Purdue University College of Liberal Arts

Information for

Department of English

Careers and Graduate School

Many people think English graduates either teach or write. Of course many do, but graduates also excel in many other areas.

An English major learns many skills that employers find desirable:

  • Ability to communicate, both in writing and orally
  • Grammatical accuracy
  • Editing and re-writing skills
  • Ability to analyze and interpret data
  • Documentation skills
  • Creativity
  • Foreign language ability
  • Ability to present a clear and logical argument
  • Understanding of human motivation

Because English majors have learned how to write and communicate well, and are good problem solvers, they work in many different fields, including sales, management, advertising, and many more.

Additionally, an English degree is an excellent preparation for graduate school, including law, business, and medical schools, as well as graduate school in English.

If you have specific ideas of what you might like to do after college, you should consult with your academic adviser and career counselors to develop an appropriate plan of study. If you don't have a specific career plan, you should begin your career research during your first year. English majors need to begin early to develop resumes and to find work that enhances their qualifications.