Value of an English Major
All of our English course offerings help students hone their ability to observe, analyze, synthesize, and communicate ideas. Literature classes explore the question of what it means to be human and enlarge our understanding of ourselves and others. Writing classes develop the skills needed to convey what we know with clarity and precision. These English skills are the "hidden agenda" behind most career successes. Professionals can go only so far in most fields before their English skills will determine their ability to advance. Employers recognize this fact, making an English major a valuable asset in any job search.
Possible Fields and Careers
Some fields that specifically lend themselves to English major's skills:
- administration
- advertising
- business
- broadcasting
- communication
- copy writing
- counseling
- creative writing
- drama
- editing
- free lance writing
- history
- law
- philosophy
- politics
- psychology
- public relations
- publishing
- social work
- speech
- teaching (all levels)
- technical writing
While English majors often think of teaching and writing related jobs, they may not realize how vital English is in careers such as law, psychological counseling, and the emerging fields in technology. The skills needed to become a successful lawyer--the ability to observe, analyze, define, summarize, focus, and persuade--are all analytical skills taught in English courses. Lawyers spend much of their professional time writing briefs. An English major would definitely enter this field with an advantage. The ability to observe and analyze human behavior taught in literature courses is also the same skill needed in a good psychological counselor. The ability to respond to inference and tone is also similar in the two fields. In fact, anyone pursuing a career that depends on people skills would benefit from such training. Finally, the expanding fields in technology ultimately will require more, not less, emphasis on writing skills. Employers in these fields need people with good English skills to create, write, and edit the content in the materials they produce.
Transfer Advice
If you want to become an English Major at a four-year college or university, (1) fulfill the requirements for our two-year transfer degree, (2) take English classes in your areas of interest, and (3) check with the school you intend to transfer to for its requirements. (Note: Establishing an ongoing contact with a specific advisor at your intended transfer institution is also a good idea.)
Valuable Activities
If you are planning on a career in teaching, consider becoming a tutor in our reading or writing lab. This will give you hands on experience in working with a wide variety of students. You also might consider volunteering to be part of our academic peer tutoring program
If you are interested in writing, working on the editorial staff of our school newspaper, The Jibsheet, or our creative writing magazine, Arnazella, would prove beneficial.
You might also explore opportunities in radio broadcasting through classes or volunteer work at our radio station, KBCS FM 91.3, Bellevue Community College's radio station.
Site updated: October 30, 2008
Site maintained by: Janis Juarez
e-mail to: jjuarez@bellevuecollege.edu
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