English graduates are proficient in the English Language which enables them to communicate effectively in both the written and spoken word. In addition to good English language skills, they can read and interpret data, and formulate arguments. This proves advantageous in careers that require a strong grasp of English and good analytical skills. The media and communications industry for instance, offers many career opportunities for English graduates from copywriter, reporter to public relations specialist. These jobs require the ability to analyse the psychographics of target audiences and appeal to them with the appropriate use of the English language.
However, since English is a non-vocational course, English graduates should strive to gain other skills, especially technical ones that are industry-specific. For instance, those seeking to work in theatre may want to learn scriptwriting techniques or expand their knowledge on stage production. It is also advantageous for English graduates to have a basic understanding of how businesses operate.
Jobs in other fields
English graduates will also excel in marketing and public relations, or as grant writers who write research proposals to request for funding for causes or organisations. These careers require strong communication and persuasion skills and a background in English will greatly assist in communicating the organisation’s mission and vision to prospective investors.
The proliferation and use of social media today has created more opportunities for those who are fluent in English. From bloggers to social media specialists, opportunities are growing for those who are able to carve a niche for themselves in the social media space. As this space is constantly evolving, knowledge of marketing and advertising would be an advantage for those who are passionate about social media.
If you can speak other languages fluently, you can also consider becoming a translator or an interpreter. You can translate written materials to or from English, or assist non-English speakers at events. If you love travelling and have good people skills, you can even become a tour guide!
In addition, English graduates can also teach English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to those who want to be able to communicate in English. More people are trying to break cultural barriers by equipping themselves with more than one language and will be grateful to learn from someone who can help them understand the numerous tricky grammatical structures in English. If you want to teach EFL, you will have to take additional courses and training to be qualified as an EFL teacher.
Bear in mind that even if an English degree may be unconventional, many employers generally accept graduates of any discipline unless it requires specialised knowledge in fields like law and engineering. Even so, English graduates can consider doing additional graduate study in those fields if they are strongly motivated to do so.
Indeed, the career opportunities for English graduates are limitless. Most, if not all industries, thrive from having employees with good English skills especially when English is widely used as a medium of communication. If you can, speak to those currently pursuing English degrees to find out what an English degree involves or speak to a career counsellor if you need more information on career prospects.
