Careers for Graduates in English

During your studies reading English you will develop many of the transferable skills sought by employers. Cambridge University Careers Service provides examples of the skills and knowledge with which a degree in English Literature will equip you.

These skills are highly desirable in most fields of employment. Careers in which your degree would be directly applicable include:

  • Publishing
  • Editing
  • Teaching
  • Journalism
  • Creative Writing
  • Library Services
  • Advertising
  • Copywriting
  • Marketing
  • Public Relations
  • Graduate-level Research

The Unistats web site has information on the destinations of recent Cambridge English graduates, and the University of Cambridge Careers Service has information about some of the careers that English graduates might consider, as well as data about the destinations of Cambridge English graduates. The Prospects website has a page on using your English degree.

Other resources

Increasingly, good employers require more than just a good academic background. They look for evidence of the key transferable skills which are required in their roles. Some of these you can demonstrate from your academic work, but they will look for evidence of skills gained or improved in two other areas: real world work experience and positions of responsibility. To help with this, Cambridge University provides opportunities for vacation work and voluntary activity. The Careers Service has lots of advice and information, including vacancy advertisements for vacation work.