What do you do?

I just finished reading I'm an English Major... Now What?, and I thought it did a great job of describing some of the many careers open to English majors. It's certainly true that not many who study English end up in academia. So I'm curious -- what do you do? And how does your English degree help with what you do now?

I'll start: I'm an editor for a medical nonprofit professional organization. I mostly edit our books and other guidelines for physicians.

Brace yourself. I'm in Customer Service. How did I get here? I was desperate to get a job and I've stayed for 9 years now. Why do I stay? For the money. I take a lot of abuse but I'm paid well for it. Every six months I have that whole 'be more happy but with less money' conversation with myself and consider a change. But I never take the plunge. The job market can be a scary place. I'm actually surprised at how I use my English background here. It's very helpful in my written communication with customers. Even associates ask me to proofread items from time to time. You might be surprised what goes out in memos, etc. Sometimes I have delusions of finally completing my Great American Novel and going on a book tour. But that's just my inner 'Walter Mitty' coming out.

Oddly enough, I'm an English major who actually works in a related field. :) I'm a technical writer. I write software documentation for small software companies. It's a lot of fun and a great use of my skills. Been doing it for about 8 years now.

I'm technically still a student (going for my English M.A. this year) but am planning on going into a career in library work -- whether archives or public librarianship is still in question. I hold a job year-round as the archivist for my university's public service center, and over the summer I've also been working in Special Collections at my university library.

I'm in marketing for a non-profit. It is a lot more data analytics then writing so every day is challenging. But I like it and I think I still use my english degree quite a bit. I'm asked to do a lot of proofreading and editing for other departments in the organization.

i was a very happy person until they gave me the standard binet IQ test in 1956. Then everyone tried to force me to go to college. Of course, I switched from college prep to business. After the US Army I went through my B.A. in English Lit at FSU and added a M.A. from UCF later. I used the learning in my life career of writing and editing for some score or more newspapers and magazines. Now retired, I publish a book once a year. see:

www.andyray.net

(post script: I too believe in the job not the money. I deliberately stayed with small publications and was the literal "big fish" in the small pond. Got more out of life this way!)

In my day job i manage global software development projects, and have to communicate across cultures. Clear speaking and writing is very important, but even more important is clear thought (a struggle for me!), the ability to be decisive but not arrogant, maintaining close control, etc. -- most folks in the field are much more technical than me, but i find i can get along with an English degree and just pick up whatever else i need along the way. Most of my communication involves getting people to relax, trust each other, and then work as efficiently as possible in teams spread out across the world.

Honestly, my English background is put to more use outside of daily duties - like when i'm asked to write speeches for political candidates, write up elevator pitches, create proposals, create marketing, etc. Like another poster, sometimes i'm also asked to proofread, but that has more to do with being methodical and meticulous than with having an English degree.

Like the rest of you, i also dream of finishing a novel, sailing around the world, and writing more fiction set in global locales.

I work as a communications analyst for a nonprofit think tank. That means I help researchers in very technical fields translate their work into language that policymakers and laypeople can understand.

But, since I didn't get my Ph.D. for the money anyway, I'm still active as an independent scholar. These days I work primarily on Donne, but I am increasingly getting involved in Tolkien and myth criticism.

Unfortunately, I do not really use my English background at all. I was never into anything that required it. I work at a bookstore as a clerk, but I'm hoping to work at a college at some point in an administrative capacity.

I training to be a librarian, currently a library assistant in an academic library.

I'm new to this group, but I thought I'd join in. After getting my M.A., I now teach high school English and LOVE it.

I'm a chartered accountant. I was all set for academia but changed my mind for various reasons halfway through an MA. I use the "skills" I learnt as un undergrad - analysis, argument, communication - pretty much every day.

Reference librarian in a public library. Finished my English degree, worked as library parapro to see if I liked it, did the MLS, and stayed.

Well, I suppose I'm the traditional one--I got my M.A. a few years ago, and now teach Contemporary Lit. at a university. I thought I'd go into teaching high school or publishing after my M.A., but I literally got addicted to teaching as a T.A. and couldn't imagine leaving it behind. Now, I teach full-time, work summers at a local theater, and publish poetry in lit. journals occasionally. I've also just finished applying to PhD programs, so we'll see where I end up...

I am a lawyer. I feel that my English degree really helped me with law school. As you can imagine most of what I do requires a lot of reading and writing.

I received my English degree in 2001 and taught for a few years. I finished my master's in social work last year. I am in a weird position now where I know I'm moving in July, so I've been substituting this year and really enjoying it. It's a pretty easy gig. When I move I will more than likely look for work at the university and/or libraries. No desire to go into social work right now. I always have felt like my background in English has helped me throughout my life and my careers.

I'm currently an English/ Learning Skills tutor at a university and working nights at a video & record store, which I'll be resigning from tomorrow. I'll be getting my TEFL certificate this summer and hopefully begin teaching abroad shortly thereafter.

