English

This course provides students with guidance in their professionalization, including topics such as career paths, resumes, and internships. The course will utilize Career Center resources and will include networking opportunities, interview practice, internship application experience, and job application guidance. Students will come out of the class with a sense of how to leverage their strengths as readers and writers on the job market. Contact your academic advisor to inquire about enrolling!

Prerequisites:

• ENG190 – Research and Persuasion (3)
• ENG200 – Sophomore Seminar (3)

• Content Writer: Creating engaging and informative content for websites, blogs, and social media.
• Editorial Assistant: Assisting editors in publishing houses, magazines, or newspapers with tasks like proofreading and fact-checking.
• Copywriter: Crafting persuasive and compelling copy for advertisements, marketing materials, and product descriptions.
• Public Relations Assistant: Helping to manage an organization’s public image and communications through press releases and media relations.
• Marketing Coordinator: Supporting marketing campaigns and strategies through content creation, market research, and social media management.
• Technical Writer: Writing manuals, user guides, and other technical documents that explain complex information in a clear manner.
• Teacher: Teaching English or related subjects at the K-12 level, often requiring additional certification.
• Communications Specialist: Managing internal and external communications for businesses or organizations.
• Library Assistant: Supporting librarians with cataloging, research, and customer service in libraries.
• Research Assistant: Conducting research, compiling data, and assisting with academic or market research projects.

• Editor: Overseeing the content creation process, managing writers, and ensuring the quality and consistency of published materials.
• Content Manager: Strategizing and managing the content development for websites, blogs, and social media platforms.
• Public Relations Manager: Developing and executing PR strategies to manage and enhance the public image of organizations.
• Marketing Manager: Leading marketing campaigns, analyzing market trends, and coordinating marketing teams to promote products or services.
• Communications Director: Overseeing all internal and external communications, ensuring cohesive and effective messaging across an organization.
• Technical Documentation Manager: Supervising the creation of technical documents and manuals, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
• Grant Writer: Researching and writing proposals to secure funding for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, or research projects.
• Corporate Trainer: Developing and delivering training programs to improve employees’ skills and knowledge within an organization.
• Literary Agent: Representing authors and negotiating book deals with publishers on their behalf.
• Digital Content Strategist: Creating and implementing strategies to optimize digital content for SEO, user engagement, and brand awareness.

• Chief Content Officer: Leading the content strategy and development across all media platforms within an organization.
• Editorial Director: Overseeing editorial operations, setting the vision and strategy for publishing houses, magazines, or media companies.
• Vice President of Communications: Managing the overall communication strategy, including public relations, internal communications, and media relations for an organization.
• Creative Director: Guiding the creative process for advertising, marketing campaigns, and branding efforts.
• Director of Marketing: Leading the marketing department, developing high-level marketing strategies, and ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Head of Public Relations: Formulating and directing PR policies, managing crisis communications, and building strong media relationships.
• Director of Technical Publications: Overseeing the creation and distribution of technical documentation, ensuring high standards and consistency.
• Senior Grant Manager: Leading the grant writing team, developing strategies to secure significant funding, and managing relationships with major donors.
• Academic Dean: Managing academic programs, faculty, and curriculum development within colleges or universities.
• Head of Corporate Training and Development: Leading organizational training programs, developing strategies for employee development, and ensuring alignment with company objectives.

1. Content Marketing and Blogging 

• Write blog posts, white papers, and social media content for brands and businesses. 

• Master SEO techniques to create content that drives traffic. 

2. Technical Writing 

• Document processes, create manuals, and write user guides. 

• Develop expertise in specific industries, like tech or healthcare, for better opportunities. 

3. Ghostwriting 

• Write books, articles, or speeches for clients who prefer anonymity. 

• Build credibility by working with professionals or thought leaders. 

4. Grant Writing 

• Write proposals for nonprofits or researchers seeking funding. 

• Learn how to create persuasive and detail-oriented grant applications. 

5. Journalism 

• Cover news stories, human interest pieces, or investigative topics. 

• Contribute to print or online publications. 

6. Creative Writing (Poetry, Fiction, Memoir) 

• Submit your work to literary journals, anthologies, or online platforms. 

• Participate in workshops and writing residencies to hone your craft. 

7. Education and Training 

• Write curriculum materials, textbooks, or instructional guides. 

• Develop e-learning content for educational platforms. 

8. Editing and Publishing 

• Work as a developmental editor, copy editor, or proofreader. 

• Join publishing houses or freelance for independent authors.

1. Product Advertising 

• Learn Copywriting Techniques: Study persuasive writing, branding, and calls-to-action (CTAs). 

• Build a Portfolio: Create spec ads for fictional or real brands to showcase your creativity. 

• Network with Marketers: Connect with advertising agencies, digital marketers, and branding experts. 

• Master SEO and Digital Marketing: Develop skills in writing for online platforms to appeal to modern advertising needs. 

2. Magazine Editorial Work 

• Pitch Ideas: Research target magazines and pitch well-crafted article ideas that align with their audience. 

