What student's say...

There is a lot of uncertainty and things won’t fall into place as I want so there seems little point in having predetermined goals, especially long term ones.

You should do things you love to do, develop yourself and do things you feel passionate about – this would make me feel really confident about myself.

I feel I need a clear path, I want to think about my future but I am not sure what happens at each stage.

I would rather be involved in something that is doing good than making money.

I don’t want to be pigeon holed.

Welcome

‘There are many things deriving from an English degree on which graduates should have the confidence to build’ Professor Ben Knights, Director, English Subject Centre.

Introduction

This website is for students of English who may be unsure of their future career direction. Unlike students studying a vocational subject, the choices you are faced with can seem unclear and bewilderingly varied. After English will give you some ideas to help you start thinking about future possibilities and reflect on your own hopes and dreams. Obviously we can't do all the hard thinking for you so there are a lot of exercises to try and links to follow up.

English Graduates
Video: Making English Work is
a video looking at where an
English degree can take a
graduate's career
Adobe Flash Player required.

As an English graduate you are likely to have the ability to:

  • Digest large quantities of text, discerning larger patterns of significance.
  • Winnow large quantities of written material for relevant items.
  • Edit and revise texts.
  • Be attentive to the needs of different audiences.
  • Understand complex conceptual environments.
  • Weigh opposing arguments.
  • Be fluent in different communicative registers.
  • Attend to different levels of formality.
  • Move fluently between written and oral forms.
  • Reframe problems by imaginatively occupying different perspectives.
  • Think outside the box.

Insights into your own capabilities such as these can be translated into terms that employers can relate to and allow you to continue to make the most of your passion for studying English after graduation.

Statistics show that English graduates have a particularly high employment rate and are found in a wide variety of roles. The economic downturn is not affecting all sectors equally, indeed some are thriving in the current climate. In common with other humanities students though, it can take a few years to find a truly rewarding activity which enables you to fully realise your capabilities.

Using this website

Have a look at the different sections of this site. Try out some activities to stimulate your thinking. Use the ideas to form your own plans. Above all, look to celebrate and make use of the many qualities you develop as an English student.

After English covers:

This website can be used at anytime during your course of study, even in the first term. If you have already graduated, you will also find it helpful.  People make career decisions at different points but the sooner you start thinking about what happens 'After English' the better. Have a look at the Career Action Planner to see what you might do and when.

Start of page