Careers & Earning Potential

A general Humanities degree helps students develop certain habits of mind that prepare them to enter and succeed in a wide range of careers and professions. Humanities graduates demonstrate higher and more nuanced levels of critical thinking, language proficiency, and communication skills. They are often able to more successfully view and solve complex problems in nuanced, informed, and holistic ways; they see the benefits and inherent opportunities in diversity of perspective and culture; they thrive in international and transnational settings; and they use these habits of mind to build successful and financially lucrative careers while also becoming contributing citizens, workers, and global community members.

By extension, English majors and graduates are therefore well prepared for entry into a variety of career fields including management, human resources, media and journalism, publishing, teaching (middle or secondary), academic careers, advertising and marketing, and non profit organizations (see expanded career list below).

Writing-related careers

  • Search Engine Marketing, Direct Response Copywriting, Digital Copywriter, B2B Content Marketing, News Reporter, Technical Writer, Journalism, Public Relations, Corporate Blogger

Editing careers

  • Editor, Freelance Editor, Publishing

Communications careers

  • Non-Profit Communication Departments, Grant and Proposal Writer, Corporate Communications Manager/Director, In-house Marketing Department

Creative careers

  • Print or Online Writer; Advertising Creative, Event Planner, Television, radio, Hollywood writer, Boutique Agency

Nonacademic research careers

  • Marketing Researcher, Policy Analyst, Sales, Search Engine Optimization, Lobbyist, eCommerce Analyst

Marketing careers

  • Social Media Manager, Brand Strategist, Brand Manager

Government  careers

  • Communications Officer

For more information and details about these careers paths please view: “35 Awesome Jobs for English Majors;” “100 Careers for English Majors: They Do Exist (Really!);” “Best-paying jobs for English majors;” “What can I do with an English Degree.”

Furthermore, contrary to some rumors, employment rates and earning potential for graduates with English degrees remain high.  Fresh-out-of-college employment rates for English graduates are in line with the average employment rate for all graduates, and even outperform some STEM majors, like Biology. (“First Destinations for the College Class of 2014”) Finally, a major study produced by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce found the median income for English majors with a bachelor’s was $48,000, and the National Association of Colleges and Employers, reported that English Language and Literature graduates report an average starting salary of $36,072 with a mid-career salary of $63,414.

Overall, a 2013 study by the Association of American Colleges & Universities found that the skills most employers desire are “critical thinking,” “the ability to analyze and solve complex problems,” “the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing,” “the ability to locate, organize, and evaluate information from multiple sources,” and “the ability to innovate and be creative.” These are all skills and practices emphasized throughout UH West Oʻahu’s English curricula.