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I am a high school senior planning on being an English major, and I am interested in writing, but I am worried about getting a job in the future. Are there any good career possibilities?
I am interested in novel writing, creative writing, and poetry, but willing to learn technical writing as well.
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11 answers
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have interest in English. There are many careers related to English.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Do you have interest to be a writer, journalist, translator, media content creator, English teacher, etc.? You can find out more English related careers online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Do you have interest to be a writer, journalist, translator, media content creator, English teacher, etc.? You can find out more English related careers online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
I appreciate you answering my question, thank you so much for the advice!
Nailah
Updated
Rekha’s Answer
If you are interested for writing you can join journalism or mass communication course .you can always work as a freelancer at social media sites by writing articles,short stories,poems,and quotes,articles.There are many sites who provide part time jobs at social media .you can choose according to your interest in writing
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John’s Answer
Nailah - I have been a business writer for 25 years and have had the opportunity to write in a variety of contexts - and all within one company! I started as a proposal writer, which is a role where you drive a company's response to a "Request for Proposal," which just means another company is interested in hiring a company for a project and your company wants to win that work! The proposal is a written document that basically makes the case for why the client should hire your company. So it's a mix of technical-style writing (writing about your company's technical capabilities) and more persuasive, human writing (making the case for why your company would do the best job). I started writing proposals with *no* prior experience or technical knowledge and worked in the field for 15 years.
I also spent five years in internal communications, where writing skills are hugely valued and where I was able to write a variety of communications - leader messages, leader social media posts, internal newsletters, internal success stories, etc.
And my experience is of course just an infinitesimally small slice of what's possible. The truth is that as AI gets better and better at technical tasks and complicated projects, the skills that humanities majors bring will become more and more valuable, as it's humanities majors that bring, literally, humanity, to the work companies need done and the problems they need to solve.
Good luck!
I also spent five years in internal communications, where writing skills are hugely valued and where I was able to write a variety of communications - leader messages, leader social media posts, internal newsletters, internal success stories, etc.
And my experience is of course just an infinitesimally small slice of what's possible. The truth is that as AI gets better and better at technical tasks and complicated projects, the skills that humanities majors bring will become more and more valuable, as it's humanities majors that bring, literally, humanity, to the work companies need done and the problems they need to solve.
Good luck!
Updated
Saint’s Answer
Hey Nailah!
It’s totally normal to worry about future job prospects as an English major, but there are many career possibilities. If you’re passionate about creative writing, poetry, and novels, you can also explore areas like technical writing, which is in demand in fields like tech, healthcare, and marketing. Other options include editing, publishing, content creation, or teaching. Many English majors also work in communications, PR, or copywriting, combining creativity with more stable careers.
While becoming a novelist or poet can take time, pursuing these interests alongside practical skills will give you a solid foundation for a flexible, fulfilling career. Stay open to different paths and you’ll find great opportunities!
Good luck!

Saint
It’s totally normal to worry about future job prospects as an English major, but there are many career possibilities. If you’re passionate about creative writing, poetry, and novels, you can also explore areas like technical writing, which is in demand in fields like tech, healthcare, and marketing. Other options include editing, publishing, content creation, or teaching. Many English majors also work in communications, PR, or copywriting, combining creativity with more stable careers.
While becoming a novelist or poet can take time, pursuing these interests alongside practical skills will give you a solid foundation for a flexible, fulfilling career. Stay open to different paths and you’ll find great opportunities!
Good luck!

Saint
Updated
Madeleine’s Answer
Hello Nailah,
It's great that you have a wide range of interests. I've mostly worked in journalism, but that field has changed a lot, especially since I've written mainly for newspapers, which aren't as popular anymore. I've also had some poetry published, though it only earned me $15. Poetry can be hard to sell. I've written some creative pieces too, but I haven't tried to publish them yet—maybe I'll do that when I have more time.
I did write a technical manual once, and that's an area where you can earn money. For me, the challenge was putting my creativity aside to simplify the engineer's program, FoxPro, for hair salons.
In the end, you get to decide what kind of writing you want to pursue long-term. Will it be fulfilling for you?
