Creative Writing
Novels: fiction and nonfiction
Poetry, plays, screenplays, and scripts
Greeting cards
Lyrics/Jingle writing
Journalism:
Writing/Reporting
Editing
Critique
Freelance writing
Newspapers/Magazines
Broadcast media companies: television, radio, and movie
Trade, professional, or consumer publications
Internet sites
Government agencies
Departments of Homeland Security, Defense, and State
Veterans Affairs
National Archives and records administration
Universities and university presses
Technical industries
Self-employed/Freelance
Large corporations
Select elective coursework in a particular area of interest.
Write for campus publications such as college newspapers, magazines, or departmental or program newsletters.
Volunteer to assist or tutor students in a writing center.
Become familiar with the proposal writing and submission process involved in freelance writing.
Gain as much experience as possible through volunteer positions, internships, or part-time jobs.
Demonstrate patience and persistence in starting a career in creative writing.
Technical writing and editing
Science and medical writing
Grant and proposal writing
Software and hardware documentation
Information technology writing
Human-computer interface design
Corporate communications and training
Mechanical communication
Management, scientific, and technical consulting companies
Technical industries
Retailers including electronics
Engineering firms
Healthcare industry
Computer systems design companies
Software publishers
Self-employed/Freelance
Earn a bachelor’s degree with a focus in English, communication, or journalism. Complete coursework in technical communications.
Minor or take classes in science and/or computer science to learn about technical areas and trends.
Gain experience in a specialized field such as engineering, medicine, science, web design, or computer software.
Develop strong grammar and language skills; consider a second-language.
Obtain volunteer or internship experience as a research assistant in a technical information department.
Pursue a technical writing or editing internship.
Editing
Advertising
Sales
Circulation
Production
Publicity
Marketing
Promotion
Administration
Trade publishing
Special interest magazines
Trade magazines
Association magazines
Sunday newspaper supplements
Educational publishing
Religious books and magazines
Professional and scholarly publishing
University presses
Independent publishers
Alternative media publishers (e.g., e-books, audiobooks)
Obtain an internship in the publishing industry.
Participate in a summer publishing institute.
Develop proofreading, editing, and copy-editing skills; maintain current knowledge of digital production technology.
Gain experience by writing for student publications such as the newspaper, creative writing magazines, the yearbook, etc.
Conduct an informational interview with or shadow a professional in the publishing industry.
Look for positions with local dailies and alternative weeklies in the community.
Volunteer to write or edit publications with local nonprofit organizations to gain experience.
Be prepared to relocate to cities with a publishing presence. A large majority of opportunities exist in New York City.
Research the publishing industry to learn more about career ladders.
Higher education administration:
Admissions, financial aid, academic advising and support services
Student affairs (e.g., residence life, student activities, orientation, leadership, Greek life, multicultural programs)
Higher education administration continued:
Development and alumni affairs
International education and study abroad
Information/Library Science
Non-classroom Teaching
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Research
Teaching
Tutoring
Administration
Public and private K-12 schools
Colleges and universities
Language institutes, local and abroad
Libraries
Museums
Private learning centers
Test preparation organizations
Nonprofit organizations involved with literacy
Obtain appropriate state certification for public school teaching. Gain certifications to teach multiple subjects or age groups for increased job opportunities.
Earn a master’s or doctorate degree for post-secondary teaching.
Maintain a high grade point average and secure strong faculty recommendations for graduate school.
Plan to attend graduate school in college student personnel or information science for those fields.
Seek volunteer experiences working with children through Big Brother/Sister programs, tutoring, summer camps, YMCAs, etc.
Participate in activities such as debate or literary clubs, campus publications, or student government.
Pursue leadership roles such as resident advisor, peer mentor, student advisor, etc.
Creative Services
Copy Writing
Art Direction
Web Page Design
Account Management
Media
Account Planning
Production
Advertising agencies
In-house agencies of large companies
Demonstrate talent, persistence, assertiveness, and enthusiasm.
Obtain experience with campus media such as the newspaper, or TV, or radio station.
Be prepared to start in an entry-level position.
Develop strong statistics background for market research positions.
Create a portfolio of writing showing originality and imagination for creative positions.
Gain knowledge of various media, contemporary tastes, and trends.
Participate in sales and promotions for student organizations or private businesses.
Complete an internship in a market research firm or advertising agency.
Supplement curriculum with courses in advertising, communications, business, art, or graphic design.
Account coordination
Writing
Editing
Research
Media relations
Social media
Account Management
Fundraising
Public relations firms
Advertising agencies
In-house public relations departments
Trade associations
Colleges and universities
Nonprofit organizations
Government agencies
Obtain internship or other relevant work experience to break into this field.
Be prepared to start at the bottom and work for promotions.
Develop strong research, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
Seek experiences being self-directed and a team player.
Volunteer to write publications for nonprofit or student organizations.
Supplement curriculum with business courses.
Law assistance
Prosecution
Defense
Contractual
Corporate
Nonprofit or public interest
Government
Mediation
Lobbying
Law firms
State and local government
Corporations
Public interest organizations
Private practice
Colleges and universities
Participate in a debate or forensic team to hone communication skills.
Develop strong research skills and attention to detail.
Take courses in and gain experience with mediation and conflict resolution.
Get involved with pre-law organizations.
Obtain a summer or part-time job in a law firm.
Plan to shadow an attorney to learn more about the field and various specialties.
Complete special training requirements for paralegal positions.
Attend law school and earn a JD to become an attorney.
Maintain an excellent GPA and secure strong faculty recommendations to gain law
school admittance. Plan to take the LSAT.
Management
Customer service
Sales and marketing
Human resources
Insurance
Claims/Underwriting
Business organizations: banks, real estate agencies, insurance firms, and large and small corporations
Retailers: department, grocery, drug, specialty, variety, and book stores
Obtain a business minor.
Gain relevant experience through part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work.
Secure leadership roles in campus organizations and student professional associations.
Seek experience as a financial officer or treasurer of a campus organization.
Develop strong analytical and computer skills.
A bachelor’s degree in English is very broad and is sufficient for entry-level positions in business and industry, as well as in areas such as entertainment, radio and television commentary, and museum work. Because English can lead to many different career paths, it is important to identify an area of interest and plan to gain the right skills, experiences, and credentials to enter that field.
A major in English is also good preparation for continued graduate or professional training in areas such as English, law, political science/government, public administration, communications, religious studies (e.g., seminary).
Be proactive, determined, assertive, and confident in order to secure freelance writing opportunities. Writers typically experience many rejections for each piece that is accepted for publication. Save samples of written work to be used for a portfolio. Cultivate other career opportunities in order to supplement a freelance writing income.
Obtain additional areas of expertise such as journalism, broadcasting, technical writing, or politics for specialized positions.
Conduct informational interviews or shadow professionals in careers of interest to learn more about their jobs.
Join relevant professional associations. Attend their conferences and read journals.