What can you do with an English M.A.?

[EricP]

I'm at somewhat of a crossroads in my life right now. I have my masters degree in English literature. I just took the LSAT last week and I'm awaiting my score. My plan is to apply to law schools for next Fall, but I'm not sure how well I did on the LSAT. I'm considering going back for my PhD in English, but I'm not sure about that, either. I'm currently an adjunct English/Philosophy professor at a small university, but there is no future in being an adjunct.

Anyway, I'm trying to weigh all of my options, so I was wondering what I can do with an M.A. in English. As someone substantially left-of-center politically, I am not interested in business/corporate positions.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions! :)

[Whifflingpin]

Joke that used to do the rounds in England:

What do you say to a man with an MA in English?

"Big Mac & fries, please!"

[dramasnot6]

Teach,write,critique the writing of others.
What do you enjoy doing?

[kasie]

...I was wondering what I can do with an M.A. in English.... :)

Congratulations on your MA, EricP, and good luck with the Law.

Do you feel that you have to stay within the confines of Eng Lit? If so, then teaching/writing/criticism are probably your best bets. If you are prepared to venture into other domains then bear in mind that your skills are eminently transferable. I started out with a first degree in English and went into teaching - a few years later a friend tried to lure me into Computer Programming because he said his best programmers were English or History graduates; another friend tried to lure me into journalism, then into writing fiction; at last a very persuasive man (ie my husband :D )employed me as his PA in his precision engineering company (because I knew where the full stops and commas went in a letter) and when he fell ill, handed over the company for me to run.....So you never know where you might end up!

[EricP]

Joke that used to do the rounds in England:

What do you say to a man with an MA in English?

"Big Mac & fries, please!"

:lol: That's what my parents told me, also!

kasie: I'm open to doing something outside the field of English literature, and it's reassuring to hear that you've found your place after being in a similar situation. I suppose that I can wait two more weeks until the LSAT scores are released before I have a plan for the rest of my life! :lol:

[blazeofglory]

Literature really makes you think and indeed it takes you to understand the meaning of life.

But literature can not be a profession to live on until you are a successful writer. You need a side job at the same time.

Take literature as a hobby and not as a profession.