what can a graduate of english literature do for a living?

[maraki16]

well, i am at the second year of my studies. the truth is that i tried hard to get to this department of the university because i liked the idea of studying english and particularly literature. as you can understand i did not decide to enter this school considering what job i want to do in the future, but what is of more interest to me.
but i am concerned now about what i am going to do for a living after i get my degree...if i stay here in greece i could become a teacher, or if i tried a lot could translate books etc., and if i could try a lot, could become a translator at the ministry of external affairs. i do not know what else i can do after graduating. the factt is that i am not really interested in teaching, i would like to do something more creative let's say, in the sense that i do not want to teach the same things every week, every year for the rest of my life.
moreover, i am thinking of going to england and perhaps live permanently there, if i like it and find an occupation. is there anyone who can advise me on that matter? i would strongly appreciate it if someone can inform me on what kind of job i can find in england when having a degree of english and greek(the degree also mentions greek philology)philology? mind that my degree will have a specialization on literature and not linguistics(i am concerned about the translation part, as i don't know if a specialization on linguistics is regarded as more favourable, that's why i mention that).

thans a lot everyone!!!!!!!!:):D:):lol:

[Scheherazade]

That is what I am trying to figure out for the past 15 years...

I'll let you know as soon as I find out!

[librarius_qui]

Teaching the same things don't mean that the same things don't ever change and, even if they didn't, students change, so it won't be the same always ...

Even so, in England, I believe you'll be much more intersting because of Greek than because of English ... As well as in Greece, you'll be much more interesting because of English, maybe ... Maybe not.

I didn't go into the university thinking about what to do after. I studied Latin (Language & Literature and Portuguese). I wished to write, but not living of it (ever!). I'm working on it (writing in Latin). Currently I'm working as a librarian for a job, but by experience, I'm a bookseller, and this is what I truly like to do.

I can't say I'm well settled, though. Maybe, if I could start it all over again, I woudn't have studied what I have ... But I'd always be thinking that "wew, I'd love to learn Latin ...", as it happens with music, and I'm running after it ... (I've found an instrument, already!)

So, don't worry. You may end up happy. It doesn't have necessarily something to do with your job.

I believe.


librarius
:crash:

[JBI]

I dunno - I'm hoping grad schools will accept me, and I can get a Ph.D, and move on to teach English. Though I think I'll probably end up translating - I certainly will have the language power to do it - English, French Italian, Hebrew - quite the base.

[bazarov]

I thought it's useless to study literature; so I am studying civil engineering; and later I can always read as much as I want.

[Taliesin]

What's the difference between a large pizza and an English Ph.D?
-A pizza can feed a family of four.

Sorry.

[vheissu]

Hmmm...I've always wondered the same thing: there are SO many students in the UK studying english literature, sometimes combined with english language or linguistics so there must be plenty to do when you graduate.

I used to live with 2 girls who did english language and linguistics respectively, and they have both decided to do a two year MSc in speech and language therapy. Apparently, in the UK, there seems to be an increasing demand for them.
So, that's one idea. I don't know what the demand for speech therapists is in Greece, because though it's my country of origin as well I come from a very scientific backround and have no idea about the more...social/literature sciences in terms of jobs.

I do have a friend here in the UK, also from Greece, who must have finished the same or similar degree as what you're doing at the moment, and she's now doing an MSc that will enable her to teach english to adults (guess she's planning to go back).

As for translating, again, don't take my word for it since I'm no expert on it, I think that it would be beneficial to have a good knowledge in linguistics. But anyway, you can always fill that gap after your first degree by doing a postgrad degree. It's very rare nowadays to have one degree in a subject which is so big, so most people will do a postrad as well, especially in the UK.

If you're so worried about it, look up some UK websites aimed at giving info on universities, graduate and postgrad opportunities. I can't remember which one it is, but there is a website which has a good list of professions and analyses them by what backround is expected, what you can expect to be doing in your job, how much you will earn depending on how much experience you have and lots more.
I'll post a link for it if I find it.

[librarius_qui]

What's the difference between a large pizza and an English Ph.D?
-A pizza can feed a family of four.

Sorry.

A large pizza may be good to eat ...

Maybe someday I'll be a Latin PhD. In Brasil, it's about the same as a large pizza. But there are those who know better.

I hope.


Aw ... Then again, I'll NEVER be a Latin PhD ...


librarius
:crash:

[manolia]

I thought it's useless to study literature; so I am studying civil engineering; and later I can always read as much as I want.

Hehe Baz..what a brilliant thought :D

Now Maraki if you are seriously thinking about entering the ministry of external affairs or any ministry in general you should seriously start considering (ok i am going to write this in greek because i don't have a clue of the english equivalent) "Σχολή δημόσιας διοίκησης". Of course you have to finish uni first and start preparing for more exams. They only accept graduates from universities and technical colleges and you have to study really hard. Competition is great.

