Literature
Seeking your fortune? According to a recent Fortune magazine column, an English major may prepare you for a career better than a degree in, say, business (Fisher). And according to recent surveys, a liberal arts degree can lead to many of the top ten jobs ranked in terms of job satisfaction, including college professor, financial advisor, human resources manager, market researcher, and others ( Kalwarski et al).
While many students majoring in English pursue careers directly related to literary study, such as teaching English in a high school, college, or university, more students and companies are recognizing the broader value of a well-read English major. Perhaps you recognize some of these former English majors:
- Douglas Adams, author of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
- Alan Alda, actor
- Dave Barry, humorist
- Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, television writer/producer
- Chevy Chase , comedian
- Mario Cuomo, former governor of New York
- John Cuzak, actor
- David Duchovny, actor
- Michael Eisner, CEO of Walt Disney
- Jodi Foster, film maker
- Kathryn Fuller, president of World Wildlife Fund
- Cathy Guisewite, cartoonist
- Tommy Lee Jones, actor
- Stephen King, writer
- Michael Lynne, Co-CEO of New Line Cinema
- Toni Morrison, writer
- Paul Newman, actor
- Joe Paterno, football coach
- Sally Ride, astronaut
- Diane Sawyer, broadcast journalist
- Steven Spielberg, film maker
- Marty Schottenheimer, football coach
- Brandon Tartikoff, television executive
- Clarence Thomas, Supreme Court justice
- Harold Varmus, Nobel laureate in medicine
- Renee Zellweger, actor
- Bob Woodward, journalist
In their book Smart Moves for Liberal Arts Grads: Finding a Path to Your Perfect Career, authors Sheila J. Curran and Suzanne Greenwald recount the professional journeys of 23 liberal arts graduates who found successful careers, but not always where or how you might expect. The book “debunks the top four myths for liberal arts majors: a liberal arts degree is a lousy investment, you have to go to grad school, your major equals your career, and GPA is everything.” They base their research on their experience as career counselors at Duke University and M.I.T.
Universities report their literature graduates have pursued the following varied careers: Advertiser, Actor, Attorney, Claims Examiner, Computer Systems Analyst, Congressional Aide, Copywriter, Copy Editor, Film Editor, Foreign Service Information Officer, Interpreter, Judge, Lexicographer, Legislative Assistant, Network Story Director, Personnel Director, Press Relations Assistant, Underwriter, Visual Arts Specialist.
Check the English and Foreign Languages “Home” page to see what our recent graduates are doing now
Major area courses provide students with a broad background in the issues of textual representation as well as instruction in effective written communication, critical and creative thinking, and research skills in the discipline. The Department also addresses through curricular and extra-curricular activities the historical, geographical, and cultural context of written discourse. The Department assists students in their personal, academic, and ethical development through individualized advising and mentoring.
Works Cited
Fisher, Anne. “Liberal arts vs. business degree.” Fortune Magazine online. http://money.cnn.com/2006/05/09/news/economy/annie/fortune_annie0509/index.htm
Kalwarski, Tara, Daphne Mosher, Janet Paskin, and Donna Rosato. “Best Jobs in America: MONEY Magazine and Salary.com rate careers on salary and job prospects.” http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bestjobs/
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