4 answers
Clàudia
Student
Valencia, Valencian Community, Spain
4
Questions
Asked
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Which job opportunities does have a person who studies to be an english philologist?
Hello, I'm on my last year of high school and I need to choose which major I want to study next year at university. I have been thinking about studying linguistics, but sometimes it looks like the only thing you can do with that degree is to become a teacher, and I do not want to work at a school. Which other jobs could I get with an English degree other than teaching?
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4 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Dear Clàudia !
I am happy you came here for advice about a most interesting career as a Philologist !
To begin with, you will want to consider not getting a degree in English because to be a Philologist, one needs to get their degree in Linguistics or Philology for a Bachelors Degree. You will then have to (it's vital) get your Masters in Philology for which you specialize in an area of your choice in Philology. A Masters Degree essentially puts you in the forefront for positions. There's not much available if at all on a Bachelors level. It should take you approximately 6 years for this path.
A degree in English will not help you. English isn't a career targeted degree and English is more of a skill than a career, except for those who want to teach and you've stated that you do not want to teach.
The types of work that require a philologist are academia in non-teaching roles, research, museums, and cultural organizations. This is how it is for the U.S. but you are in Spain and I'm not sure how similar it would be. Now, I would also like to suggest, since you know both Spanish and English, look into doing Interpreting as a side job. This is a very desirable career in the U.S. and pays very well, especially if one gets hired to do interpreting by the government or courts. Interpreting can also be done for companies translating books or reading material. Just a thought since you may want to do this at some point or as an additional job. It's not philology, but you have the skills and it does pay well.
So you can start exploring the universities now and go for orientations so you can get an idea of which University you'd like to go for a Bachelors and Masters in Philology (preferably) or Linguistics. Not English. You can take some English courses while you are enrolled at university, so you can keep that up, but the major for your future career is specific and will help you and actually allow you to get work.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
I am happy you came here for advice about a most interesting career as a Philologist !
To begin with, you will want to consider not getting a degree in English because to be a Philologist, one needs to get their degree in Linguistics or Philology for a Bachelors Degree. You will then have to (it's vital) get your Masters in Philology for which you specialize in an area of your choice in Philology. A Masters Degree essentially puts you in the forefront for positions. There's not much available if at all on a Bachelors level. It should take you approximately 6 years for this path.
A degree in English will not help you. English isn't a career targeted degree and English is more of a skill than a career, except for those who want to teach and you've stated that you do not want to teach.
The types of work that require a philologist are academia in non-teaching roles, research, museums, and cultural organizations. This is how it is for the U.S. but you are in Spain and I'm not sure how similar it would be. Now, I would also like to suggest, since you know both Spanish and English, look into doing Interpreting as a side job. This is a very desirable career in the U.S. and pays very well, especially if one gets hired to do interpreting by the government or courts. Interpreting can also be done for companies translating books or reading material. Just a thought since you may want to do this at some point or as an additional job. It's not philology, but you have the skills and it does pay well.
So you can start exploring the universities now and go for orientations so you can get an idea of which University you'd like to go for a Bachelors and Masters in Philology (preferably) or Linguistics. Not English. You can take some English courses while you are enrolled at university, so you can keep that up, but the major for your future career is specific and will help you and actually allow you to get work.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
Thanks so much for the advice and for explaining clearly the degrees
Clàudia
You are welcome, Claudia !
Michelle M.
David Barcelona
Guest Lecturer
23
Answers
Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Claudia,
I know this may be a long read, but bear with me.
First of all, congratulations on being at this exciting (and admittedly overwhelming) stage of life—choosing a university major is such a big decision, and it’s clear you’re putting a lot of thought into it. I love that you’re considering linguistics or English philology because those fields are so rich with possibilities, even if it doesn’t always feel like it at first glance. And let me reassure you right away: while teaching is a common career path for English philologists, it’s far from the only option. In fact, your degree can open doors to a wide variety of careers that align with your interests and skills. Let’s explore some of those opportunities together!
1. Translation & Interpretation
If you love languages and have strong communication skills, translation and interpretation are fantastic options. You could work in:
Freelance Translation: Translating written documents, websites, subtitles, or literature for clients around the world. Platforms like ProZ or Upwork connect translators with projects.
Simultaneous Interpretation: This is a specialized field where interpreters translate spoken language in real-time, often at conferences, courts, or international organizations like the UN.
