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How can you best find internships, jobs, networking opportunities and etc in college Is it mainly by asking your professors and other staff members?

Wow, it has been way too long since I've used this. Well, here are some updates about myself: I'm sixteen now, I just finished 10th grade at JD Clement Early College, and I've decided that I want to major in English and minor in journalism. I actually joined Hillside's theatre department and jazz band (playing the guitar), and I was second-cast (behind a senior) for a main role in Seussical: the Musical as Jojo. I'm mainly invested in my creative writing now, and have a few manuscripts of stories that I've already finished—although I will continue doing theatre and jazz band. I know that I may not make much money from publishing books, and I've decided that I would also like to find a job that is still related to writing, even if it isn't fictional writing. Should I just talk to people in the English department?

career college college-major career-path college-advice career-choice careers networking writing creative-writing writing-and-editing jobopportunities live-theatre fiction-author fiction-writing fiction-writer
Thank you comment icon Hi Monet, I would recommend visiting your college career office and reviewing the careers pages or social media channels of companies you’re interested in to find information about upcoming job opportunities. Lewis Rincon Castano
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Ramanujan’s Answer

Hey Monet,

Finding internships, jobs, and networking opportunities while in school can be exciting and rewarding. It's not just about talking to teachers, though they are a great starting point. They often have valuable connections and can recommend you for opportunities if you build a good relationship with them.

Don't forget to make use of your school’s career center, job boards, and platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed, where many internships are posted. Once you're in college, networking becomes key because many opportunities come from who you know, not just online applications.

If you're interested in English or journalism, definitely reach out to people in that department. But don't stop there—join clubs, writing groups, or any media-related activities. These can give you experience and help you meet people in the field. Writing or journalism internships are especially useful because they help you build a portfolio and connect with industry professionals.

In short, combining teacher guidance with networking, using campus resources, and being proactive will open up many opportunities for you.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for telling me all of this. I will be sure to utilize this information in the near-future! Monet
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Chau’s Answer

No — professors and staff can help, but they’re usually one channel, not the main engine.
The best way to find internships, jobs, and networking opportunities in college is to build a multi-channel system:

Career center: often the fastest way to get access to campus recruiting, resume reviews, mock interviews, and employer lists.
LinkedIn: useful for finding alumni, recruiters, and people in roles you want.
Student organizations: finance clubs, accounting societies, consulting clubs, etc. often have direct employer connections.
Campus recruiting / career fairs: still one of the most efficient ways to land internships.
Professors and staff: especially helpful when they know alumni, research opportunities, or smaller local firms.
Alumni network: underrated and often more responsive than strangers on LinkedIn.
Cold outreach: targeted emails or LinkedIn messages to alumni and professionals can work if you’re specific and concise.
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Eria’s Answer

Fantastic work on looking into internships! This experience will be really valuable for you. Don't just stop at asking your professors; try chatting with other students too. Attend career fairs and community events on campus to widen your search. Creating an online career profile, like on LinkedIn, can help you show your interests and connect with others to discover more opportunities. Keep up the great effort!
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Eesha’s Answer

Hi! I definitely recommend connecting with your professors as they can connect you with others in your field, and if applicable help you with research/project experience that you can use when looking for post-grad jobs! I would also recommend joining writing-related orgs in your college because they can have guest speakers etc you can connect with. Outside of this, you can use linkedin to reach out people who work in something that even remotely interests you and get to know their journey.
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Mac’s Answer

There’s so much great advice out there! One of the best tips I got when searching for internships is that people love to help students and share their experiences. Just sending a message on LinkedIn and asking if they have 15-20 minutes to chat about their job can go a long way. Reaching out not only expands your network but also helps you learn more about the company or job. This way, you can see if it’s the right fit for you.
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Priti’s Answer

You're doing great! A helpful tip for students is to go to the job fairs on campus. It's a chance to meet people, discover different companies, and see how your skills match what they need. When you meet others, tell them you're job hunting, share your skills, and talk about your projects. This can help you build connections that last throughout your career. Good luck!
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Pooja’s Answer

