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First, some facts. Of the 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 98 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 49%, Literature graduates have a much lower likelihood (-18%) 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, 50% 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 Literature graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2010 from Butler University with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Literature. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONAdjunct English Faculty East-West University Sep 2014 - Dec 2015 Editorial Associate Leff Jan 2016 - Jan 2018 Editor Leff Jan 2018 - Jul 2020 Senior Editor Leff Jul 2020 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster's degreeDePaul University 2010 - 2012 ABOUTI work to turn client ideas and insights into substantive content for print and digital formats and help ensure that their ideas are showcased as part of a comprehensive, integrated messaging strategy. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
As we sift through the various careers of individuals with Literature degrees, it becomes evident that there is a mixed bag of relevance to their studies in the field. On one side, we see a significant number of jobs that require strong writing, communication, and analytical skills—qualities nurtured through studying literature. Positions like Editor, English Teacher, and Freelance Writer showcase a direct application of literary knowledge. These roles typically involve engaging with texts, understanding narratives, and crafting written content, which are vital for anyone with a background in literature. Many graduates have successfully transitioned into editing positions across reputable publishing houses, or they have made their mark as teachers, where their literary expertise is fundamental to shaping the understanding of literature in their students.
However, it's also notable that a considerable portion of graduates find themselves in roles that barely touch on their literature training. Positions such as administrative assistants, sales associates, and other management roles often promote transferable skills like communication and organization, but they lack the deep, critical engagement with literature. Some individuals end up in industries like marketing and project management, where storytelling and writing may come into play, but the central focus of their responsibilities remains far from the literary analysis and creative thinking emphasized in their degrees. In extreme cases, positions in technical or operational fields do not engage with literature at all, which can be frustrating for those who have invested years mastering the intricacies of literary studies.
In summary, while there certainly are common paths for Literature graduates that leverage their academic background, including editing, teaching, and writing roles that align closely with their studies, many also find themselves adapting their skills to industries that do not directly relate to literature. This divergence raises the question of whether a Literature degree sufficiently prepares students for a diverse job market that often does not align with their passions. As such, the experience of Literature graduates highlights the importance of adaptability and the ability to translate their skills into various contexts, regardless of the initial applicability of their degree.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Literature graduates:
When we look at the career trajectories of Literature graduates, it’s a mixed bag. Some have found really meaningful positions that align with their skills and interests in literature, while others seem to have drifted into less relevant roles. If we break this down, we can see some clear patterns emerge in terms of what these graduates are doing right out of college and how their careers evolve over time.
For many of these graduates, their first jobs after finishing their degrees tend to be in areas like teaching, administration, or various forms of writing and editing. For instance, graduates who landed positions as editorial assistants and marketing coordinators seemed to leverage their writing skills effectively. However, some started off in roles that feel a bit far from the literature focus, like office management or customer service. It reflects a broader trend where first jobs can often be more about paying the bills than diving straight into the literature field.
Fast forward five or ten years, and the picture gets more complicated. Some graduates who started in entry-level roles have climbed the ladder in their respective fields, taking on positions like program analysts at government agencies, senior editors, or even directors of significant projects within educational institutions and publishing houses. This suggests that with a few years of experience, some Literature majors can carve out respectable and relevant career paths. However, many others have ended up in jobs that make you question how much their degree actually contributed to their professional lives—like working in sales, hospitality, or administrative roles.
In a nutshell, while there are success stories among Literature graduates, the pathways often seem diverse and unpredictable. Some have definitely found ways to connect their passion for literature with their careers, while others appear to struggle in less fulfilling jobs. So, if you're a high school student considering a degree in Literature, just know that your journey could be a mix of both—finding those good opportunities might take some time and networking, but it’s definitely possible!
A Bachelor’s degree in Literature can be a mixed bag in terms of difficulty; it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you love reading, analyzing texts, and writing your thoughts, it might feel pretty manageable and even enjoyable. However, if you're not into spending hours reading complex novels or writing essays, it could get tough. Overall, it's not necessarily harder than other degrees, but it does require a good amount of critical thinking and strong writing skills. So, if you're passionate about stories and enjoy diving deep into characters and themes, you'll probably find it more on the easier side!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Literature.
Looking at the job histories of these literature graduates, it's clear that some have carved out decent careers while others might be struggling a bit financially. For example, the graduate from American University who started as an Environmental Education Volunteer and has climbed the ranks to a Division Chief at the U.S. Department of State is likely making a solid salary now. On the flip side, the Purchase College graduate who transitioned from an Administrative Assistant to Executive Assistant might be in a more modest pay range, especially if they remain in education-focused roles, which often don't offer the highest salaries. Overall, I'd say it really depends on the specific career paths they took and the industries they ended up in.
Several of these graduates are in teaching roles or entry-level positions, which usually don’t pay that well, while others have stepped into high-level roles or management positions that probably offer more financial stability. Those who shifted towards corporate roles or government positions, like the one at the Department of State, seem to be doing quite well, whereas those in education or lower-tier administrative roles might not be as comfortable financially. So, in summary, there's quite a variety—some are set up nicely, while others likely face tougher economic challenges.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Literature. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Literature (ordered by the average relevance score of their Literature graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 University of California, Santa Cruz
|
60 | 10 |