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First, some facts. Of the English Literature 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 2432 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 48%, English Literature graduates have a much lower likelihood (-19%) 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, 45% 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 Literature graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 96% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2011 from Norrthern Univesity Bangladesh with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in English Literature. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONLecturer Northern University Bangladesh (NUB) Jan 2013 - Dec 2016 Lecturer Northern University of Business & Technology Khulna Jan 2017 - Dec 2018 IELTS Instructor, Young Learner English Instructor Project Headway , British Council Exam Center, Khulna Jan 2019 - Feb 2022 Content Writer Generation Z Bangladesh Sep 2021 - Mar 2022 Teaching Professional Al Sager International School May 2022 - Apr 2023 Early Childhood Teacher Aide  Bloomfield Hills Schools Dec 2023 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Arts - MANorthern University Bangladesh 2011 - 2012 ABOUTSkilled in English, Academic Publishing, Writing, Web Content Writing, and Teaching. Strong media and communication professional with a Master of Arts - MA focused in English Language and Literature from Northern University Bangladesh. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When analyzing the job trajectories of individuals who graduated with degrees in English Literature, it's clear that there is a broad spectrum of career paths they have pursued. Many have gravitated towards teaching roles, which are directly aligned with their educational background, while others have found themselves in seemingly unrelated fields such as marketing, administrative roles, and even positions in healthcare. This ambiguity raises an important question: how relevant are these roles to their English Literature degrees?
A significant number of the examined profiles reveal that many graduates have taken up teaching positions, particularly as English or literature teachers in K-12 settings. These roles utilize their knowledge and skills in literature, allowing them to apply concepts of analysis, critical thinking, and comprehension directly into the classroom. This trend highlights that for those pursuing a career in education, an English Literature degree is not only applicable but often a prerequisite for employment in these fields.
However, outside of the educational sphere, many graduates have entered roles that do not leverage the specific knowledge imparted by their English Literature studies. Fields such as marketing or public relations seem to favor general communication skills rather than deep literary analysis. Roles such as "Marketing Coordinator" or "Public Relations Specialist" frequently appear, showcasing that employers in these areas prioritize writing and interpersonal skills, but not necessarily literary expertise. Similarly, positions in administration or healthcare, like "Clinical Assistant" or "Office Manager," do not require the analytical or interpretive skills cultivated during their academic training, thus illuminating a gap between their degree and job responsibilities.
Interestingly, some may find niches that blend their English Literature background with roles in editing, content creation, or publishing. These positions frequently warrant the analytical skills and literary knowledge these graduates possess. Jobs such as "Editorial Assistant" or "Content Writer" are where a clear correlation between degree and work role exists, suggesting that graduates with a focus on these areas are better positioned to fully utilize their academic skills.
In conclusion, while the data reflects a considerable diversity in career choices among English Literature graduates, the relevance of their degrees varies significantly. Those who pursue teaching roles find a solid foundation and application of their studies, while others face a disconnect in fields that prioritize practical communication skills over nuanced literary knowledge. If graduates are looking to stay aligned with their academic foundations, seeking positions that utilize their analytical capabilities and literature expertise is essential. Meanwhile, broader fields of communication may continue to attract graduates regardless of direct alignment to their degrees, indicating a flexible and adaptable interpretation of the career paths available for those with a background in English Literature.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for English Literature graduates:
Analyzing the career trajectories of English Literature graduates, it’s quite evident that they embark on a diverse range of career paths after completing their degrees. Many of these trajectories highlight the adaptability and breadth of skills acquired through an English program. Generally, these graduates seem to find their footing in a mixture of teaching roles, editing, writing, content creation, and various positions in marketing and communications within the first few years post-graduation. This reflects the inherent versatility of an English degree which not only encourages critical thinking and effective communication but also prepares students for careers that require strong analytical and writing abilities.
For many graduates, the first job out of college often tends to be in education, such as teaching positions or roles as English tutors. We see numerous individuals starting as substitute teachers or teaching assistants, a trend consistent across multiple universities. However, it's notable that some graduates have pursued roles outside of traditional teaching, entering fields such as marketing, publishing, and editorial work. By the five-year mark, we observe a more mixed picture. Many English graduates remain in educational roles, transitioning into more permanent teaching positions or progressing to administrative roles within educational institutions. Others branch out into more specialized roles, often related to writing and content strategy, and even leadership roles in various sectors. This shows a promising trend of upward mobility and diversification in career goals as they gain experience.
Looking ten years down the line, the career paths of these graduates continue to evolve, with many securing fulfilling positions in prominent fields like publishing, marketing, law, and academia. For those in publishing and editorial work, roles such as editors or publishing managers emerge as common advancements. Teaching professionals often transition into administrative roles or further academic pursuits, with many continuing their education to obtain higher degrees. Others leverage their skills in more corporate settings, engaging in content marketing and communications while still drawing on the foundation laid during their English studies. While some may indeed find themselves in positions unrelated to English Literature, many have carved successful careers that integrate their passion for literature with their professional lives. Overall, the journeys of English Literature graduates highlight both the opportunities available in the traditional literary fields and the ability to adapt their skills to a variety of vocations.
A Bachelor’s degree in English Literature can be quite challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you love reading and analyzing texts, you might find it enjoyable and more manageable. You'll be expected to read a lot of books, from classics to contemporary works, and write analytical essays that dig deep into themes, characters, and contexts. Some people might find the workload a bit overwhelming, especially if writing isn’t their strong suit. Overall, it’s not necessarily harder than an average degree, but it does require a good amount of commitment and a genuine interest in literature to keep you engaged and thriving through those intense reading lists and essay deadlines!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in English Literature.
So, when you look at the resumes of these English Literature grads, it really depends. Some have climbed the corporate ladder pretty effectively, like those in marketing or legal positions, where salaries can be quite high. For example, folks working at big law firms or tech companies might be pulling in solid six-figure salaries, especially if they’ve got some years and experience under their belts. But then you’ve got others who are still stuck in more entry-level gigs, like teaching assistants or roles in the service industry, which probably aren’t going to make them rich anytime soon.
In general, the path after college can be a bit of a mixed bag for Lit grads. Those who took their skills into fields like marketing, education, or content creation seem to have decent growth potential, while others may still be figuring things out. If they keep building their experience, they could definitely land better-paying roles down the line, but the early stages don’t always reflect that reality. So, overall, it’s a range—some are likely doing well financially, while others may still be feeling the pinch.
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 Literature. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in English Literature (ordered by the average relevance score of their English Literature graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
