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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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6 answers
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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
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
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
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
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.
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