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Since English majors are so versatile, you shouldn’t feel shackled to the previously discussed career areas. The truth is English majors are qualified for a rich and varied assortment of careers. A few additional possibilities include:

Author Management
Acting
Translating
Social Work

As a literary agent you can utilize your knowledge of literature and writing to help authors get their manuscripts published. While most literary agents do not edit their clients’ work, many provide constructive criticism and guidance to help make their manuscripts more publishable. Many agents come from experience in publishing because, as an agent, you need to get your clients read by acquisitions editors, so a good source of contacts in the publishing work can certainly help. However, most agents get their start working for more experienced agents. By doing so, you can build your own network of contacts that can help start your own business.

Many English majors have in interest in drama, so becoming an actor or actress might be a possibility. If you are interested in acting, then you should consider getting an undergraduate minor in drama or acting because the minor often fits well into English coursework. Becoming a professional actor is tough, but finding an agent and going on several auditions is the best way to get a start. Most auditions require headshots and a resume outlining acting experience and other talents that are relevant such as music and dancing.

Many English majors are proficient in a foreign language, so careers in translation are possible. If you have a specialty in writing or literature, being a literary translator may be perfect for you. These translators translate literary texts such as novels and poetry to be published in another language. Interpreters are often hired by diplomats and businesses to orally translate for them when they travel abroad. Freelance translators work on a variety of projects including both literary translation and interpreting, but they work for themselves. If you are interested in becoming a translator, being certified by the American Translators Association will make you more marketable to employers and clients.

If you are interested in social justice and helping people, you may be suited for careers in social work. Social workers work at schools, hospitals, non-profit organizations, and even in the military. There are several different levels of work in social work that require different types of qualifications. Social Services Assistants or Care Managers are unregistered and do not need any formal qualifications; they usually assist registered professional social workers. Professional social workers, at the very least, need a bachelor’s degree in social work, but most English students who want to enter the field work as social service assistants while they pursue a master’s or doctoral degree. Social workers are certified through the state by The Association of Social Work Boards.