3 answers
Amy
Student
Aurora, Colorado
1
Question
Asked
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Can an English degree be utilized in some manner to create an impact on one's community?
I am a high-school student who would like to create a positive change in my community, I also hold a passion for literature and writing.
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3 answers
Martha D. Kramer
Corporate Training and Communications
97
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Martha D.’s Answer
Hi, Amy, and yes, an English major can be used to create positive change in your community!
There are many different avenues you could take. For example, you could teach English (also drama, if there is budget) to disadvantaged populations. In addition to lifting their spirits and triggering their imaginations, improving their English could help them immensely to get into college and obtain higher-paying jobs.
You could take a communications job in various executive levels of government. An obvious part would be in education but all parts of government need good communicators. The entry level for these jobs are often called public affairs specialist. You could also work for a legislator, state or federal, who shares your values or do constituent service for them.
There are potentially opportunities in policy groups, which are often non-profit. You could write grants, run programs, and potentially get involved directly in policy. You may need further training in the content for that.
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
There are many different avenues you could take. For example, you could teach English (also drama, if there is budget) to disadvantaged populations. In addition to lifting their spirits and triggering their imaginations, improving their English could help them immensely to get into college and obtain higher-paying jobs.
You could take a communications job in various executive levels of government. An obvious part would be in education but all parts of government need good communicators. The entry level for these jobs are often called public affairs specialist. You could also work for a legislator, state or federal, who shares your values or do constituent service for them.
There are potentially opportunities in policy groups, which are often non-profit. You could write grants, run programs, and potentially get involved directly in policy. You may need further training in the content for that.
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
Patricia Enfanto
Senior Director Governance Risk and Compliance
6
Answers
Dracut, Massachusetts
Updated
Patricia’s Answer
Hi Amy,
What a fabulous goal! An English degree can be a great way to make a real difference in your community. It’s not just about reading books or writing papers. It’s really about learning how to communicate clearly, tell good stories, and help people understand one another. Those skills are useful everywhere.
For example, if you love reading and writing, you could volunteer at your local library. Some libraries have reading programs where you could help with story time for kids, book clubs, or adult literacy programs. It’s a nice way to help others build confidence and learn to enjoy reading more.
Another thought is to help out in elementary schools, especially with younger students who are learning how to read. Just spending time reading out loud to a group of students or helping with homework can encouraging kids to talk about books, share their likes and dislikes which can make a big impact on how they approach reading as they reach high school and beyond.
English skills are also great for tutoring. It sounds like reading and writing are a passion of yours. You could help other students with reading, writing assignments, or even college and scholarship essays. Something that feels small to you, like editing an essay, can be huge for someone else.
Something else that may be fun for you is participating in community organizations and nonprofits that sometimes need help creating brochures, newsletters, social media posts, or creating website content.
Another cool idea is to start your own community organization where you can encourage others to share community stories. Try interviewing folks like the Fire Chief, the local grocery store owner that serves the community or go to the local senior citizen residence. Elders love to share their life experiences and would be thrilled to have their journey written and shared by someone. These kinds of activities are beneficial for everyone. It builds relationships and connections that will be a lasting memory for you and them.
All in all, strong reading, writing, and communication skills help people learn, connect, and grow. An English degree gives you the tools to lift others up, whether you’re helping a child learn to read, supporting a local organization, or sharing stories that matter.
What a fabulous goal! An English degree can be a great way to make a real difference in your community. It’s not just about reading books or writing papers. It’s really about learning how to communicate clearly, tell good stories, and help people understand one another. Those skills are useful everywhere.
For example, if you love reading and writing, you could volunteer at your local library. Some libraries have reading programs where you could help with story time for kids, book clubs, or adult literacy programs. It’s a nice way to help others build confidence and learn to enjoy reading more.
Another thought is to help out in elementary schools, especially with younger students who are learning how to read. Just spending time reading out loud to a group of students or helping with homework can encouraging kids to talk about books, share their likes and dislikes which can make a big impact on how they approach reading as they reach high school and beyond.
English skills are also great for tutoring. It sounds like reading and writing are a passion of yours. You could help other students with reading, writing assignments, or even college and scholarship essays. Something that feels small to you, like editing an essay, can be huge for someone else.
Something else that may be fun for you is participating in community organizations and nonprofits that sometimes need help creating brochures, newsletters, social media posts, or creating website content.
Another cool idea is to start your own community organization where you can encourage others to share community stories. Try interviewing folks like the Fire Chief, the local grocery store owner that serves the community or go to the local senior citizen residence. Elders love to share their life experiences and would be thrilled to have their journey written and shared by someone. These kinds of activities are beneficial for everyone. It builds relationships and connections that will be a lasting memory for you and them.
All in all, strong reading, writing, and communication skills help people learn, connect, and grow. An English degree gives you the tools to lift others up, whether you’re helping a child learn to read, supporting a local organization, or sharing stories that matter.
Sara Doyle
Exhibits Coordinator
8
Answers
Douglas, Wyoming
Updated
Sara’s Answer
What a great heart and question!
As the others have mentioned, there are many avenues that you can channel that love of literature and drama. As someone who has an English degree, I can tell you that the majority of my jobs that were societally charged had less to do with my degree and more to do with opportunities that arose. For instance, I worked with the Department of Corrections, as a 911 dispatcher, a librarian, and now for a state fair. My degree hasn't really been highly applicable to any of those save the library (and often, you have to have a MLS for those jobs in bigger communities), but it has opened doors. For instance, at the DOC, I was able to help craft trainings for negotiation teams and then also participate in role-playing trainings with them. I use my background in writing to help tell the story of our community and our fair in my current role.
One thing--unless you are going into teaching, English degrees alone can sometimes be not as well received. Partner it with something like social work, communications, or even a business minor--something that will let you get in your love of writing and drama, but also pair it with some skills the business world is looking for more specifically. The English (both lit and grammar sides) will then enhance and bolster the skill set. And always remember, you can use those skills and loves outside whatever job you have to pay the bills--you can get involved with local drama groups, volunteer to tutor at learning centers, or teach English as a Second Language.
Good luck--we need more people who want to make the world a better place!
As the others have mentioned, there are many avenues that you can channel that love of literature and drama. As someone who has an English degree, I can tell you that the majority of my jobs that were societally charged had less to do with my degree and more to do with opportunities that arose. For instance, I worked with the Department of Corrections, as a 911 dispatcher, a librarian, and now for a state fair. My degree hasn't really been highly applicable to any of those save the library (and often, you have to have a MLS for those jobs in bigger communities), but it has opened doors. For instance, at the DOC, I was able to help craft trainings for negotiation teams and then also participate in role-playing trainings with them. I use my background in writing to help tell the story of our community and our fair in my current role.
One thing--unless you are going into teaching, English degrees alone can sometimes be not as well received. Partner it with something like social work, communications, or even a business minor--something that will let you get in your love of writing and drama, but also pair it with some skills the business world is looking for more specifically. The English (both lit and grammar sides) will then enhance and bolster the skill set. And always remember, you can use those skills and loves outside whatever job you have to pay the bills--you can get involved with local drama groups, volunteer to tutor at learning centers, or teach English as a Second Language.
Good luck--we need more people who want to make the world a better place!