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What should I double major in?
As a future English Major, I feel that my college journey should likely include a double major. However, as someone who really is only good at writing, I'm conflicted as to what I should double major in. Any suggestions?
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Sama’s Answer
Hello Alexander! Interesting question! I think adding a second major to English is a perfect choice because English alone may not open as many career opportunities as it will if combined with another field. Since an English major requires strong skills in reading, writing, and critical thinking, combining it with something like education, communications, business, or even law can make you stand out more in the job market, especially since the job market is very competitive these days. A second major gives you additional knowledge and practical experience that can lead to more career options and a stronger future. For example, pairing an English major with communications or law makes sense because English develops strong writing and critical thinking skills, while communications adds public speaking and media skills, and law adds analytical and legal reasoning. Notice every time you need to make a speech, you rely on your English skills to write the essay or speech, create a clear outline, structure your arguments, and choose your words carefully, all of which help you deliver your message confidently and effectively. Similarly, in law, English skills are crucial for researching cases, analyzing information, and writing legal briefs. Above all, it’s important to choose a second major that you genuinely enjoy and are passionate about, because combining your interests with English will make your studies more engaging and your future career more fulfilling. Good luck!
Thank you for the advice!
Alexander
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
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Karin’s Answer
Hi Alexander,
I think that decision depends where you want to go with that degree. A degree in English can be useful in a variety of careers, but, unlike e.g. engineering or medicine, the path might not be immediately obvious.
So, spend a little time thinking about your goal: Do you see yourself as a creative writer or screen writer in the future? Maybe a second major or minor in film or theater would be useful. Would you like to be in journalism? A second major in journalism would be a good choice. Maybe you want to be a technical writer? A second major in something technical would be helpful. Would you be interested to be a translator or interpreter? You could add another language and/or a major in translation. Maybe you want to go to law school or into the diplomatic service? A second major in political science or international relations would be a good idea.
It's ok if you are not yet sure where you are headed. Use your gen ed requirements and electives to explore different options in college and aim to get some practical experience by doing internships or volunteering in different spaces where English majors work.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
I think that decision depends where you want to go with that degree. A degree in English can be useful in a variety of careers, but, unlike e.g. engineering or medicine, the path might not be immediately obvious.
So, spend a little time thinking about your goal: Do you see yourself as a creative writer or screen writer in the future? Maybe a second major or minor in film or theater would be useful. Would you like to be in journalism? A second major in journalism would be a good choice. Maybe you want to be a technical writer? A second major in something technical would be helpful. Would you be interested to be a translator or interpreter? You could add another language and/or a major in translation. Maybe you want to go to law school or into the diplomatic service? A second major in political science or international relations would be a good idea.
It's ok if you are not yet sure where you are headed. Use your gen ed requirements and electives to explore different options in college and aim to get some practical experience by doing internships or volunteering in different spaces where English majors work.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Alexander
Olivia Alford
I am a Strategic Initiatives Manager. My job is related to strategic planning and am a Project Manager.
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Olivia’s Answer
Hello Alexander,
If you are majoring in English, I think a good second major should pair well with your writing skills. You could look into areas like communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or even business. Some things to think about are current interest that you enjoy and what are some ways that you might want to use your writing in a future career. The goal is to choose something that adds to your strengths, not something that feels forced. You do not have to rush the decision either. You can take a few classes first and see what feels like a good fit.
Good luck!
If you are majoring in English, I think a good second major should pair well with your writing skills. You could look into areas like communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or even business. Some things to think about are current interest that you enjoy and what are some ways that you might want to use your writing in a future career. The goal is to choose something that adds to your strengths, not something that feels forced. You do not have to rush the decision either. You can take a few classes first and see what feels like a good fit.
Good luck!
Thanks for your encouragement!
Alexander