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Is an English major relevant to pursue? Is there room for leadership advancement in careers geared toward an English area of study?
I'm a senior in high school who loves holding leadership positions but also has a passion for self-expression through writing. Are there any suitable careers for my interests that would provide me with a comfortable income as well?
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John’s Answer
Absolutely. When I decided to major in English, my focus was on becoming a best-selling novelist. That didn't occur unfortunately, but it wasn't bad news. I merely took a detour and entered into the world of technical writing where things turned out much better than I thought. A technical writer turns complex information into clear, structured content that people can actually use. We could be tasked to provide documentation support for a wide variety of products to include, aircraft, computer software and hardware, financial services, arts and entertainment and IT services. You might not realize this, but this degree is also a passport into having a career in tech which is where I presently work. We collaborate with engineers, product teams, and subject‑matter experts to understand how systems work and then document them through guides, manuals, API references, and process instructions. Our goal is to make knowledge accessible, consistent, and accurate so users—and entire organizations—can work more effectively. I think that maybe experience is the best teacher here. Feel free to go to my website at https://jkunney53.wixsite.com/my-site. Click, "About Me" to read my story. Also click the LinkedIn icon on the bottom to view my profile to see the list of companies that I worked for in the past. When you're done, keep in mind that my entire career started with a major in English. Also feel free to reach out via my contact information on my website if you would like more information.
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Isida’s Answer
Hello Marissa! I received your email, and I'm so glad you reached out. You're an amazing mentor, and I'm excited to share some thoughts with you. Even though my background is in Finance, I hope these ideas help. In the Balkans, where I live, English is widely spoken. Many who studied English Literature have found success as interpreters or working at trade fairs, especially in Europe, where there are many exciting exhibitions. It's normal to feel uncertain about choosing a career. Start by thinking about what you love doing, and explore careers that match those interests. Talking to professionals or trying internships can give you a clearer picture of what suits you best. There are still plenty of opportunities for translators, especially here in Albania. Wishing you all the best on your journey!
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Andrew’s Answer
Absolutely! You should study what genuinely excites you, especially in college. If you love writing and self-expression, an English major can be a great choice. You can always add a minor or double major if you want to explore another area too.
I work in consulting, where people come from all kinds of majors and backgrounds. What matters most is how you think, communicate, and solve problems. An English major can be a real strength here because strong writing and communication skills are essential for almost any leadership role.
There are also plenty of paths you could take with an English background, communications, marketing, publishing, media, education, or even business fields like consulting or management. What’s most important is following what interests you and staying open to where it can lead.
I work in consulting, where people come from all kinds of majors and backgrounds. What matters most is how you think, communicate, and solve problems. An English major can be a real strength here because strong writing and communication skills are essential for almost any leadership role.
There are also plenty of paths you could take with an English background, communications, marketing, publishing, media, education, or even business fields like consulting or management. What’s most important is following what interests you and staying open to where it can lead.