Immediately after graduation, I began work at Kentucky Fried Chicken.

I live an enchanted life.

how about an English minor? I'll be doing student teaching and getting my MA next year, and I'd like to work with elementary/middle school students with a focus on reading/learning disabilities...

oh, and my first job was at Picnic 'n Chicken!

I got my BA in English waaay back in '97. Substituted for about four months, managed a convenience store for about nine months, then did the TESL thing in S. Korea for six months, did customer service for two years and have worked as a network technician for the past seven.

Gave up a free ride to graduate school somewhere in there because I was tired of living in poverty. Regretted it. Won a scholarship two years ago and have been picking away at a MA in Humanities/Lit. Will be finished later this year and begin graduate study in TESOL soon thereafter. We'll see where the wind blows after that.

I'm currently an English major (undergrad), but *fingers crossed* graduate in May. After a year off, the plan is grad school straight through to Ph.D. Then, professorship!

I have already had a great chance to use my English major however; as I wrote for The New York Times Company for 3 years. (I didn't go straight through undergrad. I did 1 year, then dropped out and came back 5 years later.)

Hook 'em Horns!

I got my BA in English and philosophy last year, started on my PhD in 19th century British lit this year, I'm set to graduate in 2013.... if all goes according to plan.

I'm got my English degree in 2006 and now I'm working at a medical school... writing science articles and acting as one of the Dean's writers.

I've got to say, it's the most fun I could have with my degree. I vacillated between biology and English, settled on English, and here I am, immersed in both worlds! Had no idea my degree would allow me to still be "involved" in science.

I earned my English degree in 1985. I began working in a hospital lab as a clerk a few months later. After a couple of years, I began the decision process about my next educational step. I earned my BS in Nursing in 1994. I've used my English background in every position I've ever held. I'm learning how to "play" with software in my current position.

No matter what, I just keep learning. It keeps me interested and marketable.

Ooh glad I found this group!

Well, I have a double major in English and Anthro (BA), and an Honours in English (seperate degree in NZ). Right now, I'm not working because of medical reasons, but before I found myself in insurance - it was hideous. I hated it. The only good thing about getting sick, was having to walk from that job. I'm not sure what I want to do in the future - work with animals I think, and definitely write.

I really want to go back to Uni and do a Masters in Creative Writing. I tossed and turned over PHD's and becoming a lecturer and so forth, but...but, but, but. And I know I don't want to teach in a high school. I did the degree because I just love English, and I'm one of those directionless sorts.

I'm an undergrad English major and I work in the school library. But I will be a professor after the PhD.

I think that, if I had it all to do over again, I would've searched for a university with an English department that offered a degree with a linguistics emphasis. Linguistics and languages are my true love.

I'm an expatriate English teacher. I love living abroad and traveling and trying new things, but eventually I'll go home and settle down... I think.

I began an English undergraduate degree 11 years ago, decided in second year that it was taking me nowhere and that living a "regular" 9-5 job was good enough. Boy, did I ever regret that decision! The 9-5 job is great if you don't have a creative yearning and need to search for more meaning in life aside from earning money and paying bills. After working as a legal assistant throughout my 20s, I went back to university a few years ago and picked up right where I left off. I've decided to pursue a master's degree in English after this. I learned the hard way that doing what you love is more important and the sacrifices will eventually be worth it.

I have a BA in English and philosophy, and MA in English (20th cen. American lit), and partial PhD work. I was all set to become a professor when I realized academia wasn't for me. Now I work as a librarian and am working on an MLIS.

Technically, I'm not an English major yet, just working on the basic required coures (American and British Lit) in high school...I'm hoping to double-major in English-language literature and anthropology, get an M.A. in something (folklore? anthropology? English?) and work in a museum. Maybe.

I had a 30-year career as an editor, working on books for book publishers, lesson content and teachers' manuals for an educational software company, technical documentation for a computer company, and all kinds of things as a freelancer. I'm retired now, but I still edit things for fun and profit and also out of an unshakable compulsion to mark up errors in other people's copy.

After teaching and newspaper writing, I've been a technical writer and editor for 30 years. Right now I edit technical manuals for the army.

Have a BA in English with a minor in Communications (print journalism emphasis). Where I live, writing and editing jobs are hard to come by, so I spent six years working for small-town newspapers with a job in advertising mixed in. Eleven years ago, I lucked out and was hired as a technical editor for an education company, editing digital curriculum, books, catalogs, user guides, etc.

Eight years ago, I received a technical and marketing writing position in that same company. We focus on hands-on education, so I get to do things like build and write user guides for catapults, robots, and rockets as well as write catalog copy, press releases, and ad copy. Since my science and tech background is weak, I was a bit intimidated at first. I've discovered I really enjoy learning how things work and translating it for middle school and high school students.