It's wonderful that you're thinking about this now! Many colleges offer communication programs where you can minor in journalism, public relations, or advertising, opening up lots of job opportunities. It's also helpful to look for internships in fields you're interested in. Many companies have communication roles, so deciding what you want to write about is key. If you're interested in music and entertainment, check if any companies in those areas have writing positions or internship opportunities.
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Steven’s Answer

Talking to people in the English department is a great first step. They can guide you in shaping an English major into careers like writing, editing, publishing, communications, and journalism. It's also a good idea to chat with a journalism professor or adviser. They can help you find internships, campus publications, and writing jobs that pay while you pursue your creative projects.
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Samantha’s Answer

Hi Monet! I can say that people love talking to young people! Even if they don't have a specific role for you, people feel good about helping others and may refer you to a role. Never be afraid of reaching out to someone, asking pointed questions and being yourself! You never now if you meet the next person who knows someone that lands you your dream job so my recommendation is to keep an open mind and be intentional about your interests and passions. Sounds like you're already on the right track. Good luck.
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Janelle’s Answer

Make sure to take full advantage of your school's career center and advisor. They have valuable connections and advice to guide you. There's so much ahead for you to explore and enjoy! Also, check out LinkedIn to find people with the job titles or companies you're interested in. Reach out to them for a chat to learn about their experiences and ask questions about their journeys. From there, ask for more contacts to keep learning and growing. You've got this!
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Trissha’s Answer

The best opportunities come from being intentional about the people and spaces you put yourself.

Start with your university's career centre, since they often have direct relationships with employers and exclusive access to postings that aren't advertised publicly. Join clubs and associations related to your field, because recruiters actively seek out those communities and the connections you make there can lead directly to referrals. Attend every career fair, networking event, and alumni panel you can, even early in your degree when it feels premature, because showing up consistently builds familiarity and relationships take time to develop.
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Daniel’s Answer

Knowing your network is first. You may not know someone in a specific career or company but you will for sure know someone who knows someone. You need to understand those connections and ask for help. Most people in your life are always happy to help as much as they can, you just need to ask. Not trying or feeling uncomfortable about asking is where most people get held up. Show initiative, have confidence, and have faith that people will try their best to support you. It is not always the case, so be prepared for disappointment, but you will be surprised by the positive results. In the end, only one conversation can change your life.
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Kevin’s Answer

Your college likely has a career placement office or something similar. You should use this office to find internships. Also, talk to your professors and older students for advice on the best steps to take. Another option is to contact companies you'd like to intern with through LinkedIn and ask them how to find internship opportunities.
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Dana’s Answer

There are many great suggestions here! Be open and let people know you're looking for an internship. Even in casual conversations, ask if they know anyone or any organization seeking interns.
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Sara’s Answer

To find great internships, jobs, and networking chances in college, use a variety of resources. While professors and academic advisors can be helpful with openings and connections, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Make sure to visit your school’s career center, check job boards, attend internship fairs, join alumni events, participate in student organizations, and explore LinkedIn and company websites. The more connections you make, the more opportunities you will discover, as many are shared in conversations before being posted online. So, definitely seek advice from professors and staff, but also take charge and build your network wherever possible.
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stacey’s Answer

Hi everyone,

Many great tips have already been shared, and I have one more to add. Be open to meeting new people wherever you are. Whether you're at a picnic with family or friends, sharing your interests can lead to connections with people who work in areas you're interested in. Networking might sound fancy, but it's really just about being yourself, talking to others, and not hesitating to share your interests and ask for help.
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Monica’s Answer

You've already gotten some great advice! I also suggest using your alumni network. Many career services offer ways to connect students with alumni, which can be a great starting point. When I get messages from students who graduated from my school asking for career advice or connections, I'm more eager to help because we share that bond. If your school doesn't have a specific platform, you can use LinkedIn to find people from your school in certain industries or companies. If you're applying for a specific job, try to connect with people in that field to learn more about their work and expand your network. Small steps like these can really help you stand out!
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Sarthak’s Answer

