BA in English: Career Opportunities after Bachelor in English

A bachelor’s level of education is an excellent point to start a professional journey. So, BA in English can prepare you for many careers, from writing to teaching and business. In addition, there are plenty of livelihood opportunities for English degree holders.

This interdisciplinary program explores how words and texts are created, used, interpreted, and preserved.

Students examine various genres and periods of literature through multiple lenses, including history, philosophy, religion, politics, media studies, rhetoric, and composition.

In addition, an English major will teach you valuable research skills that will come in handy when applying for jobs or working in your chosen industry.

Thus, make sure your bachelor allows you to do what you want to do after graduation. So, I tailored this blog with some examples to help you get started in the right direction.

What is a BA?

A B. A. or bachelors in English will typically be composed of various coursework that develops your reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. You’ll also have several courses to help you become an expert in history, communications, math, and literature.

In the United States, a bachelor’s degree education usually requires four years to complete; in some countries like India, it takes three years.

Furthermore, BA with an English major can be perused at any college, school, or online. Hence, the duration of a BA program varies from college to school and country.

Many college programs will offer a concentration in either composition or literature so you can focus on one area more than another. After graduating with your bachelor’s in English, you’ll have many opportunities available.

The income potential for many entry-level positions exceeds six figures annually. So, you are sure to find job satisfaction no matter what kind of position you choose.

Where can you use your English degree after graduation?

There are several options available to those who have earned a bachelor’s in English. Below is a list of 12 careers to pursue.

Freelancer/Self-employed

As a bachelor of arts in English, you can pursue a wide range of opportunities. You can work as a freelance writer, for example, or become a self-employed business owner.

Freelancing is a common occupation for English majors, where professionals provide specialized services on a contract basis.

Many English graduates find employment as writers, researchers, or communications specialists majoring in English. Others use their credentials to start their businesses, such as editing services or book-reading clubs.

Writing Jobs

From literary occupation to blogging, news articles, novels, poetry, and different writing could be your path after college. Moreover, be fluent in verbal and written communication to be a great writer.

So, you can pursue professions as writers, such as technical writers, or in publishing where they might become editors or publishers.

Overseas opportunities

There are also many job opportunities abroad for those with an English degree because many countries value proficient English and give them attractive salaries and benefits.

For example, the tourism industry, language training institutes, call centers, and multinational companies give preference to those who are fluent in English. The top countries are:

• European countries,
• Japan,
• China,
• India,
• Turkey.

Public relations (PR)

PR specialists must possess strong public speaking skills along with excellent writing abilities. They write press releases, speeches, and newsletters while interviewing and providing help during public events.

A public relations job usually involves traveling around large cities, so it might not be suitable for someone who enjoys staying close to home.

Public schools

Teachers deal directly with students all day long, providing instruction on subjects such as math, history, or English itself.

The job description includes planning lessons, conducting research, and meeting with other faculty members. So, after four years of studying English at the university level, having credentials makes sense too.

Public sector

Government positions are diverse, and many jobs require a bachelor’s or higher. Military bases, prisons, and government-run healthcare facilities are where you can work. You can serve on local or federal election commissions; you could even help write research papers at the Libraries.

Law firms/agencies

These institutions employ individuals who specialize in interpreting legislative documents also performing other administrative duties. Therefore, these positions are suitable for English graduates with a deep knowledge of literature and other skills.

Journalism

Many journalists start their journey by writing local news stories, reporting on city council meetings, or interviewing high school sports activities. However, you can become a political journalist to cover presidential races.

Otherwise, you can choose to be a TV reporter or entertainment journalist who focuses mainly on film and showbiz happening. Therefore, a background in English has everything to do with getting published or appearing on TV.

NGOs

You know that in many countries, including the United States, nonprofit NGOs (non-governmental organizations) publish surveys and reports on the topics of education, economy, politics, and human rights. Most of these institutions employ English graduates to prepare for all this work. These institutions also have excellent employment opportunities.

Business Consultancy

Business consultants often use people skills (like yours) as professional expertise when helping businesses solve their problems. However, they also require someone who can bring structure and order to things (no matter how chaotic), which works well with your organizational skills.

Communications

Everyone talks about communication; all too few people do it well! Your ability to articulate ideas verbally (and then follow up via e-mail, so there’s written proof!) makes you ideal for marketing roles in nearly every industry out there.

Marketing

Creative types like yourself thrive in marketing departments because brainstorming sessions aren’t just fun—they’re profitable. You’re constantly pushing for new ways to attract more customers.

So, put your talent to work as a product manager or market analyst for companies big and small, because your English education and communication skills will help you a lot.

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Also Read: Affordable Universities in USA

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Which subjects does B. A. English cover?

A B. A. in English is usually divided into three separate majors or concentrations. The concentration will vary depending on which degree you pursue and what school you attend.

However, most include literature, composition, linguistics, writing skills, etc. And while these are all valuable subjects to study in-depth, they don’t directly prepare you for employment.

Should you get an MA if you already have A BA in English?

If you already have a BA in any field, there’s not much point in pursuing another one—unless you plan to go into academia. So, if that’s your endgame, consider getting an MA.

Otherwise, don’t waste time and money on another degree, particularly if you want to work in business or journalism. Because why pay for something, you won’t use?

Conclusion

Ultimately, there are a lot of opportunities for the BA in English graduates, whether you earn it online or on campus. First, though, I have highlighted a few core careers in this blog. So, I advise you to be creative and find one that you can enjoy.

If you’re trying to decide on a major, do some research about what careers are out there? Think about factors like salary and interest, and don’t forget to focus on more than just money.

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