Missouri S&T English graduates have found career satisfaction in a varied range of professions. The critical thinking skills acquired through writing and literary comprehension provide a sound logical basis for students who choose to maintain long-term academic commitments such as law and medicine, as well as students devoted to acquiring the skills necessary to obtain teaching certification. Language skills provide the basis of effective communications; in consideration of this fact, careers available to English majors include a wide array of positions within both the public and private sectors.

Self-reporting by Missouri S&T English alums indicates that teaching is the largest portion of career choices for our English graduates, with 22% employed in the area of secondary education, and 13% holding positions in education at the university level. A full 25% are employed in business, while 13% of English major alums are currently self-employed. Choosing careers in the government sector are 4%; publishing, graduate school, and library endeavors occupy 6% per field.

When Should a Career Search Begin?

It's never too late to begin thinking seriously about career options, especially for those majoring in the liberal arts. Because of the skills that you are developing as an English major, you have special challenges and opportunities in the job market. Emphasize the work "opportunities" -- in other words, don't limit yourself. There is much more to life after graduation than graduate school or secondary education.

Who Hires English Majors?

Many companies hire people with the unique abilities you have developed as an English major: editing, writing, analyzing, interpreting, and organizing written material; doing research, speaking well in public, and presenting an argument logically and concisely. Which companies? All companies, by their very nature, need people who possess these skills. They hire English majors in areas such as management and administration, sales and marketing, editing and writing, research and investigation, human resources, and advertising and public relations. Outstanding candidates who possess effective communications skills are highly sought after in the business world, and equally important throughout government. Remember, many employers are willing to invest in trade-specific knowledge acquisition for promising employees with excellent communication and comprehension skills. You may also consider acquiring a minor in the field in which you want to work.

What About Graduate School?

Even graduate school possibilities may be richer than you have imagined. A Bachelor of Arts English degree is an excellent pre-professional advantage; English majors are routinely accepted into law school, medical school, library, journalism, MBA and MPA programs. To prepare for such opportunities, find out what additional courses might help you best meet the entrance requirements of various programs. (Consult the catalogues for programs in which you are interested for their specific requirements.) If you are interested in a doctorate in English, you will want to investigate the possibility of participating in Missouri S&T's Graduate Program, offered co-operatively with the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus.

Any Other Possibilities?

The career possibilities for English majors are nearly endless; your challenge now is to educate yourself regarding potential career directions. It is important to prepare yourself to take advantage of opportunities as they are presented to you. This preparation includes becoming familiar with every aspect of skill assessment, potential employment sources and preparing an effective resume and cover letter. Keep in mind that the development of the self-confidence required to present one's own skills and abilities effectively (and favorably!) in an interview takes practice to do well, and can give you a competitive edge. Understanding the hiring process and establishing yourself as a highly desirable candidate are things you will want to put some time and effort into well before graduation.

How Do I Start?

The Missouri University of Science and Technology is committed to your success beyond academic studies. To begin this 'parallel education' it is important that you take advantage of the resources available on campus. In Norwood Hall you will find two important resources: the Career Opportunities Center (Room 304) and the Center for Personal and Professional Development (Room 204). The COC provides instruction in resume writing, interview skills (with mock interviews), career-seeking advice, and a library of job ads and resources from which to begin your job search. CPPD helps you determine your interest and abilities, enabling you to set appropriate career goals. You'll find CPPD also has information regarding graduate school tests such as the GRE, LSAT, and MAT.

How Does the English Department Fit In?

Department Chair Gene Doty also serves as a career advisor for the department. You can contact him at his office at 224 HSS, by phone at 341-4764, or by e-mail at gdoty@mst.edu. (You should, of course, already be working closely with your academic advisor regarding appropriate coursework!)

Professor Doty can help you make the most of these campus resources and help you find answers to questions concerning preparation for a career after receiving your degree in English. We encourage you to get to know these campus and department resources as you begin early to prepare for your career.

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