Students that enjoy reading and writing typically love their language arts classes in elementary school and take academic track English courses as they get older. However, as university looms around the corner, many students often wonder whether or not they should continue studying English into postsecondary school.
Having doubts about taking an English major is not uncommon for students. After all, what kind of career can you get from spending years reading, discussing, and writing about great works of literature? Wouldn’t it make more sense to take a program that leads directly to a job or career? What careers are even available for English students?
It may not be obvious, but there are in fact plenty of career and work skills you will acquire as you study English, and in fact plenty of careers that the study of literature will prepare you for. English majors can in fact become educators, lawyers, marketers, entrepreneurs, journalists, writers, researchers and government leaders. As an English student, you will understand the power of texts and develop the unique skill of reading critically and making connections with the broader cultural milieu.
This article will explain the many reasons you should enrol in an English literature program, should you happen to be considering taking an English major or specialist in university.
Where can you expect to work as an English major? Read everything you need to know about careers for English grads.
Why Enrol in an English Literature Degree Program?
Let’s start by exploring some of the most important reasons you should take a degree in English.
Having a Degree is Important
One great reason to enrol in a degree program in English is that simply having a bachelor’s degree is important. A degree or even simply stating that you are pursuing a degree looks strong on a job application or resume, and can help you stand out from other competitors that are not degree holders or students. A degree in any subject not only shows that you have significant knowledge in a certain discipline, but that you are capable of setting high goals for yourself and achieving them. Completing a degree takes time, passion and dedication to your field of study. You must be organized and capable of dealing with stress and some anxiety through assessments and exams.
It’s important to note that a degree does not define your life or make you a better person: not completing or pursuing one does not necessarily mean that you will have worse outcomes in life than those that do. Financial success is certainly not guaranteed with a degree, nor is stability. However, if you are passionate about an area of learning and love academic research, a degree is an important pathway. Some families may consider obtaining a university degree or college diploma an important rite of passage, so having a degree can have some cultural relevance to you.
What kinds of skills do you learn while getting an English degree? You will be more prepared for the workplace than you think!
You Love Literature
Going back to the topic of English degrees in particular, one good reason to pursue and English major is because you absolutely love literature. The act of writing has been practiced for millenia, as even in ancient times humans started using pictures and eventually letters and script to tell their life stories and community narratives.
For centuries, novels, poetry, letters, and other texts have provided students with a window into the past straight from the perspectives of those who came before us. To study literature is to learn humanity and get a real sense of how people saw the world at any given place in time. Writing has exploded in modern times, with more platforms and vehicles for authors to share their writing and thoughts than ever before. The study of literature is truly infinite!
If you are passionate about literature, and enjoy reading and analyzing texts, there is perhaps no better reason to choose an English major. You will excel in what you love and what is interesting to you - and you will certainly be more likely to complete your degree.
You Have a Passion for Discussing Books in Depth
Have you every watched a movie, read a book, or binged a series and desperately wanted a group of people to discuss it with? Taking a literature degree is like taking that discussion to the next level, as you will be talking with deeply knowledgeable researchers and scholars about different texts.
Studying English in university is a surefire way to be in a room full of people where everyone has read the same book. If you are crazy about Shakespearean England, in love with sci-fi worlds, or enthralled by Black authors studying English will give you an incredible forum to be surrounded by like-minded individuals. Should you be passionate about studying books in depth, can you imagine a better place to be?
Unlike a book club or chat group, you will use your passion for specific genres or time periods to level up your writing and analysis skills. In the process, you may discover new topics to research and see books you love in the context of other texts and literary theories, which will enrich your experience of reading.
What is it like to pursue an English major? Find out why so many students are choosing to study literature and writing in university.
You Want a Solid Academic Foundation that Will Support You in Your Career
Beyond exploring your passions and interests, an English degree will enable you to build a solid academic foundation on which you can grow your career. Study English and pursue careers in marketing, business, journalism, education, public relations, law and freelancing, or continue your work into graduate school and become an academic.
It’s important to note that you can pair a study of English with any other program in the faculty of arts and sciences you attend. Study English with History, Asian Studies, Ethics, Women’s Studies, Fine Arts, or literally anything else that piques your interest.
When you pursue what interests you most in school, you are more likely to be successful in your classes. Postgraduate studies in Education, Law, or the Arts are much easier to get into if you demonstrate you have a good GPA.
What Skills and Knowledge will I Gain with an English Degree?
When you study English, you will acquire a set of skills that will prepare you for your future. You will become an expert reader, with a strong ability to analyze texts critically. This is an excellent skill for anyone who must work with policy or law. English majors also become excellent writers with a unique ability to explain the nuances of different concepts and ideas.
English majors also survey the greatest works of literature and literary theory. You will gain an expansive knowledge of history and culture specific to the areas of literature you decide to study. You will also develop excellent presentation skills through your upper year seminars, and become more creative as you connect what you read with the world around you.
English is one of the most challenging and rewarding areas of learning you can take in your postsecondary education. We have gathered the top reasons people choose an English major, and the careers you can pursue after you graduate.
What are the Top Careers for English Majors?
There are so many great jobs that an English degree will prepare you for. It’s important to note, as with any degree, that you may have to continue building on your knowledge through post graduate programs and certificates. Below is a list of careers that you may pursue with an English degree or with additional training.
- High school or Elementary Teacher
- Lawyer
- Freelance Writer
- Scholar
- Professor
- Marketer
- Digital Creator
- Public Relations Specialist
- Tutor
- Editor
- Author
- Publisher
- Sales
- Grant Writer
- Technical Writer
- Librarian
- ESL Teacher
Will I need an English tutor to complete my degree in Canada?
What’s it really like to study English at a Canadian university? As an English major, you’ll spend a significant amount of time reading literature from a variety of genres, alongside critical essays and literary theory. Most courses include lectures led by professors, where you’ll explore texts in depth, as well as smaller tutorials facilitated by teaching assistants, where you’ll have the chance to discuss ideas and engage more closely with your peers.
Even if literature is your passion, you might occasionally find yourself struggling with a dense text or a complex writing assignment. Whether you're aiming to maintain a strong GPA, prepare for exams, or simply want support managing a demanding course load, working with a tutor can make a big difference.
Superprof is a great resource for finding English tutors across Canada. Whether you're in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, or a smaller city, Superprof connects students with qualified tutors who can support you with literary analysis, essay writing, exam prep, and more. Tutor profiles are easy to browse, with transparent information on credentials, rates, and areas of expertise. The platform also features a secure messaging system and integrated payment options for convenience.
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