What To Do with an English Degree | Advice for English Graduate Students

[@evaserna6421]

When asked, “What’s your major?” of course, my response is “I’m an English Major” their face doesn’t light up as they would if I said, “engineering” or “nursing”. Being an English major takes skill, it’s important to know proper grammar, communication skills, and writing. Overall, I enjoyed listening to their advice when job searching.

[@taylo206]

Eva Serna Great! Wear it with pride. You may very well be working alongside engineers one day (like us!).

[@VideosOfRandomContext]

Tbh I’m a little embarrassed to tell people what my major is lol :|

[@victorreyes5240]

It seems that knowing how to write well can be universal in any workplace.

[@Tht-Raptor]

Thanks. I hv enjoyed tht convrsatn🥰

[@michelleboon7646]

This is super helpful for recognizing the worth of an English degree. After years of people telling me that English degrees are a dime a dozen, that English is not an "employable" major, or people assuming that all you can do with an English major is teach, I felt like I was pursuing a BA in literature purely for my love of books and language. I thought that a Masters or professional certificate was absolutely mandatory in order to stand a chance at starting a career. I'm still in that super funky and fresh stage of post-grad where I don't feel qualified for anything, and it feels like I'll never find a job, but this really helped me identify skills I honed throughout my undergrad.

[@christianjaidar]

It’s been so long how have u been what can you say?

[@YazminA.Sanchez]

It's weird to admit that writing properly is a useful skill, I'm a Senior, and it still doesn't appear to be something that no one else can do. I do believe that after four years, I'm not doing something exceptional. It's good to hear that IT IS something special and that no, not everyone has that skill. Thank you for telling me that I'm studying something real and not something that everyone believes isn't useful.

[@taylo206]

Yazmin Sanchez We hear from business leaders every day who say that their employees struggle with writing. We’ve written a lot about why writing and grammar still matter on our blog. Check it out! Https://untoldcontent.com/blog. Thanks!

[@lr3285]

This is a very influential video. These two English majors are great examples for all to follow. These young women are making the greatest difference for young children, teenagers, and for adults. Writing is underrated.💯❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@taylo206]

Thank you, LR! What a lovely compliment!

[@MsKimiV]

This video of yours has really opened my eyes to the several skills that must be attained for future works in the English field. I think many who watch this video will agree that this imformation is good to know, because in all honesty I knew nothing about the working world im the English field. You guys touched upon several skills that are useful to have, and it has shown me what I need to do in the future, so thank you.

[@taylo206]

You’re welcome, Kim Villa!!

[@rstdayanne]

I'm an incoming freshman English major this year, and I'm really nervous and worried. Writing is really my passion, and I really wanted to pursue it. Thank you for giving such incredible advices!!

[@taylo206]

You got this!

[@elainedarlenereyna905]

It isn’t a shocker when people question, “Why English?” English is not only the dominant language I speak, but it is a fundamental of all things literary, art, and creativity. Being an English major has allowed me to continue to grow in academic and creative writing, analyses & thought processes, and has helped me continue to obtain and build a handful of skills. It is neat knowing that I can put my B.A. to great use in an infinite spectrum of jobs and not just teaching. I really found the job seeking portion interesting, because their advice really helps if one is to find themselves stuck in a pickle. There are different tactics and approaches to use in order to attack a certain obstacle, and it helps listening to these women discuss these important individual subjects whilst giving amazing tips!

[@taylo206]

Thanks, Elaine Darlene Reyna! We are so glad you got a lot out of the video. The options are endless for English majors. Keep us updated on your professional journey!

[@aimgold9866]

I really appreciate that you that you talked about various things when it comes down to recognizing the skills we have as English Majors and also the tips on how these skills tie into the job field. Thank you for all the tips, I really enjoyed learning and really appreciate your insight on this!

[@sabrinabazan8946]

I really agree on what was said about English majors being able to do so much with what we've learned. I remember this past semester one of my professors talked about English majors being some of the most critical thinkers. It was said in a way to laugh about which is really funny, but it was also really eye opening. The fact that I am an English major explains a lot of other traits such as overthinking things and over-analyzing issues. I really enjoyed the video!

[@taylo206]

Sabrina Rivera Yes, critical thinking is critical (forgive the pun) to so many industries. It’s a skill that we English majors need to be sure we demonstrate and communicate to others.

[@kimberlyprintess2259]

I am very happy to be an English Major this video was so encouraging!

[@pahtpahtpp7532]

Thank you so much. Your video has opened my eyes to know more about careers with an English degree.

[@vanaranas8138]

This is such a big help! Thanks so much for sharing your expertise, knowledge and passion. All the best and God bless you both and your company.

[@jackiem.e2558]

Thanking you for sharing your insight about the world of being a graduated English major!

[@calypsokane150]

Thank you both so much for illustrating the options we have as English majors and the tips to hold onto as we graduate. I would never have thought of putting together a writing portfolio using case studies!

[@taylo206]

Yes to portfolios!

[@bianca_la]

Thank you for your advice on ownership. It's refreshing to hear that our creative works belong to us.

