By Molly Weisner
So you want to be an English major? Oh. I see…so… you want to teach?
Chances are, if you’re reading this, you have previously publicly expressed your undying determination to pursue an English degree. And better chances are that your statements have been followed by the response given above. And undeniable chances are that you had to swallow a very hot river of lava before it spewed and melted the insolent person who dared ask you such a question. Deep breaths, my friend, deep breaths.
It is unfortunate that the general consensus nowadays is that English majors are not only pretentious, tweed-clad intellectuals with snotty accents and bespectacled beady eyes, but also that they are useless in the 21st century. In a world where STEM–science, technology, engineering and math–jobs manifest the idea of “ideal” high-paying, high-demand careers, it’s discouraging for anyone whose strengths lie with the liberal arts. You’ll hear people tell you that “there’s no money in that” or “you’ll never make it big” or “apply for welfare now” just because your job won’t save someone from the brink of cancer. Let’s not forget, however, that you will be the one to report your snobbish friend’s scientific findings once you become the number one reporter for a worldwide publication. Let us also not forget that just because you major in English, or creative writing or journalism, that doesn’t mean you can’t use the skills you learn in other fields. This applies to everyone: if you major in one field, you aren’t cut-off from pursuing all types of careers.
The reason English majors are actually very versatile is that communication skills are needed no matter what you do. At the core of this degree is the ability to concisely, effectively and coherently convey a message. No one says that a book is the only way to prove you’ve used your major to its highest potential; being able to create an allegorical plot with archetypal characters and hidden themes is just one of many outlets. Marketing and advertising services would be little more than pleas if not for the creative and persuasive arguments that you, as an English major, could give life to. An English major could just as easily go to law school and write precedent in court cases. The ability to write well and communicate sufficiently is an valuable skill if you want to be an ambassador for the government, political figure or diplomat. Technical writers, speech writers and communications managers can all make great money without having to sacrifice their love for English. Of course, you could always become a teacher or a professor, which are both wonderful jobs that allow you to spread your passion and inspire students. The point is, you, as much as everyone who doubts you, must be creative with your degree.
Bottom line, do not ever let anyone tell you that your English major will leave you with nothing but Starbucks’ lifelong employee-of-the-month awards. English scholars have a skill set that is the undercurrent of global politics, trade, communication, entrepreneurship and, of course, storytelling.
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