Many comments already cover the basics of how to advance and find internships, but here's an extra tip: make a list of companies you're excited about. Check out their job sites or find their recruiters on LinkedIn. Connect with them to learn about any openings. This approach can help you land an internship or full-time job at a place you truly want to work, boosting your chances of achieving your career goals.
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Keerat’s Answer

Hi Monet,

It's great that you are thinking ahead and planning for internships, they are an excellent stepping stone to build experience that will help you enter a full time role later on. Since you're still in high school, your best bet would likely be networking with your teachers. They may be able to guide and connect you with helpful contacts within your field of interest. Another option is LinkedIn, you could try connecting with people that have followed a similar career path in terms of roles/experience that you would like to do. I would recommend sending an invitation to connect, and then letting them know you're interested in learning more about their experience as an aspiring professional. Sometimes people are even open to setting up time for a phone call coffee chat, or they might know of internship experiences and be willing to connect you with the recruiter.

Best of luck!
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Arman’s Answer

Hi Monet,

Great question, and I'm happy to hear that you've come back to CareerVillage as a resource!

Connecting with the faculty/staff can be a great approach. In my experience, face-to-face interactions have always been the most impactful in terms of learning more information regarding job opportunities. Your professors/counselors are here to help, and would honestly encourage that you reach out to them!

Many universities will also host career fairs where the companies that you may be interested in applying to will set up a booth to meet with prospective interns/employees. I would absolutely connect with a counselor/career advisor at your university to learn of when these may be scheduled for, and have an understanding of who may be attending to prepare yourself for those interactions!
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Kacey’s Answer

From my experience, a few things helped me discover opportunities:

1) My professors: Because many have worked in certain industries for so long, they often have a broad network and from my experience, are happy to connect you.

2) Mentorship Programs: If your school offers any mentorship programs, join them! These mentors are often alumni looking to give back. And if they know about a position, they want to help you get it!
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Rachana’s Answer

Hello Monet,

Use multiple channels: your school’s career center, career fairs, LinkedIn, Handshake/Indeed, student clubs, and alumni events to find internships and jobs.
Professors and staff are very useful, but combine their recommendations with actively applying online and networking with older students and alumni in your field.
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Ashvin’s Answer

I was thinking about this not long ago too. What really helped me was connecting with people on LinkedIn who were in the field I was interested in. Having short chats with them often led to referrals for internships and great career advice. I highly recommend giving this a try!
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Nicholas’s Answer

Hey Monet,

What you're doing in the theater department sounds amazing!

For finding an internship in English, a great first step is to chat with your teachers. Spend 15-30 minutes with your favorite ones and ask them about job options in the English field. Hearing about their experiences when they were in your position can give you some great ideas. Also, talk with your classmates about what they're exploring for jobs or internships. This can spark some cool ideas for you too!
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Emma’s Answer

Hi Monet,

Exploring various online platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn is a great start. If your school has a platform like Handshake, you might find unique opportunities there. Don't forget about your professors and the Career Center—they can be valuable resources with connections to alumni eager to help you succeed.

An English degree offers so many possibilities! You can pursue careers in sales, journalism, or content strategy since English provides essential skills. While in college, consider helping small businesses with social media and creative projects. This experience will boost your resume, and even if you choose a different career path, you can keep it as a passion project. Follow what excites you!
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Tim’s Answer

Hi Monet! It's awesome that you already know what you're interested in.

To help you move forward, try talking to your English professors for advice, attend career fairs, and make use of your college's career center. Go to school events where recruiters might be, and join a student group focused on business or writing. Creating a LinkedIn profile early on is a great idea too. It can help you connect with people working in publishing, follow inspiring voices, and join writing career groups.

Consider taking a career prep class to learn how to make a resume, apply for jobs or internships, and succeed in interviews.

You're on the right path by thinking ahead, and I believe you can do it! Good luck!
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Shreya’s Answer

Yes—professors and staff can help, but they’re only one part of the mix. The best college strategy is to use multiple channels at once: professors/advisors, the career center, alumni, student orgs, internships/co-ops, campus recruiting events, LinkedIn, and referrals from peers. In practice, the students who land the best opportunities usually do two things well: they build relationships early and they apply consistently, rather than waiting for one “perfect” connection.
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Taylor’s Answer

Hi Monet!

