Many believe that an English major leads to a limited career path, often confined to academia or writing-intensive roles. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. An English major provides a robust foundation of versatile skills that are highly valued across diverse industries. At institutions like The College of Wooster, recognizing the broad applicability of humanities degrees, faculty are actively equipping students with the tools to translate their academic strengths into professional success. A recent career preparation workshop exemplifies this proactive approach, demonstrating how skills honed through an English major, and other humanities disciplines, serve as an excellent tool for career preparation.
“Students sometimes narrowly define career options for English majors,” explains Professor Holt, a leading voice in humanities education. “They might think the only path is to become an English professor. Our aim is to broaden their perspectives, showcasing how the core competencies cultivated in English studies – critical thinking, compelling writing, analytical prowess, and collaborative spirit – are directly transferable and highly sought after in a wide spectrum of careers.”
This innovative workshop attracted a diverse group of students, mirroring the varied interests within the English major itself. From undergraduates exploring different academic paths to graduating seniors with defined career aspirations, the program catered to all. The curriculum was designed to meet students where they were in their career exploration journey. For those focused on immediate job prospects or internships, the workshop provided targeted sessions on refining resumes and crafting impactful cover letters. Students considering advanced studies, perhaps in fields like law or communication, received guidance on writing compelling statements of purpose for graduate school applications. A key component was the development of a professional portfolio, equipping students with tangible assets to showcase their skills and experience as they navigated their next steps.
The workshop further bridged the gap between academic learning and real-world application by featuring alumni who demonstrated the career versatility of a humanities background. Megan Conklin ’23, now thriving as an assistant director of annual giving, shared how her English degree’s emphasis on communication and digital literacy made her a standout candidate in a competitive job market. Megan Smeznik ’14, an educational technology designer, underscored the increasing importance of interdisciplinary skills – a hallmark of an English major’s broad-based education. The experiences of Abby Blinka ’19, pursuing doctoral studies, and Theresa Dunne ’17, a community development research analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank, highlighted the diverse postgraduate pathways open to humanities graduates, including advanced academic research and impactful roles in public service.
Professor Walters emphasized the strategic inclusion of recent graduates as speakers. “It’s crucial for students to see tangible examples of success at the early stages of their careers,” Walters noted. “Often, students have unrealistic expectations about their first job after graduation. By connecting with alumni who are just a few years into their professional lives, students gain a more realistic understanding of what constitutes a great entry-level position and the achievable career trajectories with an English major.”
The workshop’s success was also fueled by collaboration with career services professionals. Director for Career Planning Ashleigh Best and the team at APEX (Advising, Planning, and Experiential Learning) partnered with the faculty to enrich the program. APEX staff delivered presentations on vital career development topics, from leveraging alumni networks for informational interviews to mastering academic life coaching techniques. They also provided curated resources, including readings and videos, to supplement the workshop sessions. Furthermore, student Ben Byars ’24 shared his firsthand experience with an APEX Fellowship, illustrating the experiential learning opportunities available to complement classroom education.
Mia Mann ’24, an Anthropology and East Asian History double major, emphasized the workshop’s role in personal career development. “The workshop provided dedicated time and space to really define my career goals and identify the values that are most important to me in my job search,” Mann stated. “The career conversations assignment, where we connected with Wooster alumni in fields we were interested in, was incredibly valuable. It allowed me and my peers to build meaningful connections that will be invaluable as we move forward.”
Fridosse Adam Idrissou ’26, a French and History double major, echoed the transformative impact of the workshop on his professional confidence. “This workshop significantly boosted my confidence in communicating with professionals and provided a tangible roadmap for my future,” Idrissou explained. “It’s given me a clearer sense of direction and positively influenced my perspective on important aspects of professional life, such as work-life balance and setting healthy boundaries.”
Building on its initial success, Professors Walters and Holt plan to offer the career preparation workshop again. This initiative underscores the growing recognition that an English major, and more broadly, a humanities education, is not just an academic pursuit, but a powerful springboard for career success. By actively equipping students with career navigation skills and showcasing the diverse paths of successful alumni, institutions are empowering English majors to confidently translate their academic excellence into fulfilling and impactful careers. The skills cultivated through an English major truly are an excellent tool for career preparation, opening doors to a wide array of opportunities and equipping graduates to thrive in a dynamic and evolving professional landscape.