You might consider working with Meta, as they offer opportunities in journalism. But be ready for ads if you start a page with them. I believe you can make a living from writing, even though I've only done it part-time and freelance. Follow your dreams. Best wishes.
It's great that you have a wide range of interests. I've mostly worked in journalism, but that field has changed a lot, especially since I've written mainly for newspapers, which aren't as popular anymore. I've also had some poetry published, though it only earned me $15. Poetry can be hard to sell. I've written some creative pieces too, but I haven't tried to publish them yet—maybe I'll do that when I have more time.
I did write a technical manual once, and that's an area where you can earn money. For me, the challenge was putting my creativity aside to simplify the engineer's program, FoxPro, for hair salons.
In the end, you get to decide what kind of writing you want to pursue long-term. Will it be fulfilling for you?
You might consider working with Meta, as they offer opportunities in journalism. But be ready for ads if you start a page with them. I believe you can make a living from writing, even though I've only done it part-time and freelance. Follow your dreams. Best wishes.
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Mike’s Answer
Ad agencies always need good copywriters, and by extension so called "content designer" where you will design while sections like "How it Works" and FAQ pages as well.
Take a few marketing or advertising classes as well.
You can always work on your writing on sites like Medium and Substack.
And you can work on your novel in your spare time!
Take a few marketing or advertising classes as well.
You can always work on your writing on sites like Medium and Substack.
And you can work on your novel in your spare time!
Updated
Mariem’s Answer
Hi Nailah, :)
being an English major can open a lot of doors if you stay flexible. Since you love creative writing and poetry, you should absolutely keep nurturing that, but it’s also smart to be open to things like technical writing, copywriting, content creation, editing, and even marketing or communications roles.
A lot of companies need strong writers who can clearly express ideas. You can always build your creative projects on the side while gaining experience and financial stability through writing-related jobs. Your passion for writing will give you so many options if you stay open-minded and willing to learn new skills along the way!
being an English major can open a lot of doors if you stay flexible. Since you love creative writing and poetry, you should absolutely keep nurturing that, but it’s also smart to be open to things like technical writing, copywriting, content creation, editing, and even marketing or communications roles.
A lot of companies need strong writers who can clearly express ideas. You can always build your creative projects on the side while gaining experience and financial stability through writing-related jobs. Your passion for writing will give you so many options if you stay open-minded and willing to learn new skills along the way!
Updated
Ira Preston’s Answer
Nailah, I understand your journey because I took a similar path. I majored in English with a love for creative writing and worried about finding a job after graduation. I only had one technical writing class, but it turned into a 25-year career as a technical writer. Alongside, I also worked on my creative writing. Here’s what helped me:
First, I chose a specific field to focus on as a technical writer and took classes related to it. For me, that was computer science, which helped build my credibility. I recommend picking a field you find interesting and maybe minoring in it, whether it's biology, business, or chemistry. Writing about something you enjoy makes it much easier.
Second, check if your college offers a co-op education program. This can connect you with jobs in your chosen field, giving you valuable experience. If your college doesn't have such a program, consider volunteering as a technical writer in your community or remotely. If that's not possible, try gaining experience as a communications specialist by writing press releases and reports. You’ll find many organizations looking for volunteers, both locally and nationwide.
First, I chose a specific field to focus on as a technical writer and took classes related to it. For me, that was computer science, which helped build my credibility. I recommend picking a field you find interesting and maybe minoring in it, whether it's biology, business, or chemistry. Writing about something you enjoy makes it much easier.
Second, check if your college offers a co-op education program. This can connect you with jobs in your chosen field, giving you valuable experience. If your college doesn't have such a program, consider volunteering as a technical writer in your community or remotely. If that's not possible, try gaining experience as a communications specialist by writing press releases and reports. You’ll find many organizations looking for volunteers, both locally and nationwide.
Updated
Yolian’s Answer
Hi Nailah,
English is a great major and has many applications in the job market!
Here's a quick list, some that have already been flagged in the comments above.