[Virgil]

I thought it's useless to study literature; so I am studying civil engineering; and later I can always read as much as I want.

Make that a third engineer. ;)

[amalia1985]

Teaching can be extremely creative, but it demands a lot of time. And sometimes, a lot of money. All that paper I have used...

[kilted exile]

What's the difference between a large pizza and an English Ph.D?
-A pizza can feed a family of four.

Sorry.

On a related note:

What do you say to a philosophy grad?

Which beers do you guys have on tap

[byquist]

That's a tricky question, however teaching new every day, a very un-static type of job. Reconsider it.

If you come from wealth and would like to study international affairs, take a look at Webster University (USA) where you can get a US MA in Int'l Affairs by hopping among 5 or 6 campuses for 6-8 week stretches, mainly in Europe, but one in Asia.

Going to England sounds like a sound idea.

Also, you could search out the site TEFL or TESL, I forget, for teaching overseas in South America, many spots in Asia, Russia, your neighbor Egypt. Get paid for travel and new experience.

[papayahed]

On a related note:

What do you say to a philosophy grad?

Which beers do you guys have on tap


My favorite is:

How do you get the Philoshopy grad off your porch?

Pay him for the pizza

[TheInsomniac]

A young man was hired by a supermarket and reports for his first day of work.

The manager greets him with a hearty handshake and smile, hands him a broom and says, "Your first job will be to sweep out the store."

"Sweep the store, but I'm an english literature graduate," the young man indignantly replied.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know that," said the manager."Here, give me the broom - I'll show you how first."

[maraki16]

thank you for your jokes!!!!!!!!!!!!!but you know what, i would like some real answers, some ideas, because i am getting really anxious when i read your jokes, it makes me feel there is NO answer at all!!!:bawling::bawling::bawling::(:(

[TheInsomniac]

There are few jobs where the subject-matter of your English Literature degree is essential – secondary teaching or an academic career being the main ones which spring to mind. However, the skills you develop through the study of English Literature (effective written and verbal communication, time-management, organisational skills, team-work, independent study and research, developing persuasive arguments …to name but a few), are marketable in a wide variety of professional areas. At least 50% of graduate jobs do not specify a degree discipline. Some areas which have traditionally attracted English Literature graduates include advertising, marketing and PR work, arts administration, library and information management, the legal profession, editing and publishing, journalism and other areas of the media.


It's important to start thinking about your interests, what you have to offer, and what you want to get out of your career, when researching your career options. You should go and talk to your careers advisor, they will give examples of previous students career choices, and what volunteer work/experience you will need if you want to get into journalism etc.

Jobs directly related to your degree:

- English as a foreign language teacher/English as a second language teacher - teaching English to international students either in the UK or overseas.
- Primary school teacher and Secondary school teacher - teaching in state and independent schools, sixth form and FE colleges.

Jobs where your degree would be useful:

- Advertising account executive - acts as a link between three to four client accounts and the agency; has overall responsibility for the smooth running of a campaign; coordinates the activities of the advertising and administrative teams.
- Arts administrator - provides administrative support for a wide range of arts and cultural organisations.
- Academic librarian, Information officer/manager, Records manager - responsible for the acquisition, organisation and dissemination of information and materials within the library system or information unit.
- Charity officer - responsibilities include aspects of marketing, public relations, organising events, finance, fund-raising and managing volunteers.
- Editorial assistant - assists senior editorial staff in the administration of the commissioning, planning and production of books, journals and magazines. The recognised starting point for editorial and publishing careers.
- Marketing executive - involved in business development, market research, planning, product development, pricing, packaging, advertising, PR and sales.
- Newspaper journalist - researches and writes stories for publication in local, regional and national press.
- Programme researcher, broadcasting/film/video – supports the production team, collects, verifies and prepares information for film, television and radio productions. This can be seen as apprenticeship for a production role.
- Public relations officer - uses all forms of media and communication to build, maintain and manage the reputation of companies and organisations.
- Runner, broadcasting/film/video - fetches, carries and does any small jobs needed for the production department of a film, video or television company. An entry level job into media production.

Other options:

If your first job is not one related to your chosen career, you can still use your time effectively in order to gain experience for your longer-term career aims. Consider college evening classes, IT courses, learning languages, arranging work shadowing or work experience and volunteering – employers will really value the commitment and initiative you have shown to move your career forward.

Although some of the jobs I listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. It's also worth noting that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

Personally though, i think jobs are a 20th century invention. Lets go climb a mountain!

[maraki16]

thank you insomniac.that was really helpful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TheInsomniac]

Well its not like a sleep or anything.