Localization Specialist: Help adapt content (like video games, apps, or marketing materials) to fit cultural nuances in different regions. This combines linguistics with creativity and tech-savviness.
Pro Tip: Pairing your degree with certifications in translation software (like SDL Trados) or learning another language can make you even more competitive.
2. Writing, Editing, & Content Creation
Your deep understanding of language makes you a natural fit for roles that involve crafting or refining written content:
Copywriter: Write engaging advertisements, social media posts, or website copy for brands. Agencies and freelance platforms are great places to start.
Editor/Proofreader: Work with publishers, magazines, or online platforms to ensure text is clear, polished, and error-free.
Content Creator/Blogger: Use your expertise to create informative articles, videos, or podcasts about topics you’re passionate about. Many companies hire writers to manage their blogs or SEO strategies.
Bonus: If you enjoy storytelling, you could also explore creative writing or scriptwriting as a side hustle—or even a full-time gig!
3. Publishing & Journalism
The world of publishing and journalism values people who understand language deeply and can communicate effectively:
Publishing Roles: Work as an acquisitions editor, literary agent, or production assistant at publishing houses. These roles involve finding manuscripts, working with authors, and overseeing the publication process.
Journalist: Report on news, culture, or entertainment for newspapers, magazines, or digital outlets. Your linguistic skills will help you craft compelling stories and conduct interviews.
Digital Media Specialist: Manage social media accounts, write newsletters, or curate content for media companies.
Fun Idea: Start a blog or YouTube channel analyzing books, films, or cultural trends—it’s a great way to build experience and showcase your voice.
4. Marketing, Advertising, & Communications
Companies need people who can craft persuasive messages and connect with diverse audiences—and your English degree gives you a unique edge:
Social Media Manager: Plan and execute campaigns for brands on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn. Your language skills will shine when creating captions, hashtags, and engagement strategies.
Public Relations (PR): Help organizations build relationships with the public by writing press releases, managing crises, or organizing events.
Brand Strategist: Use your understanding of language and culture to shape how a company presents itself to the world.
These roles often value creativity, analytical thinking, and adaptability—all skills you’ll develop during your studies.
5. Tech & AI-Related Careers
This might surprise you, but linguists are in high demand in the tech industry! With artificial intelligence and natural language processing booming, your expertise in language structure and usage is incredibly valuable:
Linguistic Data Analyst: Work with tech companies to analyze language data used in AI models, chatbots, or voice recognition systems.
Technical Writer: Create user manuals, guides, or documentation for software and hardware products. Clear, concise writing is key here.
UX Writer: Craft the words users see in apps, websites, or interfaces (“Sign Up,” “Learn More,” etc.). It’s a growing field that blends linguistics with design.
Pro Tip: Consider taking a course in coding (like Python) or UX/UI design to complement your degree—it’ll make you stand out in tech-related roles.
6. Cultural & International Fields
If you’re fascinated by cultures and global connections, there are plenty of opportunities to explore:
Cultural Consultant: Advise businesses or organizations on cross-cultural communication and inclusivity.
Tourism & Hospitality: Work in travel agencies, hotels, or airlines, helping international clients navigate language barriers and cultural differences.
Nonprofit & NGOs: Many organizations need bilingual professionals to assist with community outreach, fundraising, or advocacy efforts.
7. Further Studies & Specialization
If you’re unsure about jumping straight into the workforce after university, consider pursuing additional qualifications to specialize further:
Master’s Degrees: Options like Applied Linguistics, Digital Humanities, or Communication Studies can expand your career prospects.
Certifications: Programs in areas like digital marketing, project management (PMP), or TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) add practical skills to your resume.
8. Addressing Your Concerns About Teaching
It’s totally okay if teaching isn’t your thing—not everyone wants to be in a classroom, and that’s perfectly valid. However, keep in mind that “teaching” doesn’t always mean standing in front of students. For example:
Corporate Training: Teach employees professional skills like communication or presentation techniques.
Online Tutoring: Platforms like VIPKid or Cambly allow you to teach English remotely, which offers flexibility.
Educational Content Development: Create textbooks, e-learning modules, or educational apps instead of directly teaching.
These alternatives let you leverage your knowledge without committing to traditional teaching roles.
