Alumni Testimonials
Careers in English
English: A Degree That Evolves With the World
An English degree is about much more than reading books or writing papers. It teaches you how to think clearly, communicate effectively, and understand different perspectives. In the Department of English, we are more than just composition. We help students build skills that matter in every career, from solving problems to telling powerful stories to working with people from all walks of life. Whether you want to work in business, law, media, tech, or education, an English degree gives you a strong foundation to grow and succeed wherever your path takes you.
Naki Franklin is a comedy writer based in Los Angeles, California. She holds a BA in English (Creative Writing) from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, summa cum laude. Naki has worked at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Comedy Central, and Creative Artists Agency.
Learn more about Naki Franklin
Andrea Leonard is a college counselor and former proposal writer based in Washington, D.C. and the founder of Education Prep PLUS. She holds a BA in English (Technical Writing) from North Carolina A&T State University. She has guided students into top universities, pre-college programs, and major national scholarships.
Turn Your Love of Language into a Powerful Career
What can you do with an English degree? A whole lot more than you think. From writing and publishing to education, law, tech, and media, English majors are thriving in diverse, high-impact careers.
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, writing and communications roles offer a strong career outlook, with job opportunities projected to grow by 5–7% through 2033.
- Professionals in these fields also enjoy competitive salaries—writers and authors earn a median of $72,000 annually, while English degree holders average over $60,000 across various industries.
- Graduates benefit from career flexibility, finding success in areas such as education, public relations, journalism, publishing, business, technology, nonprofits, law, and public service.
Why Employers Are Seeking Skills English Majors Already Have
Based on insights from Forbes, “Entry-Level Jobs Still Exist—But the Skills to Get Them Have Changed” (June 2025), today’s employers are no longer just looking for technical know-how. Instead, they’re prioritizing the very human skills that English majors excel at:
- Critical thinking and judgment
- Ethical reasoning and empathy
- Cultural literacy and communication
- Storytelling and context
- The ability to make meaning—not just complete tasks
These are not “soft” skills—they’re the new power skills, and they can’t be automated. Forbes confirms what we already know: employers are searching for the very skills that English majors develop every day. It's not just relevant—it's strategic.
