English, Writing and Rhetoric...Oh My!

 So I thought this would be a perfect major for today seeing as how today is Charles Dickens' 200th Birthday, according to Google. Dickens was one of the greatest English novelists back in the Victorian Era. You can read more about him and his legacy here. (But after you finish the blog :))

Ah, the major that most Americans have learned about first, probably before they even knew it could be a major or an area that one could work in-- English.When I meet with students who have an interest in English, mainly their first response is similar to what they think of most humanity/liberal arts majors: “What can you do with an English major?” Well, let’s look at the world a little differently. What if we did not have English majors. How would things be? 

 

Well for one, I would be a bit worried for businesses who have to write proposals for their companies.They may have slight trouble fully expressing their plan to the higher-ups. An English or writing background can help here.

The President of the United States may have a hard time delivering a speech to the country next time he has something of great importance to share with the world.No speech if there’s no team of writers.

What about manuals? Who creates those? Well, you guessed it, usually a person with a background in English or writing. Remember back when you were a kid and you studied Aesop's fables or nursery rhymes, or short stories like the “Boxcar Children” and “Babysitters Club”(I may be dating myself a bit)....no author= no favorite books.

English majors don’t just read. Yes, they usually become professionals at that after college, however there are many areas that one can work in. From being an English or Writing and Rhetoric major, you gain 4 important skills that can be used in many positions. --Reading, Writing, Critical Thinking, and Speaking.

Here are some Related Careers:

Acquisitions Manager

Advertising Copywriter

Art Bibliographer

Critic

Editor

Copywriter

Grant Writer

Historical Interpreter

Journalist

Librarian

Media Relations

Information Specialist

Technical Writer

Sales Promotion Specialist

Teacher

Professor

University Relations Administrator

Proofreader

Press Representative

Speech Writer

Interviewer

News Broadcaster

Comedian (or ghostwriter)

Filmmaker

Children’s Literature Writer

Researcher

Internet Blogger

 Tips for success in English and related fields of interest

o   A major in English can be good preparation for continued graduate or professional training in areas such as English, law, political science/government

o   Public administration, psychology, counseling, communications, and religious studies (i.e., seminary)

o   Develop a specialty area of interest via additional coursework and/or work experience for greater marketability within that specific career field.

o   Save samples of written work to be used for a portfolio.

o   Be prepared to be proactive, determined, assertive, and confident in order to secure freelance writing opportunities.

o   Cultivate other career opportunities in order to supplement a freelance writing income.

For more information about these majors check out this link.