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What kind of career with an English degree can be found that is financially viable?
While I'm going into engineering, I've considered majoring in or graduating with an English degree, but the careers I've considered don't offer high salaries (around 57k annually). Is there a career out there that someone can have with an English-oriented degree and not struggle to make ends meet?
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3 answers
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JOHN’s Answer
Hi, Fernando.
When I graduated from college with an English major, my uncle asked me " what are you going to do with an English degree?"
I had gotten permission as a freshman to take any course I wanted so long as my advisor approved it. I read widely in as many disciplines as interested me. I wanted to learn how to read and write in all of them.
So, you might understand my response to my uncle: "I'm going to read the law next."
I had taken creative writing in college; but, when I was told to write what I knew, I realized I really didn’t know much about the real world.
Law school was a challenge and I met it by reading novels about lawyers. After graduating, I practiced civil and criminal law for private and public clients at all levels of national, state, and local jurisductions.
At one point, following a merger, my wife gave me a course in screenwriting while I was looking for another job in law. What I discovered was my deep love for writing fiction. And now I knew what I would write about.
But, I wanted a partner. My professor agreed to work with me. After settling on a concept, we wrote for 51 days, about two hours a day. When we finished I was elated that I had co-authored a screenplay.
On our third effort to find agents to represent us, we found two who said they'd sell it in Hollywood the following week.
And on the next Thursday they did.
The deal made the front page of Hollywood industry papers because it was a million dollar deal.
And later, we went on to sell another one.
My advice to you, in short, is always do what you love. The money will follow.
My decision to take up screenwriting changed my life. It was not a matter of fate, nor a matter of judgment about my past, nor choice about presently available options. It was a matter of deciding my answer to the fundamental issue each of us faces: "Since I must die someday, do I want to do ____ to fulfill my desire to live?" You fill in the blank with a description of a course of future action when you don't or cannot know the future.
The answer is discerned by discovering not what you can do, what you must do, what you should do, but rather what fits what you want to do. That requires discernment: not instinct, intuition, insight, nor inspiration alone. Rather it requires all of these. You end up in an unexpected way living the story you create.
Let me know if this resonates with you.
Thanks for the question.
John Darrouzet
When I graduated from college with an English major, my uncle asked me " what are you going to do with an English degree?"
I had gotten permission as a freshman to take any course I wanted so long as my advisor approved it. I read widely in as many disciplines as interested me. I wanted to learn how to read and write in all of them.
So, you might understand my response to my uncle: "I'm going to read the law next."
I had taken creative writing in college; but, when I was told to write what I knew, I realized I really didn’t know much about the real world.
Law school was a challenge and I met it by reading novels about lawyers. After graduating, I practiced civil and criminal law for private and public clients at all levels of national, state, and local jurisductions.
At one point, following a merger, my wife gave me a course in screenwriting while I was looking for another job in law. What I discovered was my deep love for writing fiction. And now I knew what I would write about.
But, I wanted a partner. My professor agreed to work with me. After settling on a concept, we wrote for 51 days, about two hours a day. When we finished I was elated that I had co-authored a screenplay.
On our third effort to find agents to represent us, we found two who said they'd sell it in Hollywood the following week.
And on the next Thursday they did.
The deal made the front page of Hollywood industry papers because it was a million dollar deal.
And later, we went on to sell another one.
My advice to you, in short, is always do what you love. The money will follow.
My decision to take up screenwriting changed my life. It was not a matter of fate, nor a matter of judgment about my past, nor choice about presently available options. It was a matter of deciding my answer to the fundamental issue each of us faces: "Since I must die someday, do I want to do ____ to fulfill my desire to live?" You fill in the blank with a description of a course of future action when you don't or cannot know the future.
The answer is discerned by discovering not what you can do, what you must do, what you should do, but rather what fits what you want to do. That requires discernment: not instinct, intuition, insight, nor inspiration alone. Rather it requires all of these. You end up in an unexpected way living the story you create.
Let me know if this resonates with you.
Thanks for the question.
John Darrouzet
Amazing story!
Martha Kramer
Updated
Angel’s Answer
It’s fantastic that you’re exploring your options! With an English degree, there are several financially viable career paths you might consider. Fields like technical writing, marketing, and content management often offer competitive salaries. You could also explore roles in public relations, copywriting, or even corporate communications. Some positions in publishing and editing can be lucrative too, especially in specialized industries. Combining your English skills with your engineering background could lead to unique opportunities in tech writing or communication roles in engineering firms!
Justin Shapiro
Accounting | Finance | Financial Systems | Non-Profit Volunteer
47
Answers
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Hi Fernando,
Here are some of the best-paying career paths for English degree holders, along with average salaries:
1. Content Marketing Manager
Role: Oversee digital content creation and marketing strategy for a brand, focusing on SEO, customer engagement, and brand awareness.
Average Salary: $70,000–$100,000+
Tip: Knowledge of digital marketing and analytics is valuable. Certifications from platforms like Google or HubSpot can boost your profile.
