Careers & Internships
Career Opportunities for English Majors
What career skills will you be building as an English major?
In a recent survey of English department graduates we asked a number of questions regarding career choices. We also asked what skills our past students learned in their classes that helped them in those careers. The responses indicated that skills in writing and communication were most often used in the work place. Analytical skills were also used quite often and in a variety of ways. The study of literature, although necessary for teaching and research, has given many students greater insights while pursuing other careers and a better understanding of the world in general.
"The skills in written and oral communication, especially the ability to formulate an organized and coherent argument give me an advantage over my colleagues who often have difficulties communicating-especially in writing." |
"I think that reading and analyzing from different perspectives in the English program made me a more sensitive and aware ‘reader’of clients' cases. Familiarity with analytical writing styles has also been a big plus." |
"[I found most useful the] problem solving skills developed through critical analysis of Shakespeare, Emerson and other great writers." |
"I've found the essays I wrote for American, Canadian and English Lit. helped me to form clear and succinct ideas. Also, the class I took on American Drama gave me a lot to think about, even today." |
What will the skills I learn in the English Department prepare me for?
The traditional field of education is still the career most sought after by English majors; however, business careers, representing 32% of graduates, are attainable and lucrative choices. English majors are requested for many jobs, from computer software companies to the Park Service and from law enforcement to lobbying. It's going to take some work from you to find out where you belong. Here are a few to look at as possibilities:
Business Communications
Editing
Media Consulltant
Technical Writing
Advertising
Public Relations
Business Management
Financial Analyst
Small Business Owner
Banking
Retail Management
Human Resources
Business Marketing
Sales Representative
Product Manager
The Media
Freelance Writing
Magazine/Newspaper Writing
Non-profit organizations & the arts
Writing Poetry, Fiction, Non-fiction
Arts Administration
Acting
Enjoy the educational atmosphere but don't want to teach?
Library Science
Media Services and Development
Administration
Counseling
Are your sights set on a "professional" career?
Law
Medicine
Social Work
What opportunities open up with an advanced degree?
Some professions require specialized training and the University of Utah offers a number of programs on a credit or non-credit basis. Over half of our students go on to complete various professional and academic graduate degrees and certification. Here are a few to consider:
M.A., M.F.A. Ph.D. (Programs in Literature, Rhetoric & Comp., Creative Writing & Linguistics)
M.D. (Medicine)
M.Ed. (Education)
M.S.W. (Social Work)
M.L.I.S. (Library Science)
M.B.A. (Business)
J.D. (Law)
M.P.A. (Public Administration)
Where do I go for help in making decisions about my career?
Without a clue as to what you want to do after college? Start with Educational Psychology 2610R-1: Career and Life Planning. This course is designed to help you explore your interests, abilities and aptitudes in relation to career goals. The College of Humanities will be offering two courses specifically for students majoring in our college. Look for HUM 3960: Successful Career Planning and 3970: Implementing a Job Search in the class schedule.
If you know what you want to do but don't know how to get there, read on for information on our internship resources.
"There's going to be a greater demand in 10 years for liberal arts majors than there were for programming majors and maybe even engineering."
— Mark Cuban, billionaire software developer and owner of the Dallas Mavericks
Internship Information and Resources
Department of English Internship Program
The Internship Program through the Department of English provides students with the opportunity to combine classroom learning and productive work experience in fields you may be interested in pursuing after graduation. A typical internship lasts for the duration of a semester, with a minimum of ten and a maximum of twenty hours per week. Students are required to register for school credit hours. During the course of their internship, students will be expected to produce a portfolio of their writing and other appropriate work, which will both warrant academic credit and be of value to the sponsoring company or non-profit organization. The English Internship Program requires that you complete an application available at the English Department front desk (3500 LNCO).
Watch for Opportunities from the Career & Professiona Development Center
The Career & Professional Development Center Internship Program is also an opportunity to work in companies or organizations while earning credit, gaining valuable experience, and, for most of the jobs, getting paid. To receive credit, students are required to create goals, submit weekly assignments, turn in supervisor evaluations, and write a final paper regarding the experience.
Visit the Career & Professional Development Center's Website
The Career & Professional Development Center has a team of friendly and professionally trained coaches that are here to help you maximize your potential by guiding you in imagining what it is you want to do and helping you craft a plan to achieve those goals. Check out their bios to learn about their diverse coaching focuses and backgrounds to find a coach that best meets your needs! After choosing one or more jobs, you'll meet with a coach to create a resume and applying for the position. Your advisor will guide you and your employer through the necessary steps to receive credit; however, if you use the Career & Professional Development Center for your internship, you are not obligated to register for credit.
Students are responsible for choosing a job, interviewing, and meeting with an internship advisor before, during, and after their employment. Job descriptions are posted in the Career & Professional Development office. In addition to the posted jobs, you have the option of creating an internship opportunity using a current job or activity. Please note that many jobs may not directly relate to your skills and experience as an English major. Look carefully at job descriptions to find the "career factor." In other words, look for new skills and experiences you can glean from the duties that may assist you in your career search.
Contact Us for More Information
If you would like more support in getting started, feel free to reach out to Brett Gaffney, the Career Coach who works most closely with the College of Humanities at BGaffney@sa.utah.edu.
