What Can You Do with a Major in English : Real People, Real Jobs, Real Rewards

by O'Hara, Shelley

• ISBN13: 9780764576058
• ISBN10: 0764576054
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-02-18
• Publisher: Cliffs Notes

Summary

Your guide to glide from campus to career You've probably never seen a help wanted ad seeking an "English major." But if you're considering majoring in English or have an English degree, don't let that discourage you. Many interesting and exciting positions are available for people with your skills--including some that will surprise you. This book gives you what you need to seize those opportunities. It goes beyond basic, generic job primers to include: * Advice on college and curriculum choices--courses, internships, and more * Tips to energize your job search * Profiles of real graduates, their jobs, and how they got them * Up-close and professional input from a publisher, journalist, speech writer, librarian, and literary agent * Overviews of typical salary levels, hours, and work environments * Extensive additional resources including Web sites, professional organizations, periodicals, and more With practical information plus enlightening perspectives from professionals who have already put their English degrees to work, What Can You Do with a Major in English? helps you determine the type of job you really want. Then, whether you're just starting college, close to graduation, or already in the workforce and looking for a more rewarding position, you can make decisions that will speed you toward your career goals.

Author Biography

Shelley O'Hara is a professional writer and the author of more than 100 books. She holds a Master's in English from the University of Maryland.

Table of Contents

About This Book	1	(1)
What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?	1	(1)
How This Book Helps You Make Smart Decisions	2	(1)
Who This Book Can Help	3	(1)
A Guide to the Book	4	(3)
Majoring in English	7	(14)
Choosing a Major	8	(5)
A Closer Look at an English Major	13	(5)
The Job Outlook	18	(3)
Choosing a College	21	(12)
Researching Colleges	21	(5)
Looking into the English Program	26	(3)
Applying to College	29	(2)
Special College Situations	31	(2)
Making the Most of Your Time at College	33	(12)
Planning Your Classes	34	(2)
Writing and Editing	36	(1)
Joining Clubs and Organizations	36	(2)
Internships, Volunteering, and Part-Time Work	38	(3)
Networking While in School	41	(4)
Attending Graduate School in English	45	(8)
Planning for a Postgraduate Degree	46	(1)
Selecting Your Undergraduate Coursework	46	(1)
Selecting a School and Degree Program	47	(1)
Getting in to Graduate School	48	(3)
Returning to School	51	(1)
Pursuing Other Graduate Degrees	52	(1)
Breaking into the Job Market with an English Degree	53	(14)
Planning Ahead	53	(2)
Preparing Your Resume	55	(1)
Finding a Job	56	(6)
Interviewing for a Job	62	(5)
Career Possibilities for an English Major	67	(16)
Writers and Editors	68	(3)
Journalism Careers	71	(2)
Advertising and Public Relations	73	(2)
Teaching	75	(2)
Librarians	77	(1)
Still More Career Possibilities	78	(5)
Case Studies	83	(14)
Michele, a College Librarian	83	(4)
Christine, a Lawyer	87	(3)
Fran, a Journalist	90	(2)
Dan, a Political Speechwriter	92	(5)
Appendix: Resources	97	(14)
Honor Societies	97	(1)
Organizations, Associations, and Societies	98	(6)
School and Career Web Sites	104	(1)
Journals, Magazines, Books, and More	105	(1)
Self-Administered Aptitude Tests	106	(4)
Career Counseling	110	(1)
Index	111