It really is a great question and something I struggled with when I was early in my career. My best piece of advice is to reach out to people whether its friends, family, or people on LinkedIn in the same field. I found that they best way to find internships or even getting my foot in the door, was to make connections with people at the companies or in the job fields that I was interested in.

It may feel a little awkward, but it's worth sending messages to people you may not know on LinkedIn that are in those job roles. When you introduce yourself, just be honest and say you're looking for an internship but most of all would love to make connections and learn about their role. I found that even if that person doesn't have an internship opportunity available, they may know someone that does, or it can always be a good connect for when you're going through the interview process.

Also, does your school have a career fair? Or is there one in your town? Those are great ways to meet companies and see if they are offering internships.

Hope this is helpful and good luck in all your future endeavors :)
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Lake G.’s Answer

When I was in your position, looking for a job after school, I started by chatting with my teachers for advice and setting up my LinkedIn profile. Your teachers and guidance counselors are great resources, but they're just the beginning! To find the best opportunities, you need both school support and your own effort. Here's a simple guide to help you build a network and gain experience early:

1. Use School Resources: Talk to your teachers and guidance counselors for advice, local job leads, and special summer internships.
2. Get on LinkedIn: Create a profile to connect with mentors, teachers, family friends, and professionals in the field you're interested in.
3. Speak with Company Representatives: Attend career days at your school and reach out to local businesses to ask about job-shadowing opportunities.
4. Go to Networking Events: Join youth organizations like DECA, FBLA, or Robotics, and volunteer in your community to meet local leaders.
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Mujahid’s Answer

Professors are great resources, but they're just one part of your journey. To find internships, jobs, and networking opportunities in college, it's best to combine faculty connections with the career center, student organizations, campus publications, alumni, and direct outreach. If you're interested in English, journalism, and creative writing, don't just stick to the English department. Explore the student newspaper, literary magazine, communications and marketing offices, admissions, alumni relations, theater publicity, local newspapers, nonprofits, and publishing-related internships. Start building your portfolio now with writing samples, articles, reviews, scripts, short stories, or promo copy. Opportunities often go to those who can show strong work, not just those with a specific major. Professors can help by recommending you, but many opportunities come from being proactive, joining the right spaces, and reaching out to various people. At 16, with your involvement in theater, jazz, and creative writing, you're in a strong position. These activities can lead to work in arts journalism, communications, copywriting, marketing, grant writing, editing, and media. Talk to people in the English department and beyond, as many reliable writing careers are found in related fields, not just traditional publishing.
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Madison’s Answer

There are actually many ways to find internships, jobs, and networking opportunities in college, and professors are just one of them.

I would encourage you to take advantage of your school's career center, attend career fairs, join student organizations, connect with alumni, and build a LinkedIn profile. Professors can also be a great resource because they often have industry connections and may know about opportunities related to your interests.

Networking can feel intimidating at first, but it often starts with simple conversations. Ask questions, attend events, and be curious about other people's experiences. Many opportunities come from relationships you build over time.

My biggest advice is to start early. Even if you're not looking for a job yet, getting involved on campus and meeting new people can open doors later when you're searching for internships or full-time roles.
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Bharadwaj Niraj’s Answer

Yes, the first point of contact should always be someone with whom you can set sometime and have a discussion in person. In this case, professor or teacher or counselors are the best options. Also, these people have come thus far with experience and will lead you by relevant examples.
Before reaching out don't forget to pen down important points you want to discuss - do you need help with just networking, or need help with enhancing your resume, or upgrade skills, etc.
Start with creating online presence on professional social media platforms like LinkedIn. Start by following people who have excelled in an occupation that excites you, go through their profile, read about their work experience and what skills they acquired. If they have a reputation of responding back, leave a note for them seeking advice. Next is to get real experience which you can showcase to make a stronger case - this could be done by interning with someone at school or handling a project independently end to end which will show you're ready to put in hard work even when you're not accompanied with a team.
Most of all, don't fear failure. Its okay to not hear back on an application, its okay to take longer to land a position or job you wanted, its all okay as long as you're trying hard and putting some honest effort.
All the best!
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Lauren’s Answer

