Jobs I have Tried As An English Literature Graduate

I’ve always believed that it’s too early to choose what we want to study during our teenage years. This is why I’ve often seen people who chose English language or literature as their major gradually lose interest and seek new fields in their late twenties. However, despite entering this domain somewhat impulsively, I’ve come to realize it offers a wealth of opportunities for a future career that other fields might not.

One of the most valuable aspects of studying English is learning to think critically and argue effectively. This skill empowers you to analyze texts—whether written or spoken—with depth and precision. As a result, there’s a place for you in the legal field if you hone your soft skills and start applying for entry-level positions. Additionally, as an English graduate, I believe learning a second or even third language to an advanced level is essential. This will open numerous doors for you in various career paths.

Here are some of the jobs I’ve explored over the past few years:

Tutoring:

Becoming an English or literature tutor on platforms like Preply, Cambly, or italki is a great way to connect with people worldwide. This experience not only broadens your horizons but also teaches you self-discipline, as you’ll need to manage your work without the guidance of an instructor or boss.

Interpreter:

My work as an interpreter began with my students. After communicating with them in multiple languages, some who owned businesses asked me to attend their meetings as an interpreter or to translate documents. This role provided me with valuable insights into marketing strategies and how large businesses operate.

Author:

As an English major, you’ll delve into thousands of books across different genres. If you develop a passion for it, you may enjoy honing your creative writing skills. I’ve found a way to earn a side income through Amazon KDP, where I share my poems and articles in the form of a magazine with readers who share my interests.

Legal Assistant and Interpreter:

One of the most fascinating roles I’ve taken on was entering a new field through my English major. The experiences I gained from the jobs above enhanced my abilities as a legal assistant, where I organize texts and narratives for clients and transcribe court hearings. This work has even led me to consider further education to become a paralegal or lawyer.

As you can see, an English major doesn’t limit you to becoming an English teacher. It’s a diverse field that cultivates a wide range of skills—you just need to recognize and nurture them, and you’ll find countless opportunities waiting for you!