Often, when students declare an English major, they are met with a mix of intrigue and skepticism regarding their future job prospects. It’s a common question, echoing the sentiment from Avenue Q: “What do you do with a B.A. in English?” While some might immediately think of teaching, a noble and crucial profession, the reality is that an English degree opens doors to a far wider array of career paths.
So, what can you actually do with an English degree? To uncover the answer, we spoke with Katie Russo, the Career Education Manager for the College of Liberal Arts at Colorado State University (CSU) Career Center. As a liaison between the College of Liberal Arts and the Career Center, Ms. Russo provides invaluable guidance to liberal arts students on everything from job searches to graduate school applications, resume building, and overall career development. Her expertise offers a unique perspective on the diverse opportunities available to English majors and how resources like career tools at Colorado State can pave the way for success.
Katie Russo, Career Education Manager at CSU Career Center
According to Russo, many liberal arts students, particularly English majors, are not fully aware of the robust transferable skills they cultivate throughout their studies. These skills, highly valued in today’s job market, include critical thinking, strong interpersonal abilities, teamwork proficiency, and advanced research, problem-solving, and analytical capabilities. Often, students who are passionate about their English major may underestimate its practical application in the professional world. Russo sees her role, and the CSU Career Center, as essential in highlighting this value and acting as a “cheerleader” for liberal arts students as they navigate their career journeys.
Contrary to common misconceptions, Russo emphasizes that not only are numerous jobs available for English majors, but many of these positions also offer competitive salaries. While starting salaries for liberal arts graduates might sometimes be lower initially compared to some STEM fields, data indicates that they often surpass their STEM counterparts in earning potential over time. Because an English degree doesn’t always lead to a single, predefined career path like some specialized degrees, career exploration becomes a crucial aspect of the journey. This is where Career Tools Colorado State offers become indispensable.
Drawing on LinkedIn data, Russo points to several prominent fields where CSU English alumni are making significant contributions:
- Marketing and Public Relations
- Copywriting and Editing
- Non-profit and Social Services
- Business Development
“It really comes down to what you’re passionate about and what you’re interested in,” Russo states. When students seek her guidance, she starts by asking, “What do you like doing?” This approach underscores the importance of aligning personal interests with career aspirations, a process greatly facilitated by the career tools Colorado State provides.
To effectively showcase their strengths, Russo advises English majors to emphasize the following key skills on their resumes and during job interviews:
- Exceptional Writing and Communication Skills (Written and Verbal): In an era dominated by digital communication and social media, Russo stresses that these skills are more vital than ever. Even in highly technical sectors, individuals with English degrees often excel as communicators, capable of translating complex information for a broader, non-technical audience. English majors possess a unique ability to connect with diverse audiences through language, a highly sought-after asset in any profession.
- Strong Interpersonal Skills: Liberal arts programs inherently foster collaboration and teamwork. Russo highlights the immense importance of these interpersonal skills in today’s collaborative work environments. The ability to effectively engage with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders is a cornerstone of professional success.
- Advanced Critical Thinking and Reading Abilities: The rigorous study of English literature hones critical thinking and analytical reading skills. “What’s the message that you’re communicating through the language that you’re choosing?” Russo asks, emphasizing the nuanced understanding of communication that English majors develop. This ability to discern meaning, analyze context, and craft compelling narratives is transferable and valuable across countless fields.
While exploring passions is key, Russo also advises students that career development is an ongoing process extending far beyond graduation. Landing a “dream job” immediately after graduation isn’t always the immediate goal. Instead, she encourages students to seek roles that set them on a trajectory toward their long-term career aspirations. Finding a job that provides “if not a foot in the door, then a nudge at the door” is a practical and effective approach to career building.
“A career is constant self-reflection and exploration,” Russo explains. Each job and experience provides valuable insights into the type of work that truly resonates. This continuous learning and adaptation are essential elements of a fulfilling career path, and the career tools Colorado State offers are designed to support students throughout this journey.
The CSU Career Center provides invaluable, free services to all CSU students, acting as vital career tools Colorado State students can leverage. The Center offers drop-in advising sessions from 10 am to 2 pm, Monday through Friday, along with scheduled appointments for personalized assistance with job searches, career exploration, and more. As Russo notes, “I’m really front lines for students,” emphasizing her commitment to providing accessible and direct support.
Russo strongly encourages students to engage with the Career Center and utilize career tools Colorado State provides early in their academic careers. “It’s better to come here early rather than later. We’re here every step of the way.” Early engagement allows students to proactively plan their career paths, develop essential skills, and gain a competitive edge in the job market.
Beyond in-person services, students can access a wealth of online resources through the Career Center website, including career tools, helpful handouts, and the Handshake job board. This online platform expands the accessibility of career support, ensuring students can access resources anytime, anywhere.
Furthermore, the Career Center hosts numerous events, including the Career Fair, a prime opportunity for students to connect with potential employers. The Communications, Business, Social Services, Liberal Arts, Hospitality/Tourism, and Health/Wellness Career Fair is specifically mentioned as an example of these valuable events.
“I just want to re-iterate how valuable liberal arts students are in the workplace,” Russo concluded. “There’s very much a place for them in the professional world.” Her own experience working with liberal arts students is a source of inspiration. “Almost all the students I see want to make a difference…They really want to be someone who’s made an impact in some way. How can I walk away from that meeting not feeling inspired?” For English majors at Colorado State, the path to making that impact is significantly enhanced by the comprehensive career tools Colorado State University and the Career Center offer.