• Specialize: Focus on a niche like travel, lifestyle, or investigative journalism to stand out. 

• Intern or Freelance: Start with internships or freelance assignments for smaller publications. 

• Build Relationships: Network with editors and contribute regularly to establish a strong presence. 

3. Book Publishing 

• Write Consistently: Draft manuscripts, essays, or collections of work that align with your publishing goals. 

• Query Agents and Publishers: Learn how to craft compelling query letters and proposals. 

• Self-Publish: Explore platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing to build an audience. 

• Collaborate: Work with designers, editors, and other writers to enhance your projects. 

4. Film (Screenwriting, Script Doctoring) 

• Study Screenwriting: Learn formatting and storytelling techniques specific to scripts. 

• Write Spec Scripts: Develop screenplays to showcase your talent. 

• Collaborate with Filmmakers: Partner with indie directors and producers to bring your work to life. 

• Enter Competitions: Submit your work to screenwriting contests to gain recognition. 

Interested in exploring more resources related to careers in freelancing? Click below to research helpful articles!

1. Define Your Niche: 

• Focus on areas like copywriting, journalism, or creative writing to distinguish yourself. 

2. Build an Online Portfolio: 

• Use platforms like Contently, Medium, or your own website to showcase your work. 

3. Market Yourself: 

• Network on LinkedIn, participate in writing communities, and attend industry events. 

4. Pitch Strategically: 

• Tailor pitches to potential clients or editors based on their specific needs. 

5. Set Clear Rates and Expectations: 

• Research industry standards and create transparent contracts for your services. 

6. Leverage Freelance Platforms: 

• Use Upwork, Fiverr, or specialized writing job boards to find opportunities. 

7. Stay Adaptable: 

• Diversify your skill set to include areas like video scriptwriting or email marketing. 

8. Build Long-Term Relationships: 

• Focus on providing value and professionalism to turn one-off clients into regulars. 

9. Upskill Continuously: 

• Learn new writing styles, tools (like Grammarly or Scrivener), and trends to stay competitive. 

10. Create Passive Income Streams: 

• Monetize your writing through e-books, online courses, or subscriptions on platforms like Patreon. 

By combining strong writing skills with networking, persistence, and adaptability, writers can carve out fulfilling careers in a variety of fields and thrive as freelancers in their chosen niches 

• Modern Language Association (MLA): Focuses on the study and teaching of language and literature.
• National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE): Supports teachers and educators in English studies.
• Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP): Advocates for creative writing and the advancement of literary arts.
• American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA): Represents freelance writers and authors.
• Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA): Supports editorial professionals with resources and networking.
• Public Relations Society of America (PRSA): Offers resources and networking for public relations professionals.
• Society for Technical Communication (STC): Focuses on advancing the field of technical communication.
• Association for Business Communication (ABC): Promotes research and teaching in business communication.
• American Copy Editors Society (ACES): Provides training and support for editors and copy editors.
• American Library Association (ALA): Supports librarians and promotes library and information science.

• TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages): Certification for teaching English as a second language.
• HubSpot Content Marketing Certification: Credential for proficiency in content marketing strategies.
• Google Analytics Certification: Certification for expertise in Google Analytics and data analysis.
• Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC): Certification from the Society for Technical Communication (STC) for technical writers.
• Copyediting Certificate: Offered by institutions like the University of California, this certification focuses on professional editing skills.
• Professional Certified Marketer (PCM)®: Certification from the American Marketing Association for marketing professionals.
• SEO Certification: Credentials from organizations like Moz or Yoast for expertise in search engine optimization.
• Certificate in Grant Writing: Offered by various universities and organizations, focusing on skills for writing and securing grants.
• Public Relations (PR) Certification: Credentials from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for PR professionals.
• Creative Writing Certificate: Offered by institutions like Stanford or Gotham Writers Workshop, focusing on advanced creative writing skills.

• Microsoft Word: Essential for word processing and document creation.
• Grammarly: Helps in proofreading and editing for grammar, punctuation, and style.
• WordPress: Useful for blogging and content management systems.
• Adobe InDesign: Useful for layout design, especially for publishing and editorial work.
• Google Workspace (formerly G Suite): Includes tools like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides for collaborative writing and document sharing.
• Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with platforms like Drupal or Joomla for website content management.
• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana or Trello for organizing writing projects and tasks.
• SEO Tools: Familiarity with tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs for keyword research and search engine optimization.
• Data Analysis Tools: Basic proficiency in tools like Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis and reporting.
• Presentation Software: Skills in software like Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating and delivering presentations.

Automation of Routine Analytical Tasks 

AI will increasingly automate routine tasks, such as rapidly summarizing multiple texts, identifying themes, and conducting comparative literary analysis. This will streamline research and allow scholars and professionals to focus on deeper interpretive work rather than spending time on foundational analysis. AI-powered tools will assist with text annotation, bibliography management, and literature reviews, improving efficiency in both academic and professional settings. 

