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I am an English major from the 90's and have a career in sales. I am one of the few sales people who can actually punctuate. You can take an English degree and do anything you want with it. I parlayed my critical thinking skills from being an English major into sales.

For example, why does the protagonist in the book that we just in class read do this or that? What is the underlying motive, what are the implications of the protagonist's action, etc. In my profession, I'm using the same line of questioning (different questions obviously) and the same critical thinking skills that I developed in college to understand why people do things, what their motivations are, and how to articulate a case for the solution that I am selling (much of which is in written format via email).

The world is your oyster as an English major.

I worked as an editor for a while, and now I'm a lawyer.

English BA from a big state school. First: technical writer. Then later: a great job as a software tester and software support rep. Much later: law school and became an attorney. I have relied on my English degree in every position as a result of the critical thinking skills, analysis and writing abilities, and language knowledge that the degree provided.

My college roommate was an English major. She has always worked in copy writing and branding, and is now the PR director of a major Manhattan real estate firm.

The head of my department has both a BA and an MA in English. We do data analytics for a media company. He started out in an editorial position and over time started managing digital projects and user design. He's written a book on the topic.

I'm a communications director at a large university.

I didn't expect a degree to get me a job. I hustled and was the managing editor of my student paper and wrote freelance articles for magazines, wire services and newspapers while in college. I got a newspaper fellowship and apent a summer working for a major paper.

When I got to DC, I got a job as the assistant editor of an alumni magazine based on the quality of my writing clips. I continued to freelance and to tutor in English to save money. Working at a university, I got tuition benefit for my master's degree. I stayed in universities, but did not stagnate in one job; I moved through units and changed institutions when I needed to.

I never thought for one minute that degree = job. I have always made it about gaining experience after experience and making connections.

Anonymous wrote:English degree from UVA here. I am stuck in admin hell.

OP, I’m also a UVA grad with an English degree. I did admin and entry level analyst roles early in my career. I’m now a director at a non-profit. How far into your career are you?

My brother-in-law has an English degree from UVA. He writes for television shows and writes fiction podcasts as a sideline.

Two in our family. My sister went on to medical school and is an internist. I worked on the Hill and now lobbying. Both of us are the breadwinners.

OP, English majors can pursue many paths. What career interests you?
Which plan did not work out for you?

Went on to get my PhD, now a tenured professor.

My sister has an MD and does clinical research. Many of her colleagues have liberal arts degrees, since writing and analytic skills are essential.

Two cousins with English degrees - one a technical writer, the other a professor

English degree from UVA here. I am stuck in admin hell.