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What to do after an english degree ?

I'm certain I want to study english at university. I love it way too much to drop it at A level. But, unless I decide to go into academia( which is likely), I'd really like to a get a degree in another more vocational subject after an English BA , preferably at a masters level.
At the end, I want a strong career, with potential for growth and a good, strong salary. I suppose, like everyone, I wish to achieve something great. But for me, since a kid, I've always wanted that achievement to be in my career ( I know I sound shallow). I wish to dedicate my life to education and my career, so I'll work as hard as I can and do as many degrees as I need to get to the dream. I really want a PHD ( I know this sounds ridiculous for someone doing A levels). I'd really appreciate some suggestions for career paths I could follow. My parents wanted me to do medicine, but I want to show them I can be succesful in something I'll be good at and love. I I know many people who go from english to finance, but I'm not good with numbers. Any other suggestions?

Thanks :smile:
(edited 8 years ago)

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Reply 1
Hi

I've just completed my English degree at Newman University and I absolutely loved it! If you feel passionate for the subject then I would definitely say go ahead with it. I think it's great that you want to do a PhD, nothing wrong with planning ahead! Now that I have completed the course, it is clear that those who enjoyed the subject got the most out of it.

In terms of career opportunities, you will find that English is not structured or directly linked to a particularly career, but I found that’s exactly what’s good about it-it can be moulded and shaped to wherever your life takes you and that's amazing. No one knows where their life will take them,and by studying English it doesn't matter. You’re ready foreverything.

To me that was great as I always change my mind, so I feel that if I ever change my mind in the future about careers, I am not stuck. Even if it is 20+ years down the line.

Newman was great not just in terms of the subject, but also in the opportunities it offered. For instance I was able to work with 'Writing West Midlands', assisted and organised a range of events, became a student mentor, worked in the international cafe etc. Newman also offered a placement module where you can work in the setting that you think you want to go into. I went into a primary school and I loved it, It made me feel assured that teaching is for me, so that's the career I'm following.

Let me know if you have any questions :smile:

T.
(edited 8 years ago)
Original post by Big Blue Machine
I'm certain I want to study english at university. I love it way too much to drop it at A level. But, unless I decide to go into academia( which is likely), I'd really like to a get a degree in another more vocational subject after an English BA , preferably at a masters level.
At the end, I want a strong career, with potential for growth and a good, strong salary. I suppose, like everyone, I wish to achieve something great. But for me, since a kid, I've always wanted that achievement to be in my career ( I know I sound shallow). I wish to dedicate my life to education and my career, so I'll work as hard as I can and do as many degrees as I need to get to the dream. I really want a PHD ( I know this sounds ridiculous for someone doing A levels). I'd really appreciate some suggestions for career paths I could follow. My parents wanted me to do medicine, but I want to show them I can be succesful in something I'll be good at and love. I I know many people who go from english to finance, but I'm not good with numbers. Any other suggestions?

Thanks :smile:


Hello!

It's great to hear that you want to study English Literature and it is exciting that you are thinking of completing a PHD. I have just finished studying English alongside History of Art and have really enjoyed it!

I think that until I came to university I was unaware of just how many career paths are possible to pursue with an English degree. If you want to study a masters and even a PHD afterwards then that is great as you can find something within literature that really fascinates you and like you said go on to do academia work. There are also very different areas of work such as marketing and law. I think it is just a case of going through university and beyond trying different things. I shall be going on to do a masters course in History of Design and this course accepts people from different backgrounds within the humanities, including straight English. I even talked to an English graduate whose job was in the medical sector and involved helping doctors with their writing skills and checking reports! There are so many possibilities.

I hope this has helped! Feel free to ask any more questions,
Pip, English Literature and History of Art
Reply 3
Another thing to look at is the Newman university prospectus it will show you the range of English BA course they other and also give suggested career paths that this degree will make possible. Newman has a substantial employment rate which it prides itself on, 95% graduate employment rate so a career in your desired area should not be a worry. feel free to ask me anything if you have any questions :smile:
Original post by UniofReading
Hello!

