Career Options after English

What is English?

English is one of the Humanities that studies the great works of literature and trains students in responding to the complex modes of interpretation and communication. Courses emphasize responsive reading, critical thinking, and clarity of expression. English examines:

  • How language forms a sense of identity
  • How writers and artists seek to change culture
  • How culture influences the work of writers and artists
  • The dynamic relationship between writer/reader, speaker/listener, artwork/audience.

What makes English at UTSC unique?

An exciting range of Minors including Creative Writing and Literature and Film Studies!

Skills of English Grads

  • Develop expository, persuasive, and creative writing
  • Use grammar, syntax, vocabulary correctly
  • Adjust style to rhetorical context
  • Analyze and interpret text
  • Understand concepts of genre and form in writing
  • Develop critical thinking
  • Engage in creative problem solving
  • Influence and persuade
  • Make oral presentations
  • Conduct research and evaluate evidence
  • Synthesize and communicate ideas

Entry-Level Jobs for Bachelor Grads

Common employment destinations include:

  • Account Manager in Advertising Companies
  • Social Media Manager in Marketing Agencies
  • Journalist/Editor/Drama Critic in Media
  • Author/Writer/Artist in Creative Industries
  • Foreign Service Officer in Government
  • Public Relations Specialist in Non-Profits
  • Event/Convention Planner in Think-Tanks
  • Technical Writer in Software Developers
  • Communications Assistant in School Systems
  • Market Research Analyst in Corporations
  • Corporate Blogger in Marketing Departments

The Career Directory

English Grads from UofT have gone on to:

  • Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs (Advisor)
  • Globe and Mail (Reporter)
  • CIBC (Social Media Consultant)

UTSC English graduates are working in Media, Education, and Finance.

Graduate & Professional Studies

Popular further education opportunities include:

  • English – Master
  • Journalism – Diploma or Master
  • Education – Bachelor or Master
  • Library and Information Systems – Master
  • Publishing – Diploma or Graduate Certificate
  • Law School – JD (Juris Doctor)
  • Public Relations – Post-Graduate Certificate
  • Marketing – Post-Graduate Certificate

Examples of Fields that ‘Fit’ the Skills of English Grads

  • Libraries and Archives
  • Government Admin (Federal, Provincial, Municipal)
  • Newspapers and Magazine Publishers
  • Consulting Firms
  • Marketing and Communications
  • Education
  • Advertising / Public Relations Agencies
  • Law / Legal Services

Your 4-Year Career Exploration Action Plan

1. Do Your Research

The databases below provide you with details about job prospects, nature of work, educational requirements, working conditions, pay and related career paths:

Attend our workshop Discover Your Skills and Career Options, meet with a Career Counsellor, and use our resources to get to know your skills, values, personality and interests.

Use the advice on our tip sheets for gathering information:

  • Information Interviews
  • Working On-Campus
  • Internships
  • Volunteering

2. Explore Career Options & Get Experience

Gain exposure to your options in the world of work and make connections while you’re a student via campus events and programs listed on cln.utoronto.ca and ccr.utoronto.ca:

Apply for Work Study jobs in CLN in Fall and Spring! You might also find work via the SCSU.

Find networking opportunities, internship programs and entry-level jobs via websites like TalentEgg and Charity Village.

As an upper year student (14+ credits), attend UTSC’s Get Hired conference and participate in Jobs for Grads.

As a graduate, explore internships and other trainee programs like Career Edge.

3.Build Your Network

Explore Professional Associations and get involved: volunteer for their events and conferences, and get to know people in your industry of interest. These are your future mentors, supervisors and colleagues!

Other associations and websites for finding networking opportunities and experience include:

Please note: This document is a starting point for your further research into career options in this field of study. For more information on this program and course requirements, please visit the Department of English website.