What You Can Do With an English Degree: Careers, Skills & Real Opportunities

An English degree is more than reading Shakespeare and writing essays. It gives you flexible, in‐demand skills that many employers value. Whether you’re interested in writing, education, media, or something more unexpected — this guide walks you through what you can do with an English degree, how to make the most of it, and how to turn it into a fulfilling, paid career.

What Does an English Degree Teach You?

Before diving into careers, it helps to understand the core strengths an English degree gives you. These are what make you valuable in many workplaces, especially when you showcase them well.

Advanced Communication Skills
You learn to write clearly, argue persuasively, speak well, and adapt your style for different audiences.
Critical Thinking & Analysis
Analyzing texts, interpreting meaning, evaluating evidence — these sharpen your ability to see under the surface.
Research & Information Management
You gather sources, assess credibility, organize data, and synthesize information.
Creativity & Storytelling
From constructing arguments to crafting narratives, you develop creative expression.
Attention to Detail
Grammar, punctuation, structure, consistency — little things that show professionalism.
Adaptability & Open-mindedness
Understanding cultural contexts, different genres or media, even new technologies or formats.
Time Management & Organization
Deadlines, juggling multiple assignments, revising and editing your own work — these build discipline.

Top Jobs You Can Pursue with an English Degree

Here are some of the best career paths for English grads. Salaries will vary by country, experience, & industry, but these give a sense of what’s possible.

Job Title	What You Do	Typical Pay / Conditions*
Content Writer / SEO Writer	Writing for websites, blogs, marketing copy; using keyword research; adapting tone.	Often entry-level remote or agency work; pay can increase significantly with specialization or niche expertise.
Editor / Copy Editor	Proofreading, editing for clarity, style guides, quality control in publishing/media.	Can begin freelance or in publishing houses; senior positions pay substantially more.
Communications / Public Relations Specialist	Managing internal & external messaging, press releases, social media, brand voice.	Often full-time roles in companies, NGOs, or government; bonuses or performance pay possible.
Teacher / Lecturer	Secondary school, college, or higher education — teaching literature, writing, critical thinking.	May require additional teaching credentials/certificates; pay depends on institution & location.
Content Strategist / Digital Marketing	Planning content campaigns, editorial calendars, aligning content to audience & business goals.	Digital industries may offer rapid growth; remote opportunities common.
Grant Writer / Proposal Specialist	Writing funding proposals, grants for nonprofits, research institutions.	Often project-based; strong writing & persuasion skills help you stand out.
Publishing Industry Roles	Literary agent, editorial assistant, production editor, book marketing.	Entry-level often modest; experienced roles can be lucrative especially in larger publishing houses.
Media & Journalism	Reporting, feature writing, editing, digital publishing, maybe podcast scripting.	Freelancing is common; stable roles in large media outlets more competitive.
Brand Copywriter / Advertising	Writing slogans, ad copy, campaigns, creative content for brands.	Often agency work; high creative demands; pay tied to portfolio & results.
Instructional Designer / E-Learning Developer	Designing course materials, online learning modules, multimedia content.	Growing field with remote options; combining with tech skills is a plus.

*Pay depends heavily on country, experience, and sector. These roles in the U.S., UK, or Western Europe tend to pay more than in many developing countries, but demand for remote/online work is changing that.

Hidden or Non‐Traditional Paths

Sometimes your English degree might lead to careers you didn’t anticipate. These often combine your skills with another domain or passion.

UX Writing / UX Research — helping make interfaces user-friendly, writing micro-copy, conducting user feedback.
Technical Writing — creating manuals, documentation, product specs; especially useful in tech or engineering firms.
Policy Analysis / Think Tanks — writing policy briefs, reports, researching social/political issues.
Corporate Training / HR — designing training materials; internal communications; mentoring.
Cultural / Arts Administration — managing theatre, museums, cultural projects where storytelling & curation are needed.

Real Example: Turning an English Degree Into a Career

Case Study:
Meet Amina, who graduated with an English degree. She loves writing but wasn’t sure what job to start with. Here’s how she built a career path:

While studying, she interned at a local magazine, helping write articles.
Graduated, then took an entry-level job as a copywriter for a marketing agency.
Over 2 years, she added specialties: SEO, basic analytics, managing small campaigns.
Later transitioned to content strategist, managing content calendar for multiple brands.
She also freelances writing features for international blogs, which adds extra income and exposure.

Today, Amina earns significantly more than many of her peers who stayed strictly in teaching roles, by combining her writing & digital skills.

Is an English Degree Worth It? What the Data Says

To help you decide, here are some stats and considerations:

A recent survey of liberal arts graduates found that 75% felt their degree provided skills valued by employers, like communication and critical thinking.
While median pay for English majors may start lower in some locations, many careers allow for upward mobility, especially in digital media, corporate sectors, or technical/UX writing.
Demand for content in online spaces is rising: blogs, social media, e-commerce sites, learning platforms — all need strong writers and communicators.

So, while the path may not always be linear, there are many viable, rewarding careers if you plan and build relevant experience.

Tips to Make Your English Degree Pay Off

To improve your chances of getting great jobs, try these:

Build a portfolio: blog posts, essays, creative writing, or published work.
Gain experience: internships, freelance gigs, volunteering in media or arts.
Learn relevant digital skills: SEO basics, website CMS (WordPress etc.), social media marketing.
Network: join writing groups, attend literary events or online writing communities.
Consider minors or electives: journalism, communications, digital media, graphic design.
Stay updated on industry trends: what content formats or platforms are growing (video scripts, podcasts, etc.).

FAQ

Q: What level of education do I need for roles like editor or lecturer?
A: Editors can often start with a bachelor’s and strong portfolio. Lecturers (in colleges or universities) usually require at least a master’s, sometimes a PhD, depending on the institution.

Q: Is teaching the only “safe” job for English majors?
A: No — many graduates build careers in non‐teaching sectors like digital marketing, communications, e-learning, publishing. Teaching is just one of many paths.

Q: How competitive is the job market for English degrees?
A: It can be competitive, especially in media, publishing, journalism. But with specialization (e.g. SEO, technical writing, UX), strong writing samples, and experience, you can stand out.

Q: Can I work remotely or freelance with an English degree?
A: Yes — many roles (content writing, editing, strategy, UX writing) allow remote or freelance work. Freelancing can offer flexibility, but income may vary and require hustle.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

An English degree offers far more than perfect grammar — it equips you with communication, analysis, creativity, and adaptability, skills that many employers prize. The trick is to combine your degree with experience, relevant skills, and a portfolio. When you do, you open doors to many careers beyond what you originally imagined.

If you want help polishing your writing, creating a standout portfolio, or planning your next move, StudyDoll is here for you. Let our experts help you get ahead ➡️ Order expert help now.