It's great to hear that you want to study English Literature and it is exciting that you are thinking of completing a PHD. I have just finished studying English alongside History of Art and have really enjoyed it!

I think that until I came to university I was unaware of just how many career paths are possible to pursue with an English degree. If you want to study a masters and even a PHD afterwards then that is great as you can find something within literature that really fascinates you and like you said go on to do academia work. There are also very different areas of work such as marketing and law. I think it is just a case of going through university and beyond trying different things. I shall be going on to do a masters course in History of Design and this course accepts people from different backgrounds within the humanities, including straight English. I even talked to an English graduate whose job was in the medical sector and involved helping doctors with their writing skills and checking reports! There are so many possibilities.

I hope this has helped! Feel free to ask any more questions,
Pip, English Literature and History of Art


Thanks for your response :smile:

Of course I would do a Phd! I've always wanted to do one, both my parents have one :smile:

I'm hoping to work in a company essentially, as a manager/ director. I know some history graduates working in Accenture. I'd love to work in a bank, or doing managing consultancy. After english, I'm considering maybe doing an MBA or Law, but I'm not sure. I'm not considering Marketing or journalism, simply because I don't think I'll enjoy the job, plus they seem a little soft and have less chance for job and salary growth( I know this sounds materialistic, but my dream is to build my own house, I'm a huge grand designs fan).
Original post by broo303
Another thing to look at is the Newman university prospectus it will show you the range of English BA course they other and also give suggested career paths that this degree will make possible. Newman has a substantial employment rate which it prides itself on, 95% graduate employment rate so a career in your desired area should not be a worry. feel free to ask me anything if you have any questions :smile:


I'm aware there are many career paths, but I want to avoid a career in the media or journalism or marketing, simply because they seem a little soft. I'd be really greatful if you could suggest more vocational degrees I could do after English, whichwould require similar skills and perhaps make me appear very trainable to a firm, and then could be hired and be on the road for a strong career with lots of potential.
Original post by Big Blue Machine
I'm aware there are many career paths, but I want to avoid a career in the media or journalism or marketing, simply because they seem a little soft. I'd be really greatful if you could suggest more vocational degrees I could do after English, whichwould require similar skills and perhaps make me appear very trainable to a firm, and then could be hired and be on the road for a strong career with lots of potential.


You are one stuck up *****.
Original post by The Empire Odyssey
You are one stuck up *****.


Sorry to offend you, if I did! I don't know much about careers in the media, the opinion was based of ignorance and prejudice . Sorry about that comment!

Equally, your response seems a little out of proportion. I'm not stuck up, just hopelessly hopeful and ambitious, and am figuring out what I want to do. I'm sure many people are succesful in those sectors!

Once again I'm sorry. But, there is no need to respond like that either.
(edited 8 years ago)
Original post by Big Blue Machine
Sorry to offend you, if I did! I don't know much about careers in the media, the opinion was based of ignorance and prejudice . Sorry about that comment!

Equally, your response seems a little out of proportion. I'm not stuck up, just hopelessly hopeful and ambitious, and am figuring out what I want to do. I'm sure many people are succesful in those sectors!

Once again I'm sorry. But, there is no need to respond like that either.


It seems a little strange that you're ok studying English at uni, yet you call journalism and media 'soft'.
Original post by yabbayabba
It seems a little strange that you're ok studying English at uni, yet you call journalism and media 'soft'.


I'm aware, I was very wrong. It was a stupid, dumb comment from someone who knew nothing about the sectors and just followed their own prejudice and ignorance

I'm very sorry, and I'm looking into both those sectors. Working for the BBC seems really appealing actually :smile:

I don't know how else to show you I've realised my ridiculous, snobby mistake. I feel bad enough already, can we drop it ?
I wouldn't cross out possibilities in journalism and media as there is so much to do there.

I personally think that writing for drama and film is fascinating with all the plot twists and long-term development of characters etc. Such a career you can really be creative and create something out of nothing and if it is based on something historical then the challenge of adapting into a drama. Examples are: the Imitation game, a movie about the mathematician Alan Turing and his efforts in WW2 starring Benedict Cumberbatch. Bringing history to life.

The Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London has a new writing for performance course which could be interesting for this career path.

Theatre: writing, directing and performance at York is another is consider.

People talk about the 'soft' subjects at a-level such as media studies compared to the more academic english literature but you would only get to choose the more academic subjects at degree level if you go to Oxford but if you specialise early on then I think you could get all the skills you need from a more vocational subject such as media, journalism and drama etc, depending on where you wanted your career to go.
To the OP: You sound very conflicted. What you enjoy studying and your idea of what success looks like are miles apart. Because of this, you will not get satisfactory answers here. You'll have to resolve this on your own at some point.
Original post by Protagoras
I wouldn't cross out possibilities in journalism and media as there is so much to do there.

I personally think that writing for drama and film is fascinating with all the plot twists and long-term development of characters etc. Such a career you can really be creative and create something out of nothing and if it is based on something historical then the challenge of adapting into a drama. Examples are: the Imitation game, a movie about the mathematician Alan Turing and his efforts in WW2 starring Benedict Cumberbatch. Bringing history to life.

The Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London has a new writing for performance course which could be interesting for this career path.

Theatre: writing, directing and performance at York is another is consider.

People talk about the 'soft' subjects at a-level such as media studies compared to the more academic english literature but you would only get to choose the more academic subjects at degree level if you go to Oxford but if you specialise early on then I think you could get all the skills you need from a more vocational subject such as media, journalism and drama etc, depending on where you wanted your career to go.


Thanks for your response. I'm awful at creative writing, I'd fail so bad at journalism. I'm not particularly creative, but I'm good at analysing texts, and love practical criticism. You're right, I ignorantly labelled an entire sector as soft because of what I'd heard about the. A Level.
Original post by Yellow 03
To the OP: You sound very conflicted. What you enjoy studying and your idea of what success looks like are miles apart. Because of this, you will not get satisfactory answers here. You'll have to resolve this on your own at some point.


You're right, this was something I should have worked out for my self. Kind of regretting this thread :-/ being a writer would be amazing, but it's just not stable or predictable enough do me, or at least I've been told from a young age that it isn't a realistic career to pursue unless you're very talented, and I could not do creative writing ( I was aiming for med school a couple months ago, that's how stable my parents visioned my job)I think doing this degree, one I love and respect so much, will give more time to resolve myself. Right now, I'm looking into graduate training schemes, like the civil service, where no specific degree is required, just individuals who appear bright and have a 2.1. I'm also considering an MBA and then doing management, even working at a school and eventually becoming a deputy head or head of department. Law is equally intriguing, I wouldn't mind converting to a law degree Marketing is also really appealing, but it sounds like some natural talent is needed, particularly if you want to be a director. As for careers in the media, I'm still learning about that, I didn't realise it's similarity to English as I never knew what those careers entailed. I feel so bad about this. I'm sorry for showing you my tangled thoughts, I'm just very anxious about my future. But I'll work it all out, eventually :smile:
Original post by Big Blue Machine
You're right, this was something I should have worked out for my self. Kind of regretting this thread :-/ being a writer would be amazing, but it's just not stable or predictable enough do me, or at least I've been told from a young age that it isn't a realistic career to pursue unless you're very talented, and I could not do creative writing ( I was aiming for med school a couple months ago, that's how stable my parents visioned my job)I think doing this degree, one I love and respect so much, will give more time to resolve myself. Right now, I'm looking into graduate training schemes, like the civil service, where no specific degree is required, just individuals who appear bright and have a 2.1. I'm also considering an MBA and then doing management, even working at a school and eventually becoming a deputy head or head of department. Law is equally intriguing, I wouldn't mind converting to a law degree Marketing is also really appealing, but it sounds like some natural talent is needed, particularly if you want to be a director. As for careers in the media, I'm still learning about that, I didn't realise it's similarity to English as I never knew what those careers entailed. I feel so bad about this. I'm sorry for showing you my tangled thoughts, I'm just very anxious about my future. But I'll work it all out, eventually :smile:


Sounds like you are really enthusiastic about your future but bogged down with all the possibilities available to you.