Hi Monet, my advice would be to talk to your professors, join clubs, and attend career fairs and recruiting events. College is one of the best times to meet people who share your interests, so if you’re an extrovert, try to connect with as many people as you can and really get to know them. Have fun!
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Ismaeel’s Answer

There are multiple ways you can find internships and jobs. One way that I would highly recommend would be using "Handshake," it's like LinkedIn, however, designed for students and provided by your College. The recruiters on Handshake are looking for students that are seeking internships/full time careers.
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Aishwarya’s Answer

Try thinking of it as a 3-part system: people, platforms, and presence.

People include professors, alumni, staff, and classmates.
Platforms are things like your school job board, LinkedIn, Handshake, and company websites.
Presence involves your resume, LinkedIn profile, elevator pitch, and follow-up habits.

Here's a simple plan: book an appointment with the career center, message two professors or alumni, and attend a campus event. Taking these steps will get you further than just waiting for the perfect opportunity to come along.
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Jamie’s Answer

It sounds like you are doing really well figuring out quickly what interests you, which is great! Being passionate about what you want to do will really help you when meeting and connecting with people. Professors and other staff members are great places to start! They usually are well-connected and can introduce you to people in the industry and will find out about opportunities that they can pass on to you. Another idea is to check with your college's Career Development department. At the college I went to, we had a team that worked for the business college that focused mainly on connecting students with professionals and job placements. Another option is to join organizations at your college that may host networking and other type of events with businesses and professionals in the industry you want to work in. Being involved and asking for meetings with people who could help you and your career is really important. You never know who you may meet or get in contact with. Don't be afraid to put you and your work out there, even if it means "cold-calling" or emailing people. The worst people can say is no, but no one will ever be upset that you reached out. At the end of the day, we are all just people trying to figure it out. Good luck, and I know you will do well!!
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Srimathi’s Answer

Hi Monet,
Starting with your teachers is indeed a good step. You can also try to explore other venues like Student newspapers [ if this is something you are already not involved with"]. There might be some literary magazines that would be recruiting student inters to maybe write reviews, assist their editors, etc., You try looking into some of the publishing webpages like the HarperCollins, Penguin for internships. Best wishes.
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Grace’s Answer

Hi Monet! It's wonderful that you've identified areas you're interested in. When I was in college, I found internships through networking activities and groups. I joined a volunteer club early on, and a friend later recommended me for an internship he was involved in. I also suggest going to professor office hours and getting to know them. Professors often work on projects outside of school and look for students to help or mentor. The more involved you are, the more likely you'll find opportunities. :) Good luck with everything!
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Mirella’s Answer

First of all, great job on taking the initiative to look into internships this early into your career. Start by creating a LinkedIn profile and looking into several different internships available for your specific interest. In the past, I have looked up recruiters for a specific company and have messaged them directly. Another route you could explore is looking for internships through Indeed, Glassdoor and other job posting sites. Wishing you the best of luck!
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Adam’s Answer

Great question and I love your early energy about this topic so that you can have a strategy.

First, its NOT just professors (but they help). That is only one piece of the puzzle. I'd recommend 4 main strategies:
- Career Center - this is incredibly underused and can help with internship listings, resume reviews, mock interviews and career fairs
- Networking - This doesn't mean being fake, it means talking to people, asking about their career path and staying in touch!! (student organizations, alumni networks, linked in, career fairs, guest speakers)
- Applying Online - Utilize LinkedIn, Handshake, Company websites and Job boards - this is a required step in partnership with the networking
- Professors - This only helps if you have built actual relationships. They can recommend you for positions, connect you to industry contacts and write recommendation letters

It is important to start early (you're doing great here!) because internships build upon one another.
Year 1-2 might be a part time job or small internship (likely volunteering while you learn)
Year 2-3 will advance to a better internship with more knowledge gained
Year 3-4 should be a major internship with tactical experience ideally leading to a job offer
Internships are not a single leap, they represent a ladder in your education and experience.

