What jobs could I get with an English Literature degree?
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Reply 20
11
Whilst most of your post is great, I just want to pick you up on this (in which you're talking though your hat):
You do NOT need to study Law as an undergrad to do Law as a career. In fact, many of the top firms prefer applicants to have another degree, before switching to the Law Conversion course, and the Bar/Solicitors' training. MANY English graduates go on to practice Law -- it's actually a very common career for them.
As for those taking English having an idea what career they eventually want...You couldn't be more wrong. They don't. A few want to write themselves, or do something obvious like journalism. Most don't -- most just like the subject, so they want to keep going with it. Most people our age don't even know what jobs are actually out there, and it's the kind of thing you discover at university and way beyond.
A good English degree opens many doors. No-one should underestimate the number and range of employments open to English graduates. Of course some areas are barred -- mostly scientific stuff, for obvious reasons. And don't forget that many careers offer (and require) further training; so you start off with an English degree, but then become qualified in other things.
The government, particularly, tries to make out the vocational side of degrees. The effect of this is that people don't immediately see the usefulness, or validity, of a traditional arts subject like English (or Classics, or History, or anything like this). There's a whole world out there, both enhanced and opened up by studying something like this.
(The rest of your post was fin, ElectricOcean -- I'm not getting at you!)
ElectricOceans
obviously its going to limit you to some careers such as law and medicine because they require you to train in those fields but the majority of students who take English Lit have some idea to what careers they want.
You do NOT need to study Law as an undergrad to do Law as a career. In fact, many of the top firms prefer applicants to have another degree, before switching to the Law Conversion course, and the Bar/Solicitors' training. MANY English graduates go on to practice Law -- it's actually a very common career for them.
As for those taking English having an idea what career they eventually want...You couldn't be more wrong. They don't. A few want to write themselves, or do something obvious like journalism. Most don't -- most just like the subject, so they want to keep going with it. Most people our age don't even know what jobs are actually out there, and it's the kind of thing you discover at university and way beyond.
A good English degree opens many doors. No-one should underestimate the number and range of employments open to English graduates. Of course some areas are barred -- mostly scientific stuff, for obvious reasons. And don't forget that many careers offer (and require) further training; so you start off with an English degree, but then become qualified in other things.
The government, particularly, tries to make out the vocational side of degrees. The effect of this is that people don't immediately see the usefulness, or validity, of a traditional arts subject like English (or Classics, or History, or anything like this). There's a whole world out there, both enhanced and opened up by studying something like this.
(The rest of your post was fin, ElectricOcean -- I'm not getting at you!)
Reply 21
you shouldn't worry, an English degree is a powerful degree to have, because it's challenging and actually requires someone with a brain to do it :P
tbh, with an english degree, the world is your oyster work wise...
someone correct me if i am wrong?
tbh, with an english degree, the world is your oyster work wise...
someone correct me if i am wrong?
Reply 22
Thanks everyone for your posts i didnt start the thread but i am currently mindfcuked about which course to choose with my poor selection of Maths accounts and English to go by and you've ALL been a great help. 
Reply 23
Original post
by peanutbutternjellyOriginal post
by peanutbutternjellyI plan to be a probably starving and constantly searching for work writer/actress. Anyone want to join? :P
On a more serious note, I do think English is pretty open-ended and could lead to a variety of careers.
...
Part of me does want to live the writer/actress life though!
On a more serious note, I do think English is pretty open-ended and could lead to a variety of careers.
...
Part of me does want to live the writer/actress life though!
Hi, just came across this forum and saw your comment and totally agree!
sounds so naive and stupid and yes I am 15 but i wouldnt mind it if I were doing something I loved but then theres the rest of your family telling you that being naive and stupid is exactly the case..!!Reply 24
On the negative side: Getting a degree in english doesn't mean you'll get a job in publishing or journalism though it will help. If thats what you are after it can be better to offer a specific area of expertise - basekt-weaving or politics, for instance. On the plus side the ability to write concise reports, promotions, presentations etc is valued in all industries. The main thing about chosing a degree is make sure its something you are likely to enjoy and get into the best uni possible to improve chance of a job.
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