What Our Graduates Are Saying

“Be prepared as an English major to become an educated person, one who is better able to understand, live in and be a humane and reasonable part of the world we must live in. Be prepared to become an educated person who may, and probably will, work outside the major. This isn’t bad. The world needs as many educated people as it can get, working in whatever fields they may end up in.”

“There are many career opportunities for an English major outside of teaching, such as editorial work, proposal writing, publishing, journalism, and corporate communications. Knowledgeable writers and thinkers are needed and can make valuable contributions to business and civic fields.”

“Study what you love and the career will follow.”

“Absorb all you can. Embrace the literature because it, like art, imitates life.”

“This particular English Department and overall Discipline – for it is a discipline, requiring mastery, concentration, and industriousness – does not teach you to hone your wallet, but most certainly can teach you to hone your soul. The Faculty are experts in their fields, but more amazingly, are most often incredible kind souls who care about knowledge and sympathy for human beings across time and cultures: listen to them, do whatever assignments they ask of you, read whatever book they ask of you, and your heart and soul will grow to contain multitudes.”

“Diversify your learning experiences. Take a wide breadth of classes and not just ones that interest you. Prepare yourself to move in any direction professionally after you graduate by building a solid foundation of coursework and educational experiences.”

“Don’t limit yourself or underestimate your potential. Get a broad education and critical skills but stay alert to new opportunities.”

“Force yourself to speak in front of others. Learn to write thoughtfully.”

“Network”

“Get involved in student activities within and outside of the department.”

“Think about what you want to do with your degree – it will help you discover what kinds of internships and opportunities to look for.”

“Be open to opportunities outside of those that are considered traditional for English majors.”

“English majors are always asked, ‘What are you going to do with an English degree?’ I would respond, ‘Anything I want.’ If you look at any job description, it usually says, ‘Excellent oral and written communication skills.’ An English degree can be applied to almost any profession.

“If you love it, do it.”

“An English degree is the chameleon of education. It allows the recipient to step into any career or situation where interpretation is required, digest that information and present it to any audience.”

“While getting to know your professors is important, it is far more important that your professors know you.”

“Always look for and take opportunities to grow educationally and professionally.”

“Bring a lively sense of curiosity to each class and find your own voice. Own your education. Don’t have an entitled attitude. Education is so much more than just meeting the requirements and completing a checklist.”

“Enjoy your education – it’s a privilege and should be respected and appreciated.”

“Know why you are studying English.”

“Ultimately, life and business is really about people, what they want, what they need, how they feel and value things. Reading what the great minds of the ages have written will help you understand this.”

“Never think you are too good for any book.”