensive Excel spreadsheet doesn’t evoke dread (and you hold a solid GCSE in Maths), your English degree could seamlessly qualify you for a data-intensive role.
Do you recall the times when you had to delve into two novels, three papers, and four entire textbooks for your end-of-module essay? Handling substantial volumes of information is second nature to English students; we adeptly identify broad patterns and themes across diverse mediums while attending to intricate details. Replace letters with numbers, and you’ll find yourself fitting well into a finance-oriented job.
If you relished engaging in research during your degree, a career in accounting might align perfectly with your skills. While linguistic students might seem more naturally suited to such roles, there’s nothing preventing a data-loving Literature graduate from choosing this career path as well.