- Copywriter. This can be at an ad agency or within a corporation as many now have their own internal agencies or teams that consist of designers and copywriters.
-Script writer/editor. Essentially a copywriter but you're working in the TV/entertainment industry specifically. Producers hire writers for movies and shows to make ongoing edits to scripts.
- In a newsroom. Here you have many options, from journalist or news or magazine columnist to TV reporter, producer and news editor. You will need a strong writing background for all of them.
- Corporate communications specialist. This one is a big bucket that includes Publicist/PR, Marketing, Internal Communications, and Social Media. Companies and executives rely a lot on their communications teams. Many Publicists and Internal Communications specialists, have journalism backgrounds, and they definitely need strong writing skills to draft communications like press releases, talking points, newsletters, social media posts.
- Technical writer. This can take many forms. It depends on what you would like or need to specialize in. In my case, I have done technical writing for finance/Tax. I don't have a finance background or understand the Tax code. So, it required a lot of reading and talking to the experts to understand fundamental concepts so that I could write about them.
Hope this was helpful.
-Yolian
If you're interested in journalism, business or corporate writing, pick up the book "Smart Brevity: the Power of Saying More with Less"
English is a great major and has many applications in the job market!
Here's a quick list, some that have already been flagged in the comments above.
- Copywriter. This can be at an ad agency or within a corporation as many now have their own internal agencies or teams that consist of designers and copywriters.
-Script writer/editor. Essentially a copywriter but you're working in the TV/entertainment industry specifically. Producers hire writers for movies and shows to make ongoing edits to scripts.
- In a newsroom. Here you have many options, from journalist or news or magazine columnist to TV reporter, producer and news editor. You will need a strong writing background for all of them.
- Corporate communications specialist. This one is a big bucket that includes Publicist/PR, Marketing, Internal Communications, and Social Media. Companies and executives rely a lot on their communications teams. Many Publicists and Internal Communications specialists, have journalism backgrounds, and they definitely need strong writing skills to draft communications like press releases, talking points, newsletters, social media posts.
- Technical writer. This can take many forms. It depends on what you would like or need to specialize in. In my case, I have done technical writing for finance/Tax. I don't have a finance background or understand the Tax code. So, it required a lot of reading and talking to the experts to understand fundamental concepts so that I could write about them.
Hope this was helpful.
-Yolian
Yolian recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Kim’s Answer
I think that every English major goes through this line of thinking during college. So first of all, what you're thinking about is normal and valid.
If you're looking for writing-forward roles, consider web writing, technical writing and grant writing--and try pairing that with a subject you're interested in or cause you're passionate about.
Most companies and organizations have dedicated staff to support writing content to meet internal and customer needs. So if there's a field you're interested in, see what writing, editing and other communications opportunities are available.
Continue to develop your creative writing skills with electives and in your personal time. No matter where you end up working, you'll need an established body of work to showcase your skills in interviews and the hiring process.
If you're looking for writing-forward roles, consider web writing, technical writing and grant writing--and try pairing that with a subject you're interested in or cause you're passionate about.
Most companies and organizations have dedicated staff to support writing content to meet internal and customer needs. So if there's a field you're interested in, see what writing, editing and other communications opportunities are available.
Continue to develop your creative writing skills with electives and in your personal time. No matter where you end up working, you'll need an established body of work to showcase your skills in interviews and the hiring process.
Updated
Barbara’s Answer
Hi Nailah,
I was also an English major (Literature/Rhetoric) and started working in magazines right out of college. I made sure to work in the field while I was still in college, first writing for the school paper, then two internships, one at the daily Gannett paper and another for a local weekly paper.
I'm sure it was the internships that made the difference. Companies will want to see writing samples, but also that you were ambitious and could balance work and school.
Best of luck!
Barbara
I was also an English major (Literature/Rhetoric) and started working in magazines right out of college. I made sure to work in the field while I was still in college, first writing for the school paper, then two internships, one at the daily Gannett paper and another for a local weekly paper.
I'm sure it was the internships that made the difference. Companies will want to see writing samples, but also that you were ambitious and could balance work and school.
Best of luck!
Barbara