Undergraduate Careers

What Can You Do With an English Major?

We’ve heard this question before, and you probably have too. We’ve got good news: in the English major, you’ll develop skills that will prepare you for jobs in a wide array of industries, from tech to publishing to finance to law and beyond. Here are some of the jobs our alumni have gone on to do within a year of graduating with their BA in English:

  • Media and Marketing Advisor at CityScene
  • Donor Services Associate at Orthodox Union
  • Marketing Specialist at E2 Optics
  • Contract Analyst at Grange Insurance
  • Enrollment Counselor at Ohio State Marion
  • Recruiter for Ringside Talent
  • Law Clerk at Hastie Law Offices
  • Marketing Specialist at FlightSafety International
  • Communications Coordinator at St. Joseph Montessori School
  • Administrative Assistant at University Exploration at Ohio State
  • Proofreader at Williams Lea
  • Communications Coordinator at Goodwin Law
  • Science and Medical Content Writer at Nationwide Children’s Hospital

And here are some jobs our alumni have held 3+ years after graduating:

  • Account Manager at Insight Global
  • Talent Acquisition Specialist at DRW
  • Vice President of Content at iSynergy
  • Assistant Director of Publishing at Penguin Random House
  • SEO Specialist at Stanley Steemer
  • Technical Writing Manager at Forge Biologics
  • Director of Editorial at Scripps National Spelling Bee
  • Development Manager at Urban Sustainability Directors Network
  • Grants Management Analyst for the City of Columbus
  • User Experience Writer at NetJets
  • Senior Copywriter at Root Insurance
  • Manager of Volunteer Engagement at United Way of Central Ohio

Support Resources

And we support our students as they transition from the academic world to the professional world. We offer:

  • You can always schedule an appointment with your academic advisor, Jameson Gower or Rachael Speck, by emailing english@osu.edu. Our advisors are experts at helping you not only figure out what classes you need and want to take, but also how those classes will fit into your overall plan for your time at Ohio State and beyond.
  • Undergraduate Studies Program Manager Elizabeth Falter sends out a career newsletter to English majors every week during autumn and spring semester, which includes highlighted job postings, career exploration and preparation tips, and highlighted career-related events. She also offers one-on-one career advising, which can be scheduled by emailing english@osu.edu.
  • Many of our students complete internships during their time at Ohio State while also receiving credit through English 5191, an asynchronous internship course. Check out our internships page for more information about where English students have interned, and how you can receive credit for 5191. 
  • The Minor in Professional Writing includes placement in a capstone internship and enrollment in English 4189. Students work with the Program Coordinator to be placed in a credited internship that meets their individual interests and goals. Student-interns in English 4189 recieve support from both their teacher and their peers in the minor while completing their capstone internship.

The College of Arts and Sciences also offers career resources through ASC Career Success, which has guides and tip sheets, drop-in career advising through Career Studio, and individual career coaching appointments. The Office of Student Life Buckeye Careers also has individual coaching, as well as resources for career exploration and preparation!