Best of luck and go make it happen!
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Natalie’s Answer

Everyone shared tons of valuable advice on this thread so I’ll try not to be repetitive. Here’s a tip that helped me grow my network beyond my existing contacts - before ending a conversation with someone you’re already networking with (even if they’re not in the same field!), ask if they know anyone else they’d recommend reaching out to. So for example, starting with professors, who can introduce/refer you to alumnis, then the alumni’s colleagues, etc.
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Christian’s Answer

Hi Monet,

You're asking a fantastic question, one that many of us have wondered about during our studies. Finding job and internship opportunities can be different for everyone, but trying a variety of approaches can really help. Networking is vital, so reach out to experts in your field for advice. College professors are a great resource. Attend job fairs and chat with other students to gather ideas and learn about different paths. Also, explore online opportunities to enhance your skills and boost your resume. In creative fields like writing, building a strong portfolio can showcase your talents and open many doors. Keep exploring and stay positive!
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sowmya’s Answer

The best way to find opportunities is by exploring multiple sources:

1. Career center and internship office: These are often the quickest ways to discover real job listings.
2. Professors and advisors: They can help with referrals, recommendations, research roles, and uncovering hidden opportunities.
3. Student organizations and media: Get involved with the campus newspaper, literary magazine, theatre publicity, arts magazine, or communications office.
4. Networking: Connect with alumni, LinkedIn contacts, and classmates, as many writing jobs are found through personal connections rather than applications.

Building a strong portfolio is crucial for English or journalism careers. Include articles, reviews, interviews, creative pieces, and copywriting samples. Don't limit yourself to the English department; reach out to journalism, media, theatre, career services, and student publications. Start developing your writing portfolio now and aim for roles in student papers, content writing, editing, marketing, PR, publishing, or communications.
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Cedric’s Answer

Hi Monet, Great question and I believe you are going down the right path with your current activities. This is how you build your network and make connections to hopefully land an internship. Use your first year in college to stay involved like you are doing and be sure to tap into your professors in the English/Literature departments as well as the college career center (if they have one). Generally, an easy first step is to pose this very question to them and they will and should be able to give you tactical advice and better position you. Best of Luck! You got this!
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Joshua’s Answer

Networking is an important first step and can be very helpful. Even if a connection doesn't lead directly to a job or internship right away, it might open doors later on. Finding an internship during college requires effort and initiative. Just like applying for any job, you need to actively seek out opportunities to improve your chances. The more you apply, the better your interviewing skills will become, giving you more options to choose from.
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Marchonie’s Answer

Congratulations on finding your passion! Knowing early gives you a lot of run way to ramp up and specialize in your desired area. You are spot on to interview the English dept and even folks that you admire to get tips on how to get a satisfying job in writing. Writing is a critical skill that is used across all industries. It is versatile! Here are some areas that are growing if you continue with the major you mentioned:
Digital & Multimedia: Digital journalism roles are expanding at a faster rate. Employers favor candidates highly skilled in data analytics, multimedia production, podcasting, and social media strategy.
Corporate & Content Strategy: Many journalism graduates find high-paying roles in tech, healthcare, and finance as technical writers, content marketers, or corporate communications specialists.
Freelance Work: Independent contract writing will always be a viable path especially if you don't mind promoting yourself, need little direction, and like the idea of supporting multiple organizations.