2. Technical Writer
Role: Write and edit manuals, guides, and documentation for technical products and services.
Average Salary: $70,000–$110,000
Tip: Specializing in fields like tech, healthcare, or finance, and understanding industry-specific terms can lead to higher pay.
3. Public Relations (PR) Manager
Role: Develop and manage the public image of a company or client, handle media relations, and write press releases.
Average Salary: $85,000–$125,000
Tip: Building a strong media network and experience in crisis communication can help you excel and increase earning potential.
4. Corporate Communications Specialist or Manager
Role: Handle internal and external communications within a company, create announcements, manage newsletters, and handle executive messaging.
Average Salary: $70,000–$110,000+
Tip: Experience with corporate environments and brand messaging is useful. Certifications in communications can enhance your career path.
5. UX (User Experience) Writer
Role: Develop the text used in digital interfaces, ensuring that it’s clear and user-friendly.
Average Salary: $75,000–$120,000
Tip: Familiarity with UX design and user-centered thinking can make you a highly sought-after candidate in tech.
6. Grant Writer
Role: Write proposals to secure funding for nonprofits, research institutions, and educational organizations.
Average Salary: $60,000–$90,000+
Tip: Successful grant writers with proven funding histories can negotiate higher rates, especially in sectors like healthcare or research.
7. Publishing Rights Manager
Role: Manage the sale of rights for books or other media content, negotiate deals, and handle contracts.
Average Salary: $65,000–$95,000
Tip: Knowledge of intellectual property rights and experience in publishing are beneficial.
8. Speechwriter
Role: Write speeches and talking points for executives, politicians, or public figures.
Average Salary: $70,000–$120,000+
Tip: Familiarity with public speaking, rhetorical writing, and understanding of political or corporate settings is helpful.
9. Editor (Content, Publishing, or Digital Media)
Role: Oversee quality control of written content, ensure consistency in style, and manage a team of writers.
Average Salary: $60,000–$90,000+, with potential for $100,000+ in senior editorial roles.
Tip: Specialized knowledge in fields like finance or medical publishing can lead to higher salaries.
10. Policy Analyst
Role: Research and analyze policy issues, then write reports or make recommendations for government agencies, nonprofits, or think tanks.
Average Salary: $60,000–$100,000+
Tip: Additional coursework in public policy or political science can make you competitive in this field.
Here are some of the best-paying career paths for English degree holders, along with average salaries:
1. Content Marketing Manager
Role: Oversee digital content creation and marketing strategy for a brand, focusing on SEO, customer engagement, and brand awareness.
Average Salary: $70,000–$100,000+
Tip: Knowledge of digital marketing and analytics is valuable. Certifications from platforms like Google or HubSpot can boost your profile.
2. Technical Writer
Role: Write and edit manuals, guides, and documentation for technical products and services.
Average Salary: $70,000–$110,000
Tip: Specializing in fields like tech, healthcare, or finance, and understanding industry-specific terms can lead to higher pay.
3. Public Relations (PR) Manager
Role: Develop and manage the public image of a company or client, handle media relations, and write press releases.
Average Salary: $85,000–$125,000
Tip: Building a strong media network and experience in crisis communication can help you excel and increase earning potential.
4. Corporate Communications Specialist or Manager
Role: Handle internal and external communications within a company, create announcements, manage newsletters, and handle executive messaging.
Average Salary: $70,000–$110,000+
Tip: Experience with corporate environments and brand messaging is useful. Certifications in communications can enhance your career path.
5. UX (User Experience) Writer
Role: Develop the text used in digital interfaces, ensuring that it’s clear and user-friendly.
Average Salary: $75,000–$120,000
Tip: Familiarity with UX design and user-centered thinking can make you a highly sought-after candidate in tech.
6. Grant Writer
Role: Write proposals to secure funding for nonprofits, research institutions, and educational organizations.
Average Salary: $60,000–$90,000+
Tip: Successful grant writers with proven funding histories can negotiate higher rates, especially in sectors like healthcare or research.
7. Publishing Rights Manager
Role: Manage the sale of rights for books or other media content, negotiate deals, and handle contracts.
Average Salary: $65,000–$95,000
Tip: Knowledge of intellectual property rights and experience in publishing are beneficial.
8. Speechwriter
Role: Write speeches and talking points for executives, politicians, or public figures.
Average Salary: $70,000–$120,000+
Tip: Familiarity with public speaking, rhetorical writing, and understanding of political or corporate settings is helpful.
9. Editor (Content, Publishing, or Digital Media)
Role: Oversee quality control of written content, ensure consistency in style, and manage a team of writers.
Average Salary: $60,000–$90,000+, with potential for $100,000+ in senior editorial roles.
Tip: Specialized knowledge in fields like finance or medical publishing can lead to higher salaries.
10. Policy Analyst
Role: Research and analyze policy issues, then write reports or make recommendations for government agencies, nonprofits, or think tanks.
Average Salary: $60,000–$100,000+
Tip: Additional coursework in public policy or political science can make you competitive in this field.