Claudia, choosing a major feels huge because it seems like it defines your entire future—but honestly, it’s just one step in a lifelong journey of learning and growth. Studying English philology equips you with versatile skills—critical thinking, communication, cultural awareness—that are highly valued across industries. Whether you end up in publishing, tech, marketing, or something else entirely, your passion for language will guide you toward meaningful work.
Take your time exploring what excites you most, and trust that your curiosity and dedication will lead you to success. You’ve got so many possibilities ahead of you, and I know you’ll find a path that lights you up.
I know this may be a long read, but bear with me.
First of all, congratulations on being at this exciting (and admittedly overwhelming) stage of life—choosing a university major is such a big decision, and it’s clear you’re putting a lot of thought into it. I love that you’re considering linguistics or English philology because those fields are so rich with possibilities, even if it doesn’t always feel like it at first glance. And let me reassure you right away: while teaching is a common career path for English philologists, it’s far from the only option. In fact, your degree can open doors to a wide variety of careers that align with your interests and skills. Let’s explore some of those opportunities together!
1. Translation & Interpretation
If you love languages and have strong communication skills, translation and interpretation are fantastic options. You could work in:
Freelance Translation: Translating written documents, websites, subtitles, or literature for clients around the world. Platforms like ProZ or Upwork connect translators with projects.
Simultaneous Interpretation: This is a specialized field where interpreters translate spoken language in real-time, often at conferences, courts, or international organizations like the UN.
Localization Specialist: Help adapt content (like video games, apps, or marketing materials) to fit cultural nuances in different regions. This combines linguistics with creativity and tech-savviness.
Pro Tip: Pairing your degree with certifications in translation software (like SDL Trados) or learning another language can make you even more competitive.
2. Writing, Editing, & Content Creation
Your deep understanding of language makes you a natural fit for roles that involve crafting or refining written content:
Copywriter: Write engaging advertisements, social media posts, or website copy for brands. Agencies and freelance platforms are great places to start.
Editor/Proofreader: Work with publishers, magazines, or online platforms to ensure text is clear, polished, and error-free.
Content Creator/Blogger: Use your expertise to create informative articles, videos, or podcasts about topics you’re passionate about. Many companies hire writers to manage their blogs or SEO strategies.
Bonus: If you enjoy storytelling, you could also explore creative writing or scriptwriting as a side hustle—or even a full-time gig!
3. Publishing & Journalism
The world of publishing and journalism values people who understand language deeply and can communicate effectively:
Publishing Roles: Work as an acquisitions editor, literary agent, or production assistant at publishing houses. These roles involve finding manuscripts, working with authors, and overseeing the publication process.
Journalist: Report on news, culture, or entertainment for newspapers, magazines, or digital outlets. Your linguistic skills will help you craft compelling stories and conduct interviews.
Digital Media Specialist: Manage social media accounts, write newsletters, or curate content for media companies.
Fun Idea: Start a blog or YouTube channel analyzing books, films, or cultural trends—it’s a great way to build experience and showcase your voice.
4. Marketing, Advertising, & Communications
Companies need people who can craft persuasive messages and connect with diverse audiences—and your English degree gives you a unique edge:
Social Media Manager: Plan and execute campaigns for brands on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn. Your language skills will shine when creating captions, hashtags, and engagement strategies.
Public Relations (PR): Help organizations build relationships with the public by writing press releases, managing crises, or organizing events.
Brand Strategist: Use your understanding of language and culture to shape how a company presents itself to the world.
These roles often value creativity, analytical thinking, and adaptability—all skills you’ll develop during your studies.
5. Tech & AI-Related Careers
This might surprise you, but linguists are in high demand in the tech industry! With artificial intelligence and natural language processing booming, your expertise in language structure and usage is incredibly valuable:
Linguistic Data Analyst: Work with tech companies to analyze language data used in AI models, chatbots, or voice recognition systems.
Technical Writer: Create user manuals, guides, or documentation for software and hardware products. Clear, concise writing is key here.
UX Writer: Craft the words users see in apps, websites, or interfaces (“Sign Up,” “Learn More,” etc.). It’s a growing field that blends linguistics with design.
Pro Tip: Consider taking a course in coding (like Python) or UX/UI design to complement your degree—it’ll make you stand out in tech-related roles.
6. Cultural & International Fields
If you’re fascinated by cultures and global connections, there are plenty of opportunities to explore:
Cultural Consultant: Advise businesses or organizations on cross-cultural communication and inclusivity.
