What You’re Not Taught as an English Undergrad
Here are 7 tips to set yourself up in the job market before graduating.
If you’re a college or university student, you’re probably expecting higher education to save you from the pool of minimum wage job choices. Although having a degree is an achievement and does open opportunities for you, it does not guarantee a job in your field. A lot of the times, it’s the degree coupled with experience. I mean, how many times have you heard someone say they got a master’s degree but still couldn’t find a job they actually studied for?
It’s probably plastered somewhere at your school’s career center: opportunities for internships, job search engines, how to write a cover letter, all the important resources to kick start your professional life. But there are some essential topics you are most likely not taught in the classroom while you’re studying for that English, literature, or any other subject in the humanities, degree.
As a recent college graduate with an English degree and other credentials, I’m here to tell you what you can do as a student to set yourself up after graduation. And the sooner you start the better.
1.) Get Professional Experience in Your Field of Study.
This can be in the form of an internship or part-time job. (If you’re working a job to pay your bills, that’s great. You don’t really need the rest of what I’m going to say.) There may even be a job well suited for you on campus. But you’re going to want to gain experience outside of school. Once you graduate, if all your internship and job experience come from your campus, then that doesn’t sell you as a graduate with a whole lot of experience. Outside work experience shows that you can sell your expertise to people who are initially complete strangers.
2.) Learn to Write a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Not all jobs ask for this, but some do, especially foreign employers. So, if you’re interested in working overseas or working for a foreign company in the United States, then it’s in your best interest to know how to write a CV.
3.) Publish Your Writing
Don’t wait. Submit your work. This can be in literary magazines, online newspapers, anywhere that really sparks your interest. Share your writing on social media and focus on gaining a following. Versatility and proficiency across different social media platforms are becoming a valuable skill set. There’s even such a thing as a social media manager! Lastly, if you gain a considerable following on social media, you can find success in self-publication. Self-publication skyrocketed Savannah Brown and Rupi Kaur to literary success.
4.) Research What You Can do With Your Degree.
A degree in English is quite multifaceted. It wasn’t until I was on the job hunt that I began to learn all the different things I could do with my education (editor, staff writer, copywriter, tutor, etc.) I’m sure the same goes for other degrees in the Humanities. Take the time to look into what you really want to do.
5.) Build a Portfolio of Your Work
Whatever publications you have under you belt go on your portfolio. This also includes pieces of significant work (websites, videos, projects etc.) Many employers will ask you to provide a portfolio of your work. You can build your own website and display your portfolio that way or sign up with a business that does this work for you.
6.) Study People Who Are Doing What You Want to Do
If you’ve already figured out what you want to do with your degree, then look for people who are doing just that. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask them questions. Study them. See what they did to get to where they’re at and do the same. Soon or later you’ll find your own path, what you need to do, and who you want to be.
7.) Learn New Skills
Adobe Photoshop, SEO, Excel, Microsoft Word, photography, these are all skills employers look for. Broaden your interests and pick up a new hobby like video editing or proper typing. This will expand the number of opportunities you can apply for.
Having a degree isn’t enough if you want to have a stellar job after graduation. It’s the sad truth. It’s also important to sit down and ask yourself, “what do I really want to dedicate my working life to?” I deluded myself into thinking I wanted one career and soon realized I didn’t wake up looking forward to that occupation, and I didn’t want to work towards becoming my personal best in that line of work. Think about what you’re willing to struggle with and struggle for. It’s a privilege to work in something you actually enjoy. So take advantage of the opportunity to do so!
If you don’t even know where to start when finding a fulfilling work life, there are approaches designed to help you. Mark Manson has a series of unconventional questions that are meant for people to realize what they like and want to do with their lives. Ikigai is a Japanese method of finding one’s life purpose and career. Of course your career center and professors aren’t going to tell you this (unless maybe you ask). They’re not looking for jobs; they’re already employed! Put yourself out there, try new things, and invest in yourself.
