CAREERS IN ENGLISH?

English is necessary for all careers not matter what career path you wish to follow. Below are some examples of the ways in which English is a basic essential both in terms of oral and written communication. From Asda to the zoo, no matter what you do-YOU NEED A 'C' IN ENGLISH!

What skills have I gained on my course?
Having a sound base in English provides you with a wide range of transferable skills, which are important in many career fields. Understanding and analysis of writing is of key importance particularly in Post 16 study but it  can be applied in many other fields of work.

Other skill areas developed in studying English include:
* An ability for clear expression, both oral and written
* Putting forward ideas and arguments in a concise manner

• * Gathering, investigating and assessing material
• * Condensing facts, ideas and arguments
• * Basing conclusions on research
• * Synthesising ideas
• * Organising material in a logical and coherent way

Occupations associated with English:
School teacher: You will need a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) to teach in State schools. English is a popular PGCE courses so early application (in October or November for entry the following September) is advised.

Journalism and Writing: Many English graduates are attracted to Journalism and Writing. It's important to gain relevant experience on the student newspaper or other publications and to build a portfolio. 

Publishing: This covers books, magazines and electronic publishing, generalist or specialist (including academic publishers). Graduates may work in editorial roles or in business roles such as production and marketing.

TV, Radio, Film, Drama and Music: This is the most popular career area for Arts graduates. To be successful you need to gain and be able to show evidence of relevant practical skills. Many jobs in the media are not advertised - organisations get enough CVs from people applying speculatively to be able to fill their vacancies from these. You need to be prepared to chase employers - you must take the initiative by visiting them.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language-TEFL: is a popular option and still relatively easy to get, although you would be wise to get the CELTA Certificate in TEFL as this will make the better jobs available - it can be done in one month.

University lecturer: This does not require a teaching qualification, but you will need a higher degree, ideally a PhD plus teaching experience (which you may be able to gain while a postgraduate student).

Library and Information work: This may be carried out in public, academic or specialist libraries and involves managing the library's collections and helping users to get the most out of them.

Other occupations where English is useful:
Many careers are open to graduates in any subject and may offer the potential to use the analytical, information and communication skills that you have gained through studying English. Your interpersonal skills, however, are likely to be even more important.

Below are just a few of the occupations where the skills gained from English may be particularly relevant:

Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations: The typical job here is working as a Marketing Brand Manager - being responsible for the sales and marketing of a brand, be it breakfast cereal or sports cars. It's a very creative role, but also (unusual for many creative jobs) well-paid!

Advertising Account Manager: These plan and run advertising campaigns on behalf of client companies. Very competitive to enter - you need to do your research!

Law: Solicitors advise clients on legal issues, using statutes and case law to determine their relevance to their client's problem. Barristers also investigate and advise on legal issues, often the more complex ones, and present the client's case in court if necessary.

Human Resources or Personnel Management: is another option which requires strong communication and advice giving skills.

Civil Service: Graduates joining the Civil Service Fast-Stream are involved in a wide variety of tasks, such as researching and analysing policy options, drafting material that will be used as the basis for new legislation, supporting Ministers in parliamentary work and the management of their departments and liaising with outside organisations.

Retail Management: Requires leadership and communication skills. You need to be practical, mobile and prepared to work irregular hours. This is not a deskbound job and requires doers as much as thinkers. However promotion can be fast and you can rapidly reach a position of responsibility.