The ability to write to a variety of audiences has been a tremendous benefit in my career, and the editors love that cleanup on my work is minimal due to an understanding of the language. I have found that coworkers appreciate English skills more than HR.

Sorry, here's a clarification: I build the catapults and such, and write the user guides (though I guess I do build them too – in InDesign).

Technical writing is increasing in demand as an essential skill, especially if the U.S. economy must rely upon innovations to maintain a foothold in the global arena. As one who dabbles in the philosophy of logic and a teacher of gifted high school students, I value technical writing in both pastime and career. In general, a B.A. in English opens the doors of opportunity in virtually every field as communication is arguably the most critical study for the preservation of humanity. Next to medical studies, improvement in speaking and listening will keep civilization healthy and sane.

I have done what most English majors do best - I have written. In the corporate world, I worked for the CEO of four companies all dealing with commercial mortgage banking. In academia, I was the president's executive assistant, which provided a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into the running of a small liberal arts university. I have discovered that English majors are a valuable commodity in precise communication.

I applaud your activity of fine-tuning the mind. The fact that you have business knowledge certainly helped you in the advisory capacity of running an educational institution, which is obviously a tremendous financial responsibility. In commerce, the seller needs accurate descriptions in advertising products to bolster buyer confidence. I know from my own experience of buying books on Amazon that a seller's detailed blurb of the book's condition is very much appreciated. At times I will purchase the book even if it is in poor condition based upon the honest, succinct reporting of the seller. For English majors, writing advertisements may be a gravitating option for long term employment.

I'm an academic librarian at a health sciences university. After graduating with my BA in English, I went on to get a master's degree in library and information science. I didn't plan to end up in a health sciences library, but it's been working out well for over three years now. Next year, I plan to go back to school (part time and paid for by my employer) to get an EdD in Higher Education Leadership.

Through all of this, my English degree has definitely helped me. The researching/critical thinking/communication skills inherent in my undergrad courses have been invaluable.

I'm a novelist and freelance English tutor who works primarily with middle and high school students. There's actually a big market for English tutors, particularly around college app season when students come to me to help shape and refine their application essays. It's not a job that'll make anyone rich, but it has its moments.

I concur with you, Jim. At public libraries and community centers, there are numerous opportunities for tutoring positions. For part-time work this is ideal. Certainly plumbers make more, but to build young minds and see the positive consequences, however deferred, is worth the effort.

I'm finishing up my English BA right now and heading into grad school and a teaching internship so after next year I will finally be a high school English teacher. Most English majors at my university go into teaching or professional writing.

Hello everyone. After I somehow survived what I call college 1.0 (I had issues!), I ended up in the “real world” working as an accountant. Hated it. Been there; done that; got the lawsuit. Midlife crisis time sent me back to school. It’s amazing how awesome college 2.0 can be when you’re 40 and motivated to learn something that you actually enjoy! My double major (B.A. English, B.A. Spanish) was completed at Arizona State, which is so huge that I could take lots of linguistics classes. Given my interest in language acquisition, that was very fortunate. Hey, it’s not all about literature and composition! Now I’m an ESL instructor, which doesn’t pay worth diddly. Hoping to go to grad school in the not-too-distant future. Hoping to make an acquaintance or two from here as well.

at 42 Hi Kelli. Hmm . . . Is it up to the two of us to resurrect this thread or even this group? I’m Brian. What courses are you taking these days? I always find that interesting. The different approaches that English majors take to fulfill the requirements and electives, that is.

Yes it is very interesting. Well I took a theory course (of course) a while back but currently I'm in a writing course which is focused on how to teach writing to students. It's really interesting because it's not actually focused on the three paragraph essay, which most high schoolers or high school alumni would say is the culmination of their writing experience. I'm also taking a Shakespeare course which has thus far proven to be mostly focused on critically analyzing his works. That is to say, it is rather boring. I love books discussions and wish I had more English courses like that this semester. Alas, this professor seems to have her answers in mind before she asks her questions. Shame. I am a TESOL minor btw, so I'll be teaching ESL hopefully sometime in the near future also.

at 45 Very cool. Yeah, Michigan State, Arizona State, and the University of Minnesota, are, I think, the three biggest universities in the country. The good news out of that being that there should be no shortage of linguistics courses at these places. So many people with English degrees know almost next to nothing about linguistics, and that is a shame: I don’t see how anyone can teach ESL well without at least some cursory knowledge of linguistics, especially phonology. (That’s just my two cents’ worth.) As far as literature goes, I only had one theory course, and it was, unfortunately, only available as an online course. Anyway, I wish I had taken it earlier on in my college career! It’s a very helpful topic for us, I think.

I was a business major who changed her major to English my senior year in college. I graduated in '89 and was lucky enough to spend the next 20 years as a Marketing Director for a group of independent bookshops, until they closed in '09. Now I work for a group that promotes local, independent businesses and help nonprofits communicate better.