Careers After Majoring in Writing
Critical thinking. Creativity. Interpretation. Studying English prepares you for a diverse range of professional fields, including teaching, journalism, law, publishing, medicine, and the fine arts. English majors also pursue careers in tech companies and other startup ventures--in Silicon Valley and beyond. Whether copywriters or social workers, entrepreneurs or filmmakers, alums are applying their studies at Stanford to every corner of the world.
A Successful Future
As an English major, you are developing a heightened awareness of the power of language. Your considerable vocabulary, understanding of style, advanced critical thinking abilities, and experience writing complex, original work, gives you distinctive verbal capabilities: precision, subtlety, persuasiveness, and clarity all number among the tools at your disposal. Your knowledge of historical trends in, and applications of, written discourse, further strengthens your analytical abilities and your engagement with modern writing in any field. These qualities, coupled with the skill to communicate clearly and effectively, will serve you well in a wide range of fields.
A career in teaching
The deep immersion in the history of literature through intimate seminar discussions prepares many of our students to succeed as teachers in classrooms at all levels.
The medical humanities
The medical profession is increasingly interested in the values learned from humanistic courses such as English. An English degree, or a double major in English, would enhance your application to medical school.
Critical analysis
Through a close grappling with complex texts, the English major teaches students to read critically and to analyze deeply. These skills take many of our students into careers in law and other areas that demand analysis of complex data.
Advanced reading and writing
An English major will teach you the skills of close reading and advanced writing. English majors very often seek out careers in publishing, public relations, advertising, media, or teaching. Occupations to be considered are copywriter, columnist, commentator, critic, editor, production assistant, public relations representative, reporter, correspondent, technical writer or writer/author for non-profit organizations
Communication skills
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, “what sets two equally qualified job candidates apart can be as simple as who has the better communication skills.” The advanced reading and writing skills taught in the English major, the knowledge of how to put things into compelling narratives, will have a deep and long-lasting impact on your career.
The power of the imagination
Our subject is the human imagination expressed through the rich history of English and American literature. Our goal is to educate students in the history and practice of the creative process itself. A degree in English teaches an empathic understanding of human motivation, and an engagement with big-picture thinking that encourages entrepreneurial leadership.