You are on the right path! Keep asking people that are doing things that resonate with you to tell you their lessons learned and also their view of what they see is happening in the industry. This can help shape your college choices and even find a niche within your major.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for responding to my question! This advice is really helpful! Monet
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Sarah’s Answer

You never know where opportunities could come up, so the best advice is to be vocal about your goals any time you can!
Yes, start at school with faculty in your favorite programs. Also, tell your friends, and your parents, and your friends parents, and your parents friends! Ask everyone to keep an eye out for internships opportunities in your field!
Make sure you can discuss this without being annoying—I recommend drafting an “elevator pitch” about it. Short punchy statement that says what you’re looking for, what you’re bringing to the table, and what your goal is. “I’m Sarah, and I’m hunting for a carnival job. I’m strong enough to carry equipment and I’m great at cleaning; looking to get a foot in the door so I can run my own circus one day.” That way, when you cross paths with someone who works in publishing, you’ll be ready to make a memorable first impression!
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Ali’s Answer

Monet, my recommendation is to connect and network with people in the English department, not only at your college but at other colleges as well. Building relationships with professors, advisors, alumni, and peers can open doors to opportunities that may not always be advertised publicly. I would also encourage you to check in with your career center to see whether they can connect you with individuals, employers, or internship programs that may help you find roles related to writing, editing, communications, or content development. Sometimes the career center can also help you refine your résumé, cover letter, and interview skills so you can present your strengths more effectively.

In addition, I would suggest getting out there on social media and sharing your writing skills and samples of your work. Platforms like LinkedIn, personal blogs, or even professional portfolios can help you showcase your voice, style, and creativity to a wider audience. You never know who may come across something you’ve written and reach out with a potential opportunity. Consistently posting or sharing your work can help you build visibility and credibility over time.

If you are having some challenges finding opportunities, don’t be discouraged. The process can take time, and setbacks do not mean you lack talent or potential. Life often requires persistence, patience, and consistency, especially when you are building a career in a competitive field. In the meantime, you can continue advancing your skills in writing by taking online courses, reading widely, practicing regularly, and seeking feedback from others. The more you invest in your growth now, the stronger you will become and the more prepared you will be when the right opportunity comes along.

Ali recommends the following next steps:

Network
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Diana’s Answer

Hi Monet,

I also was an English Major and it was probably the most rewarding time in my academic life. It taught me communication skills, writing, how to be a critical thinker and empathy for other people through stories. I ended up as a Software Consultant and find that all of those skills have translated really well into my career. Regardless of your path, the best advice I have is to always be networking, keep your LinkedIn up to date, find what resources your university has available to you, go to career fairs, and have an open mind. I have found that the ability to be a storyteller is relevant to almost all industries, including technology and banking. And most of all, keep writing, your work will find its way into the world and impact others.
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Michelle’s Answer

Wow, your story sounds a lot like mine. In high school, I was in the jazz band (piano and vocal) and did a lot of writing as well. Many (many) years later, I am actually a published author now as well as a business professional, but let me tell you it took over a decade to land that first publishing deal. It's great that you already know what you love and it feels like you have a practical approach to it as well, which is great.

So, like a lot of others who answered your question, I want to stress the importance of networking and creative thinking. Your English department will have the read on job opportunities, sure, but considering how many students will be looking for those same opportunities, the competition will be fierce. That's not a discouragement. That's just an opportunity for you to get creative and use those fiction-writing skills of yours to think outside the box. Attend conferences, join journalism groups online and in-person, go to free speaker events at your school, support student ventures, etc. And if you don't find an opportunity, create an opportunity.

Above all, don't let people dissuade you and convince you that your dreams are not feasible or realistic. There will be plenty of folks who will tell you that you can't (because of AI, job scarcity, what-have-you), but I'm here to tell you that you can as long as you get creative and bold with your solutioning and find any and all opportunities to bring your unique value proposition. Your path is YOUR path. It will not look like someone else's and that can be scary, but it's also super rewarding. Be willing to take risks and step outside your comfort zone. Try new things, find new ways to apply your skills in fresh or unexpected contexts that will stretch you and therefore grow you (and your resume!).

You've got this. I'm rooting for you!
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Carrie’s Answer

Chatting with lots of people, whether they share your interests or not, can really boost your experience and might lead to valuable connections now or later. When you talk to alumni or anyone else, ask if they know someone else you should meet. This way, you're always growing your network. It might seem challenging at first, but the more you talk to different people, the more ideas you learn about, and the easier these chats will get.
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