Tourism & Hospitality: Work in travel agencies, hotels, or airlines, helping international clients navigate language barriers and cultural differences.
Nonprofit & NGOs: Many organizations need bilingual professionals to assist with community outreach, fundraising, or advocacy efforts.
7. Further Studies & Specialization
If you’re unsure about jumping straight into the workforce after university, consider pursuing additional qualifications to specialize further:
Master’s Degrees: Options like Applied Linguistics, Digital Humanities, or Communication Studies can expand your career prospects.
Certifications: Programs in areas like digital marketing, project management (PMP), or TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) add practical skills to your resume.
8. Addressing Your Concerns About Teaching
It’s totally okay if teaching isn’t your thing—not everyone wants to be in a classroom, and that’s perfectly valid. However, keep in mind that “teaching” doesn’t always mean standing in front of students. For example:
Corporate Training: Teach employees professional skills like communication or presentation techniques.
Online Tutoring: Platforms like VIPKid or Cambly allow you to teach English remotely, which offers flexibility.
Educational Content Development: Create textbooks, e-learning modules, or educational apps instead of directly teaching.
These alternatives let you leverage your knowledge without committing to traditional teaching roles.
Claudia, choosing a major feels huge because it seems like it defines your entire future—but honestly, it’s just one step in a lifelong journey of learning and growth. Studying English philology equips you with versatile skills—critical thinking, communication, cultural awareness—that are highly valued across industries. Whether you end up in publishing, tech, marketing, or something else entirely, your passion for language will guide you toward meaningful work.
Take your time exploring what excites you most, and trust that your curiosity and dedication will lead you to success. You’ve got so many possibilities ahead of you, and I know you’ll find a path that lights you up.
cody Mccollaum
corrections
13
Answers
Oceanside, California
Updated
cody’s Answer
A person who studies to be an English philologist has a variety of career opportunities available in different fields. One of the main options is in translation and interpretation, where they can work as translators or interpreters, converting written or spoken content between English and other languages. Another common path is teaching and education, as many philologists become English language or literature teachers at schools, universities, or language institutes, teaching both native and non-native speakers. For those interested in research, pursuing a career in academia is also an option, where they can conduct studies in linguistics, language, or literary fields and work as professors or researchers. Philologists can also find work in publishing, where they can serve as editors, proofreaders, or literary agents, reviewing manuscripts and managing content for books, magazines, or journals. Content creation and writing is another potential career, where English philologists can work as writers, journalists, or content creators in various media. Additionally, language consulting offers opportunities to help businesses or individuals with communication strategies, writing professional documents, or improving language skills in a professional setting. Finally, many companies hire language experts for corporate training, helping employees with writing, communication, and English proficiency, while others may work in cultural and linguistic research, focusing on the study of language and culture.
Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
306
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Clàudia,
It's awesome that you're thinking about your career options with an English philology degree. Teaching is a popular choice, but there are so many other opportunities, especially in a lively city like Valencia, Spain. You could look into translation and interpretation, using your language skills in tourism, business, or government. Cultural management might involve working in cultural institutions or event planning, promoting cultural activities. Media and journalism roles in print, digital media, or broadcasting make use of your communication skills. The tourism sector offers roles in guest relations, tour guiding, or working with travel agencies. You could also go into linguistic research or further studies in areas like computational linguistics, opening doors to tech companies and research labs. Valencia's cultural and economic vibrancy provides tons of opportunities, and networking or internships during your studies can help you gain experience and make valuable connections in your chosen field. Good luck with your decision!
It's awesome that you're thinking about your career options with an English philology degree. Teaching is a popular choice, but there are so many other opportunities, especially in a lively city like Valencia, Spain. You could look into translation and interpretation, using your language skills in tourism, business, or government. Cultural management might involve working in cultural institutions or event planning, promoting cultural activities. Media and journalism roles in print, digital media, or broadcasting make use of your communication skills. The tourism sector offers roles in guest relations, tour guiding, or working with travel agencies. You could also go into linguistic research or further studies in areas like computational linguistics, opening doors to tech companies and research labs. Valencia's cultural and economic vibrancy provides tons of opportunities, and networking or internships during your studies can help you gain experience and make valuable connections in your chosen field. Good luck with your decision!