I know what you’re thinking. Who would pursue an English degree with the growth of A.I.? Me. When I was a freshman in college, I felt drawn to the Liberal Arts & Sciences program. I did not enjoy writing the long essays, but learning about history and storytelling was wonderful. I was able to educate my friends and family on various topics, and my critical thinking skills were enhanced. However, by the time I was in my senior year, I started to feel anxious. I felt discouraged and regretful about my major after receiving rejection letters from jobs and internships I had applied for.
I felt like I’d made a colossal mistake, and I’ll be honest with you, I still feel that way sometimes, but I decided to change my focus. Rather than taking out another loan, I chose to make my degree work for me because it is flexible, peaceful, and I like stories.
This prompted me to research the diversity of my degree. During my investigation, I have come across other available avenues, and I am here to share them with you.
- Author (fiction, erotica, non-fiction, memoir, etc.) | Think of successful writers like Toni Morrison, J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, Octavia E. Butler, James Baldwin, and Alice Walker. Some of their stores have become blockbusters films and are in amusement parks.
- Technical writer | You can write manuals for products of any niche.
- Copywriter | You can be the one who writes the words you see on food packages or beauty products.
- Songwriter | Some of your favorite artists have a team of writers that helps them create their music. Turn your poems into a songs. Even if you can’t sing, if you know how to make words flow, you can work with your favorite artists.
- Grantwriter | There is free money out there, and you can be the one who brings it to companies. That is extremely valuable. You can write convincing and powerful letters to organizations that want to support businesses and professionals.
- Journalist | Journalists are not only on the news, they are using social media apps to inform the public. Use the research skills you’ve developed to share the information with your audience. You can also interview people in your community and write articles about them.
- Screenplay writer | The film industry is throwing out films and shows left and right. Some are bad and others are good. If you have an interest in storytelling through visuals, become a screenplay writer. What makes this great is that it won’t limit you. You can also become a director and create your own films.
There are plenty more things you can do with your degree, such as becoming a Cookbook writer, Lawyer, Museum writer, UX writer, Medical Writer, Editor, Blogger, Content Writer, Ghostwriter, Script Writer for podcasts, and more.
English degrees are still valuable. Having this degree can propel you into other fields due to the skills you developed from it. Additionally, if you no longer feel connected to your degree. Don’t force a connection; be open to exploring an alternative path. It’s your life, and you deserve to feel happy with the decisions you make and to be compensated for them.