What can you do with a English Literature degree from Binghamton University?

First, some facts. Of the English Literature graduates from Binghamton University 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 12 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Horrible! Overall, with an average relevance score of 32%, English Literature graduates from Binghamton University have an exceptionally lower likelihood (-35%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 32%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 58% 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:

View a random English Literature graduate from Binghamton University and our analysis:


Relevance score: 0%

We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2018 from Binghamton University with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in English Literature. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Retailer and Designer
Athletic Outlet
Sep 2018 - Present
The role of Retailer and Designer at Athletic Outlet does not require any specific skills or knowledge related to English Literature, focusing instead on retail and design aspects unrelated to the field of study.

ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a English Literature degree from Binghamton University?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


After looking through the job histories of people who graduated with a degree in English Literature from Binghamton University, it's clear that many of them ended up in roles that don’t really connect to their studies. A significant number of graduates are working in fields like marketing, brand management, and even completely unrelated fields like dentistry and policing. For instance, a lot of former students have taken on various positions at breweries and marketing firms, where they may occasionally draw on their communication skills but mainly focus on brand strategies and market analysis. While there are some instances where English Lit skills could be handy, like in storytelling or copywriting, the core of most jobs is clearly task-oriented and not linked to literary analysis or reading."

However, there are definitely some graduates who found their way into more relevant roles, particularly in education and journalism. Positions such as English teachers, reporters, and event coordinators show a clear connection to their English Literature training, utilizing critical thinking, writing skills, and a deep understanding of narrative structure. Graduates who went into teaching specifically seem to be applying their knowledge in meaningful ways, directly engaging with literature and helping students appreciate the subject. So, while many have strayed far from the literary path, there are notable exceptions where graduates have turned their passion for literature into fulfilling careers. It just goes to show that a degree in English Literature can take you in many different directions, some more aligned with the field than others!

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for English Literature graduates (this is across all English Literature graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Binghamton University):

What kind of career trajectories do English Literature graduates from Binghamton University have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

From the LinkedIn profiles of Binghamton University English Literature graduates, it appears that their career trajectories are quite diverse, showcasing a mix of opportunities and challenges. Many of the graduates take on initial positions that might not directly align with their English Literature degree. For instance, some have started in roles like marketing internships or event coordination, which can draw on communication skills but may not capitalize fully on their literary background. However, there are also notable success stories, particularly in media and education, where several graduates have carved out fulfilling careers as teachers, producers, and writers. Some have even progressed to higher management roles in marketing and branding, suggesting that their skills in critical thinking, analysis, and communication have been highly valued by employers.

Fast forward five to ten years, and you can see a clearer career alignment for many. Several graduates have gravitated towards professions where their skills in storytelling, writing, and analysis can shine, such as journalism, teaching, and content production. While some have ventured into less traditional roles like data analytics or marketing management, it seems there’s a decent number who have found their way back to careers that resonate with their English studies. Of course, there are others who appear to have taken paths that are a bit disconnected from their degree, but that’s common for many graduates across various fields. Overall, it reflects a mix of creativity and adaptability, showing that while not every job directly reflects an English Literature background, the foundational skills gained from the degree can offer a versatile launching pad for a range of careers.

How hard is a English Literature degree from Binghamton University?

Getting a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature at Binghamton University can be a pretty solid challenge, but it's not necessarily the hardest degree out there. You'll be reading a ton of classic and contemporary works, and there's a good amount of writing involved—think essays, literary analyses, and maybe some creative projects. If you enjoy reading and expressing your thoughts about what you’ve read, you'll probably find it more engaging than daunting. But be prepared to dive deep into themes, characters, and historical contexts; that part can be quite intense. Overall, it's demanding, but if you have a passion for literature, it can also be a lot of fun and really rewarding!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in English Literature.

Do English Literature graduates from Binghamton University tend to make good money?

Looking at these Binghamton University grads, it seems like they've landed a mix of jobs that could lead to decent pay, but it's pretty varied depending on their fields. The ones in marketing and brand management, like the graduate from 2011 who climbed the ranks at Blue Point Brewing Co., likely make good money now, especially in such a profitable industry. On the flip side, the more recent grads going into teaching or starting out as production assistants may not be bringing in the big bucks—teaching salaries, especially in special education, can be pretty modest at first. Overall, it’s a mixed bag, with some definitely paving a strong financial path while others are still working their way up.

What buzzwords do English Literature graduates use to describe themselves?

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 is across all English Literature graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Binghamton University). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for English Literature?

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:

College Score Count
University of Michigan 72 10
University of Virginia 69 10
Indiana University Bloomington 65 10
Florida International University 64 13
Texas A&M University 61 12
University of Central Florida 58 11
Brigham Young University 58 12
The University of Georgia 58 10
Rutgers University 58 10
University of Maryland College Park 55 10
University of Washington 53 18
University of California, Los Angeles 53 19
Fordham University 53 11
Florida State University 52 16
California State University, Fullerton 49 11
Arizona State University 48 22
The University of Texas at Austin 48 13
University at Buffalo 47 10
University of Iowa 45 13
University of Houston 43 10
Kennesaw State University 43 10
Southern New Hampshire University 42 10
University of California, Berkeley 42 12
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 41 10
San Francisco State University 40 10
James Madison University 38 13
The Ohio State University 36 16
Western Washington University 34 12
Binghamton University 32 12
University of Phoenix 31 10