English degree to law school. English is a great pre-law degree because it helped with writing an analytical skills. And reading and analytics are parts of the LSAT.

BUTthe market looked a lot better for lawyers 20-25 years ago when I made this decision. Today, I would not recommend that a kid go into law unless they do patent work(which is no help in OP’s case, because it requires an undergrad STEM major), are also a CPA, have the background to do tax law or otherwise have specialized skills they can use to enhance their marketability.

Sadly English major to law school is not a great path.

Anonymous wrote:Seriously? I make 200+ a year with an English degree. Granted, I’m 45 but, yes, you can be successful!

Same boat and my English degree isn't even from an Ivy! *gasp*

I always got the impression that companies were glad to get English majors.

My daughter doesn't have a degree in English but graduated from a private school where she learned to write. She is completing a PhD in economics while working at the Fed. She has written important reports and had many high level projects because of her writing abilities. She had to submit her dissertation only once because her advisors found it clear and understandable.

I suggest you try for jobs at organizations that employ economists.

Something to consider, OP. I met a very senior exec last week at a party. We were talking about our college kids and majors, etc. He told me that he instructs his hiring managers to look for English majors whenever possible. His words - "We can train people to do a job. But we don't have time to teach them to write". I thought that was really interesting. And no. I don't have an English degree.

Successful at what?

I have multiple degrees in archaeology and I have been successful at always having interesting work, working in several countries, and avoiding cubicles for ten years. The tradeoff is that the pay is very unimpressive (I will never have $2 million in retirement!). And now with a young family I find myself settling for relevant midlevel office jobs to have normal hours, limited travel, and better pay. Being financially successful, doing exciting work, and having good work life balance aren't always compatible, so you should probably figure out what success looks like to you first and strategize accordingly.

My undergrad degree was in English. Granted this was in the late 90s but it was a great degree. I did get my master's in something more science based. But I make a lot of money for a big consulting firm because of my writing and presentation skills. Being articulate is a huge skill set and as an English major, it shows that you like to read, think critically, and write, and that you've been building skills in those areas.

OP: What do you count as mediocre salary? You should be able to make in the 150k range with an ivy degree. Not much by some standards but still high salary compared to most.

If you are not having much luck getting a good job right now, have you considered perhaps going on to Grad school?

You might have a better shot w/a Masters Degree.

Or you could always try harder to network.
Networking plays a HUGE part in finding a good job.

My sister has an English degree from a highly regarded state university.

And a medical degree from an Ivy.

Duh, get some computer skills.

Seriously? I make 200+ a year with an English degree. Granted, I’m 45 but, yes, you can be successful!

22:28 again. BTW I majored in theology. Today I'm a senior researcher and I make 110k. Not much compared to some folks on DCUM but never thought I'd make six figures in my life!

OP, if you can write and reason well, you can be successful at a lot of things. But you have to figure out what path you're going to take first and then you have to network and talk to people doing that kind of work and figure out what skills and/or connections you need to get your foot in the door.

Humanities majors can succeed just like anyone else. The main thing though is that there is no one saying - oh you majored in English, here's a job you'd be good at. You have to figure out what you'd be good at and what you wouldn't mind doing. Then your training in writing and expressing yourself should help you.

Anonymous wrote:Nonsense. You have a brain and a strong liberal arts background. You should be able to use your analytical and writing skills in any profession you choose. Stop whining and looking for excuses. Go out and find your passion and pursue it.

Liberal Arts graduates are the top earners, btw. It is not motorcycle mechanic school where you learn one trade.

+ 1000. Find your passion and pursue it. You have to climb the ladder. Your IVY degree means nothing in business. Basics: work harder and smarter. Make other people lots of money, network. When you know you're near the top, ask for equity. Know your value.