The Profession
As I mentioned in a previous blog post, my future after getting my English degree is still uncertain at this point. Despite the public’s narrow-minded opinion about English graduates, various career paths are possible. I wouldn’t say the possibilities are endless, but I certainly have more than one choice. After a bit of research and a very informative visit from careers advisors in class, I think I have a better idea of where I’m going when I finish school. I have to say, all the questions about the usefulness of an English degree were starting to get to me. Since I had no concrete answer to give people, I was starting to doubt the choices made this far in my academic education. The careers advisors’ visit came with perfect timing to alleviate the little life crisis brewing in my head.
After looking at many prospective jobs, I came to the conclusion I would very much like to work in publishing. And if that doesn’t work out, then I would probably go towards the media sector. Reading books has been one of my hobbies since elementary school, so I would not mind working in the literature field for the rest of my life. However, I know it is not easy to shine in the publishing world. I have learned that one has to do many internships in the field in order to get noticed. Work experience and personal connections are everything in this small business. I also read that self-published blogs are a great way to show one’s set of skills in the digital world of publishing. E-books are becoming increasingly popular and one needs to be familiar with both print and digital publishing these days.
Moreover, I have found some ideas of what I could be doing to multiply my chances of getting a job after I graduate. Keeping and expanding this blog as well as finding summer internships in the field would be excellent long-term goals in order to find a position in a publishing house later on. As for right now, getting involved in a student publication like a magazine or a newspaper while I finish my degree would be a great first experience. I do feel more confident now with my choice of degree and I will keep going forward in that direction.