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First, some facts. Of the English graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 1177 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 52%, English graduates have a much lower likelihood (-15%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 42% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a English graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 95% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2013 from Hollins University with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSatellite Office Manager Santos Construction Corp. Mar 2013 - Sep 2013 Legal Assistant  MacKenzie & Tallent Oct 2013 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGCertificate (excpected October 2014)Stony Brook University 2014 - 2014 ABOUTI am a focused individual and I care about the work that I produce. As such, I ensure that I always do my job to the best of my ability. I believe in living each day in an attempt to become a better person and inspire others. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Based on the extensive analysis of the various LinkedIn profiles of individuals with degrees in English, it becomes clear that the career trajectories of English majors can vary widely. Many graduates find themselves in roles that are directly tied to their field of study, especially those related to education, writing, editing, and publishing. However, a significant number of graduates are also employed in positions that do not leverage their English skills to any meaningful extent. This trend highlights a common scenario where individuals pursue diverse job opportunities, sometimes irrespective of their degree direction.
One of the most common career paths for English majors is teaching. Whether it's as an English teacher, an ESL instructor, or a substitute teacher, many graduates apply their skills in language and literature directly in the classroom. These roles make full use of the knowledge obtained during studies, allowing graduates to engage with students in meaningful ways. Additionally, positions in editing and publishing appear frequently, with many graduates taking roles as editorial assistants, copy editors, or writing consultants. These jobs utilize critical reading and strong writing abilities, which are integral to an English degree.
However, a troubling aspect of the data reveals that many graduates end up in jobs with little to no relevance to their English training. Positions in retail, customer service, and various administrative roles are prevalent among English majors. For example, jobs like baristas, sales associates, and administrative assistants often do not capitalize on the skills developed in their English courses. Even in higher-level roles, such as project managers or coordinators, the core responsibilities may focus more on operations and less on linguistic or literary expertise. This suggests a disconnect between the skills acquired in an English degree program and the job market's demands.
In summary, while many English graduates successfully navigate careers that reflect their education and make meaningful use of their skills, a substantial number find themselves in roles that do not correlate with their degree. The data highlights an important conversation about the utility of an English degree in today's job market and raises questions about potential paths for realigning English education with evolving career opportunities. Ultimately, pursuing an English degree may provide valuable skills applicable in various fields; however, it is essential for graduates to be strategic about their career choices to fully leverage their educational background.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for English graduates:
The career trajectories of recent English graduates can often be a mixed bag, showcasing a variety of paths that range from directly related jobs to those that may seem off-course. Overall, the data suggests that graduates often find their footing in roles that leverage communication skills—often in marketing, education, writing, editing, and public relations. However, many also appear to be in employment that doesn't quite align with their degree, with some taking roles in retail, customer service, and administrative roles, indicating a broader job market reality where the fit isn't always perfect.
For many graduates, the first job after finishing their degree often relates to internships or entry-level positions that align with their study. For instance, several students from schools like Temple University and Cornell University started their careers in editorial roles or as teaching assistants, highlighting a clear path into journalism and education. Five years down the line, some have successfully transitioned into influential editing and managerial roles in publishing or education. Yet, equally notable is the number of graduates who shift into unrelated fields or less prestigious roles, perhaps driven by economic necessity or a change in personal interests. For example, graduates from while some may have started as English teachers, they've later moved into roles such as marketing managers or administrative professionals, which, while utilizing their skills, diverge from core English literature or writing paths.
When looking at graduates ten years after finishing, the career landscape appears more established, with many finding roles that command respect within their fields—such as editorial managers, public relations directors, or established educators. However, some returned to traditional employment roles that may not seem reflective of their degrees, such as baristas or in retail management. This indicates a vital trend where while an English degree offers versatile skills, the job market's nature can push graduates in various directions, often requiring adaptability in the face of evolving personal career goals or market demands.
In conclusion, while many English graduates find fulfilling careers that are relevant and rewarding, it's equally important to acknowledge the vast array of roles that may seem less aligned with their specialization. The journey often takes unexpected turns, revealing that one's degree is just one part of a broader career narrative that evolves with time.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in English can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you love reading, writing, and analyzing literature, you might find it more enjoyable than difficult. There’s a lot of reading involved, plus writing essays and possibly doing some research projects, which can feel overwhelming at times. However, many students find that the material really engages them, making it easier to dive into the work. Overall, it’s about average in terms of difficulty—it's not a walk in the park, but if you're passionate about the subject, you’ll probably have a good time tackling the content!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in English.
Looking through the job history of these English graduates, it's clear that there's a huge range in how much these individuals might be making. Some, like those in traditional teaching roles or who transitioned into roles like technical writing or marketing, likely have steady, decent salaries, especially if they’ve gained experience over the years. For example, graduates working in fields like writing, editing, or marketing often end up in positions where pay can be more competitive, particularly if they land in higher-profile companies or industries. Others, especially those who are still early in their careers or in more part-time or freelance positions, may not be making as much—internships and short-term roles often pay less and can sometimes lead to less stable incomes.
Overall, while some graduates have moved into roles that offer a good earning potential, many are still building their careers and may not yet be in positions with significant financial rewards. The trajectory in the English field can be quite varied; if these graduates leverage their skills and networks effectively, they can definitely find opportunities that pay well over time. It’s all about where you end up and the specific path you choose after graduation!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in English. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in English (ordered by the average relevance score of their English graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 The University of Texas at Austin
|
56 | 11 |
 University of California, Los Angeles
|
53 | 14 |
 The Ohio State University
|
41 | 14 |
 Brigham Young University
|
38 | 13 |