Student-to-Student Guide to Being an English MajorBy: Melissa Filer

Student Intro

Hello, my name is Melissa Filer. My goal in creating this guide was to help English majors who are interested in becoming more marketable candidates as they approach the job search process. Provided in this guide are tips, a checklist, sample career titles, sample companies, job search websites, and books that I thought were a useful springboard to your research as you explore the world-of work.

English MajorEnglish major is important for honing your writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Employers seek English majors for an array of writing opportunities. This pamphlet will give you a general understanding of popular career paths and what skills are needed for those career paths. Important questions to keep in mind while browsing careers are- What can I do while in school to gain resume-building experience? What additional classes can I take that will boost my resume? What are my career interests and how do I learn more?

Student-to-Student Tips…

• The best thing to do is to RESEARCH careers and their qualifications and work towards filling in the GAP. • Ways to gain these skills while in school are to

concentrate on your weak spots.• Do school activities that will help develop these skills

e.g. join the school newspaper• Try to get internships in school to help you gain

experience/exposure.• Improve your computer skills!!!!!!• IT IS NEVER TOO EARLY TO BECOME A FREELANCE

WRITER!

How to Stand Out Checklist Define your Career GoalBLOG, BLOG, BLOGGet Published Get a minor to compliment your career goalJoin organizations on campusInformation Interview- Ask those who have gone before

you! Not sure how to conduct an informational interview? View link below for additional information and visit the Career Center. Informational Interview

Create a LinkedIn Profile- Social Media platform Visit Career Services for assistance at SVC 2088

Browse Sample Career Titles

EditorTechnical WriterCopy Writer

Editor

Skills Knowledge• Reading Comprehension • Writing • Active Listening • Critical Thinking • Quality Control Analysis • Speaking • Decision Making • Time Management • Active Learning

• Computers• Windows, Mac, Linux• Microsoft, Adobe

• Communications and media• Social Media• Email

• English language• Grammar, spelling

Editor Tasks

• Rework and edit copies. • Update facts, dates, and statistics• Proofread copies to catch errors• Go over material and approve everything• Edit manuscripts as necessary • Oversee publication production

Technical writer

Skills• Writing • Reading Comprehension • Active Listening • Speaking • Critical Thinking • Active Learning • Decision Making • Time Management • Coordination • Monitoring

Knowledge• English Language • Grammar, Spelling

• Computers• Windows, Mac, Linux• Microsoft, Adobe

• Clerical • Administration and

Management • Communications and Media • Education and Training • Public Safety and Security • Production and Processing • Customer and Personal Service

Technical WriterTasks

• Complete assignments that you have• Stay organized• Keep records up to date.• Edit material as you go.• Create online help documentation • Help others with tasks they need help with• Oversee production of material

Technical writerTools & Technology

Tools

• Desktop computers• Window, Mac, Linux

• Digital cameras• High capacity removable

media drives• Flash drive

• Notebook computers• Laptops

• Scanners

Technology• Data base user interface and

query software• Encyclopedia Britannica

• Desktop publishing software• Microsoft, Adobe

• Graphics or photo imaging software• Adobe Photoshop

• Web platform development software• Microsoft platform developer

Copy writer

Skills• Reading Comprehension • Writing • Active Listening • Speaking • Critical Thinking • Complex Problem Solving • Decision Making • Coordination • Persuasion • Social Perceptiveness

Knowledge• English Language • Grammar, Spelling

• Communications and Media • Social Media, Email

• Sales and Marketing • Customer and Personal

Service • Computers• Windows, Mac, Linux• Microsoft, Adobe

Copy Writer Tasks

• Write to clients• Write advertising on product for advertisers • Present ideas to clients.• Use different language based on the item.• Work on copies and get approval from

supervisor.• Develop advertising campaigns• Create material based on what is needed

Additional Occupational Titles• Administrative Asst.• Advertising Account

Executive• Campaign Mngr.• Claims Examiner• Communications

Specialist• Critic• Fact Checker

• Journalist• Librarian• Media Analyst• Media Buyer• Museum Curator• Public Relations

Specialist• Researcher• Teacher

Sample Company Titles who Seek English Majors….

Local• Squared 22• Neilsen• BallyWho• Bisk Education• Tampa Tribune• Bright House Networks• E. W. Scripps Company• Golf Channel

National• CIA• Universities• ESPN and MTV• Publishing like Harper

Collins• Pace Communications• Park Hudson

International

Professional Associations

Some samples…• National Association of Independent Writers and

Editors (NAIWE)• American Copy Editors Society (ACES)• Society for Technical Communication (STC)• The Association of American Publishers• Florida Writers Association (FWA)• Florida Authors and Publishers Association (FAPA)

**some associations offer student discounts, mentoring benefits, and more!

Job Search Websites

Career ConnectionsCareer ShiftInternships.comSimplyhired.comGraduatejobs.comBook Jobs

Helpful Books for English Majors

Located at Career Services Library SVC 2088• Great Jobs For English Majors by Julie

DeGalan & Stephen Lambert• Careers in Writing by Blythe Camenson• Career Opportunities in Writing by Allan

Taylor and James Robert Parish

Explore Additional Occupations

• O*Net Online• Resource center to find information on jobs• Insidejobs.com•What can I do with this major?• Occupational Handbook• Resource for career information

Career Services

• Student Services Building (SVC) 2088

• (813) 974-2171

•Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm

•www.career.usf.edu