English Majors Can Develop Valuable Career Skills
A degree in English can prepare you for numerous careers. To understand the value of such a degree, consider the transferable skills that are taught through liberal arts courses, skills that can be applied to a variety of occupations.
Specifically, English graduates can succeed in the workplace when they have developed the following skills:
- Analyzing, organizing, and interpreting information.
- Influencing the opinion of people through writing.
- Developing special skills and knowledge in one or more academic or vocational subjects.
- Presenting personal views or interpretations relating to such subjects as politics, social conditions, religion, plays, or other writings.
- Writing reports.
- Making decisions based on personal judgment.
- Speaking clearly and easily when interviewing people or broadcasting news events.
- Identifying the important and newsworthy aspects of a situation.
- Understanding, interpreting and applying legal procedures, principles, and laws.
- Dealing with all kinds of clients, juries, judges and lawyers to influence their opinions, attitudes, and judgments.
- Using an organized system for storing and accessing information in a variety of media.
Moreover, as Chanda Bishop, et al. (1996) point out, "The study of literature also provides a basic understanding of human nature; this is essential in any decision-making and problem solving process."
It shouldn't be surprising to learn, therefore, that English majors find work in a wide variety of fields.
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