Enhanced Textual Analysis and (Digital Humanities) Research 

AI will revolutionize textual analysis by enabling large-scale data processing across literary archives. Machine learning models will contribute to the work of Digital Humanities by helping to identify linguistic patterns, connections among texts, and mapping historical influences across vast bodies of literature. This will support scholars in uncovering new insights and interdisciplinary connections that might have been previously overlooked. AI-assisted research tools will also help track the evolution of literary styles, tropes, and language use over time. 

Improved Editing, Proofreading, and Language Processing 

AI-driven language tools such as Grammarly and ChatGPT will continue to enhance editing and proofreading capabilities. These tools will help professionals refine academic writing, research papers, and technical documents with greater efficiency and precision. AI will also assist in ensuring consistency in style, citation formatting, and clarity of expression, streamlining the writing and editing process. 

Shifts in Publishing, Academic Scholarship, and Content Creation 

AI will impact academic publishing by assisting with peer review processes, detecting plagiarism, and suggesting revisions based on linguistic trends. AI-generated literature reviews and automated citation tools will accelerate the dissemination of research. Additionally, AI will influence content creation in professional settings, such as corporate communication, technical writing, and policy development, where English majors may apply their skills. 

Evolving Roles and Necessary Skill Development 

As AI takes on more routine tasks, professionals in the field of English will need to develop skills in AI literacy, digital research methods, and interdisciplinary analysis. The focus will shift from basic textual interpretation to higher-order analytical skills, including ethical considerations of AI in literature studies, digital storytelling, and the philosophical implications of machine-generated texts. 

AI will reshape the field of English (Literature emphasis) by streamlining research, enhancing the ability to analyze texts, and expanding digital humanities applications. While AI will automate certain routine tasks, it will also create opportunities for deeper critical inquiry and interdisciplinary exploration. Scholars and professionals will need to adapt by integrating AI tools into their work while maintaining the human-centered interpretation and critical thinking that remain essential to the field. 

AI is reshaping the job market for English majors, but it is unlikely to eliminate demand for their skills. Instead, AI will change the nature of work, requiring English grads to adapt and develop complementary skills. Here are some key points to consider: 

Automation of Routine Tasks 

AI can handle many routine writing tasks such as generating summaries and describing products as well as editing grammar.  

Increased Demand for AI-Augmented Skills 

While AI can generate text, it lacks true critical thinking, personality, understanding of cultural nuance, and human creativity. English graduates who learn to work with AI rather than against it will find new opportunities. Human contributions are needed to examine the ethics and potential bias of Ai-generated content and check facts. While AI can generate basic content, human writers inject individual personality and creativity. 

The Human Advantage in High-Level Thinking 

AI excels at pattern recognition and information retrieval, but it lacks understanding of context and humor, for example. It cannot develop any truly new ideas as it draws on existing content. Moreover, it cannot replicate emotional intelligence and empathy, which are critical in any fields that involve human interaction. 

Thus, rather than replacing jobs for English majors, AI will require them to adapt by integrating technological literacy with traditional humanities skills. Those who embrace AI as a tool—rather than viewing it as a threat—will find new and evolving career opportunities. 

Current Role: Content Writer – Writes articles, blogs, and marketing materials from scratch.

• Change with AI: AI generates first drafts, requiring writers to shift toward editing, strategy, and high-value storytelling. Writers must focus on originality, voice, and brand differentiation.

Current Role: Editor/Proofreader – Manually reviews grammar, syntax, and clarity in texts.

• Change with AI: AI tools (e.g., Grammarly, ProWritingAid) automate grammar checks. Editors will focus more on substantive revisions, fact-checking, and ensuring narrative cohesion.

Current Role: Technical Writer – Creates manuals, FAQs, and instructional documents.

• Change with AI: AI assists with first drafts and data-heavy documentation. Writers will need to ensure clarity, usability, and accessibility to a specific audience.

Current Role: Marketing Copywriter – Develops ad copy, brand messaging, and social media content.

• Change with AI: AI generates taglines, email copy, and data-driven content. Marketers must refine AI-generated material, oversee brand voice, and craft compelling narratives that resonate emotionally.

Current Role: Academic Researcher – Conducts literature reviews, writes research papers, and analyzes texts.

• Change with AI: AI can assist with data analysis, summarization, and citation management. Researchers will focus on interpreting insights, curating sources, and developing original arguments.

Current Role: Educator (English & Humanities) – Teaches literature, writing, and analysis in classrooms.

• Change with AI: AI tools personalize learning plans, assist grading, and generate practice exercises. Educators will shift toward teaching AI literacy, critical thinking, and ethical engagement with technology.Shape

Summary

English Majors Must Adapt, Not Retreat

AI will not eliminate English-based careers, but roles will evolve to require new skills, including AI literacy and prompt engineering, ethics, data interpretation, and adding the human touch to communications. By embracing human creativity, critical thinking, and ethical oversight, English majors will remain indispensable in an AI-driven world.