[@rewjohn9996]

Hi, planning here to take an English Language, as I enter and face college life, thanks for the insights and other opportunities I could get someday. But I'm still nervous on other things like my grammar and vocabulary , it's like I'm lacking and I really need orientation and guidance to pursue this Major. Hahaha

[@taylo206]

Thanks for your comment, Rew John! We would love to see you in our self-paced online writing course: untoldcontent.com/wordsmith. It may give you that confidence-boost you're looking for (and a certificate to add to your resume).

[@daciacepeda161]

Thank you for sharing this. It will help me out in the future when I graduate!!(:

[@MicaTheGamer]

I earned my English BA last year and haven’t been able to find a job (even minimum wage). I’m either under or over qualified with not enough experience. I believe my skills are useful but employers don’t seem to. Any advice? I’m making myself go back to school to get a single subject teaching credential even though it isn’t what I want. (We all have to live and make money though)

[@anthonyrapalo9963]

Mica how old are you? Do you know how to use excel, for example.

[@MicaTheGamer]

Anthony Rapalo I am 24. Yes, I know how to use excel. Why?

[@anthonyrapalo9963]

You’re relatively young. I think if I was in your shoes, I would go back & get an information systems degree -should take you like 2yrs. Another option, take a semester of Microsoft applications and project management. Then, get certified in project management & apply for those job roles. I work in healthcare, and we just hired someone like this. Good luck 🙂

[@MicaTheGamer]

Anthony Rapalo Thank you for the advice! 😊

[@taylo206]

Don't give up, Mica. How many positions have you applied for? To put things in perspective: I applied to 30-50 academic jobs, interviewed with 5-6, and got 2 offers. (This is coming from Katie Trauth Taylor, CEO of Untold Content). We also recommend network (a lot) on LinkedIn. Make sure you have a professional portfolio and sharp resume. Reach out and connect with contacts at companies you are interested in working for. Ask if there are internship opportunities. Get your foot in the door. I know times are especially more challenging now during the pandemic--so work those virtual networking spaces as much as possible. Best of luck to you.

[@jacobsoliz7934]

Thank you for sharing and explaining all of this wonderful and helpful information!

[@eevaaashmi6250]

Proud english major From Nepal

[@roxannarivers]

Wow! it was interesting to note how submitting an academic paper, research paper, or literary analysis would not be the smartest things to do when submitting an example of one of your writings for a job. Instead, a case study sounds like something an employer would be able to use more effectively to assess candidates writing strengths and capabilities.

[@taylo206]

roxanna rios Exactly! A case study helps any reader understand how content solves problems and how your thinking can be adapted to different situations. Thanks for watching!!

[@kimberlyprintess2259]

very useful please make more videos like this

[@nomDePlume999]

English majors ftw 🙌 subscribed

[@davebehaveok]

The part when they talk about content and the portfolio I found the most interesting. But I was thinking are there other ways to display your writing on a universal platform so anyone can see it? Ive noticed that alot of writers and authors have blogs and web pages that showcases their work and abilities. Would making something like that be the equivalent to a portfolio in showcasing your work?

[@taylo206]

David Martinez Yes! Digital portfolios are the future.

[@Heyitsmehyuppp]

I really appreciate the advice that was given about what to submit when applying for a job. That is a question that has been on my mind while job searching. "Should I submit one of my papers?' but now I know not to do that.

[@taylo206]

Claire Sharpe And you know, writing samples are definitely important! We share them with our clients all the time. But most of our clients will start by asking for case studies!

[@sarojtube]

Can you make video On syntax tree

[@sarahh_danielle_]

Where can you find these type of jobs, or what would you search?

[@sarojtube]

I am having problem making syntax trees

[@amin.n2723]

You said proper writing is one of the top three most wanted skills by employers, what are the remaining two?

[@austinb3560]

I’m just worried that if I graduate with an English degree, I won’t be able to find a well paying job. But nice vid

[@foxeswozere]

Hallo! Aside from teaching English, you can apply as a content writer, hr manager, hr assistant, technical writer, flight attendant, paralegal, social media manager, pr assistant, pr manager, grant writer, fund raiser, secretary, stenographer/captioner, events organizer/manager, researcher, copywriter, proofreader, and a publishing manager :)

[@MagickalMermaid]

You can also apply for human resources, learning & development trainer, manager, almost anything supervisor due to the critical thinking and logical thought processes that go into our major. The English degree really doesn't have a limit.

[@walkwithmisuk]

Wow.. Amazing, as an future English major I'd like to do a job related to management 😃 wish me luck ❤️

[@sarojtube]

How to be good at syntax

[@eaac-zhangjack192]

i like your vedio

[@AllenAdrianTompkins]

This is very insightful information. I am struggling between self publishing andTransitioning to traditional publishing or another paid venue to offset medical expenses. I am a recent graduate students of English and creative writing, but I have run into some dead ends. So I continue writing independently on my own without publishing, only an occasional KZbin video and blogging illustrations from Prior children stories, poetry, and editing fictional novels for LGBTQ and marginalized individuals with neuro diversity.Every résumé that I sent to academia has not been reply to since 2019 because I don’t have an MFA or am limited in public venues due to Covid or just dispositions as a writer. I hope to hear from you and thank you for being there.

[@JJDK485]

Try copywriting and marketing, even if you don't like sales-related stuff, just make it temporary work until you've found something better.