What you need to do is think about the changes you want to see in the world and make this your purpose of your career.

So what are they?
Original post by Protagoras
Sounds like you are really enthusiastic about your future but bogged down with all the possibilities available to you.

What you need to do is think about the changes you want to see in the world and make this your purpose of your career.

So what are they?


Im very passionate about education. I'd love to help young people not limit themselves. I was often told aid get not much higher than my target grades at GCSE. But I worked very hard, and got my A*s rather than Cs, and shocked my school. I would like to help people realise their full potential

I love literature. I should definitely read more, but I'm more interested in literary criticism, looking at the architecture and anatomy behind language. I've always loved this subject, from a very young age. But I'm odd, as I prefer the English Lit exam to the reading. For me, reading isn't the best part.I understand the importance of communication. I went blind in one eye as I wasn't Told about a treatment to my disease, then I had to have a cornea transplant, which is amazing, but the less desirable option.

I'd love to be a family therapist, I know the troubles you face in an unhappy family. I'd also like to help people fight bullying, or social anxiety as these are things I know can change your life completely, and make you scared to even speak in public.

I hate injustice. It pains me deeply when people aren't treated fairly. My dad was sacked unfairly, and we struggled for money for 8 years. It was very stressful. But then, he won his case and got his license to practice psychology back. His boss fired him for all the wrong reasons, and is now rightly facing the consequences.

I love architecture and interior design ( can't draw to save my life). The one and only reason I want a high paying career is I dream of building my own house, that is the ultimate goal.
(edited 8 years ago)
Original post by Big Blue Machine
Im very passionate about education. I'd love to help young people not limit themselves. I was often told aid get not much higher than my target grades at GCSE. But I worked very hard, and got my A*s rather than Cs, and shocked my school. I would like to help people realise their full potential

I love literature. I should definitely read more, but I'm more interested in literary criticism, looking at the architecture and anatomy behind language. I've always loved this subject, from a very young age. But I'm odd, as I prefer the English Lit exam to the reading. For me, reading isn't the best part.I understand the importance of communication. I went blind in one eye as I wasn't Told about a treatment to my disease, then I had to have a cornea transplant, which is amazing, but the less desirable option.

I'd love to be a family therapist, I know the troubles you face in an unhappy family. I'd also like to help people fight bullying, or social anxiety as these are things I know can change your life completely, and make you scared to even speak in public.

I hate injustice. It pains me deeply when people aren't treated fairly. My dad was sacked unfairly, and we struggled for money for 8 years. It was very stressful. But then, he won his case and got his license to practice psychology back. His boss fired him for all the wrong reasons, and is now rightly facing the consequences.

I love architecture and interior design ( can't draw to save my life). The one and only reason I want a high paying career is I dream of building my own house, that is the ultimate goal.


Well helping young people become the best citizens in society through education sounds great. You can incorporate this desire to be there and solve problems like a therapist would and more so as you get to see them everyday. I don't know about injustice as they all have their own cases but being a young innocent child that goes onto a life of drugas and crime and in prison etc is an injustice and education can really change their place in and view of the world.

You can build your own house and like creating a child you can share your vision with your husband and get the finance to do that if you're an established teacher.
Original post by Protagoras
Well helping young people become the best citizens in society through education sounds great. You can incorporate this desire to be there and solve problems like a therapist would and more so as you get to see them everyday. I don't know about injustice as they all have their own cases but being a young innocent child that goes onto a life of drugas and crime and in prison etc is an injustice and education can really change their place in and view of the world.

You can build your own house and like creating a child you can share your vision with your husband and get the finance to do that if you're an established teacher.


Don't want to get married, ever!

I'll see :-) I think I should just wait now, focus on getting my good grades, and then see where I go :smile:
Reply 18
Original post by Big Blue Machine
Don't want to get married, ever!

I'll see :-) I think I should just wait now, focus on getting my good grades, and then see where I go :smile:


I've just read through this thread. Yes, that's a good idea- don't think too much about the future and forget the present :smile:

T.
in the same place tbh conflicted over english or psychology...

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