Career Prospects in English Language & Literature

Career Prospects in English Language & Literature 

After completing school education, students are generally in a dilemma when it comes to choosing an appropriate course curriculum that would suit their aspirations and temperaments. Selection of right course, right subjects and competent guidance are the important elements that    will determine future course of action of the students. So, Students must be very careful in choosing their course and subjects at the Under Graduate and Post Graduate levels. In this article I shall discuss the career opportunities available in the field of English language and literature.

                     

  Being an international language, English has wide scope and opportunities. In India, English is the only language which is spoken and understood all over the country. It functions as a connecting link between different states. It is also one of the most sought after languages in higher education, administration, business, industry, media and social events. Almost all the research works in science and technology are carried out in English language.  Hence a good written and spoken command over English language will certainly enhance the career opportunities of the students.  So, if English language & literature is your passion and imagination, then English Literature is just the right choice for you. Today career in English literature is highly sought after career in India. There are numerous job opportunities available to English literature students with better salaries and better career growth prospects.

 

Courses

There are courses available in English literature at the Under Graduate and Post Graduate levels in various colleges and universities all over India. Traditionally, a course in English literature will lead you to career in academic research, teaching and publishing. But with the change of business dynamics, economic growth, more focus over branding and creativity, role of Internet etc. have opened wide variety of career paths in India.  There are number of skills you acquire while studying English literature that will help you to get a job not only in the public sector but also private and corporate sectors. The following are the skills that you are expected to develop while pursuing a graduate or masters course in English literature: 

·         Verbal and communication skills

·         Ability to develop creative ideas and plans

·         Ability to build constructive and logical argument

·         Researching and investigating skills

·         To clearly describe, communicate and summarize

·         Ability to decode and understand abstract theories, concepts and ideas

·         Skill to play with words

·         Persuasion skills

·         Reading and writing skills

·         Interpersonal skills and team playing

             

 

These skills are highly sought everywhere and most often students do not have these skills but among English literature students these skills are commonly available. However, students must keep in mind that English literature requires pursuing specialization courses to get extra push for better career prospects. For the convenient and better understanding of students, I am going to discuss the career opportunities available to English literature students in private and public sectors separately.  

 

Government/ Public Sector

 

A career in Government/ public sector is among the most sought after career avenues in India. Students prefer government service as it offers decent salary, job security, social prestige and      recognition.  Now let us see what kinds of opportunities are available in the government sector for English literature students.

             

Education:  A career in teaching at schools, colleges or universities is one the most satisfying career options for English literature graduates and postgraduates. To be eligible for teaching at college/ university, students must acquire a masters degree in English literature/language. Also they must possess a doctorate degree and/or clear NET exam conducted by University Grants Commission, New Delhi. UGC-NET is quite a difficult competitive exam that enables you to become eligible for lectureship in government and government aided universities and colleges. Moreover, private colleges/ universities also look for candidates with higher scores in UGC-NET. But if you are looking for a career as a school teacher, then you must acquire a graduate/masters degree in English literature along with a degree in Education such as B. Ed or BTC.

 

 Civil Services: Civil services/ allied services are other lucrative options available to students of English literature. But it is a highly competitive field, where you may have to work under acute pressure. For civil services you can apply at both state and central levels, and again with structured approach and proper guidance you can clear it.

             

 Others: There are other jobs available such as linguist, interpreter, probationary officer (in national banks), jobs at various levels in administration. For these jobs, you might need medium  to high expertise in English language and writing skills in order to be eligible for these posts.

 Private Sector

 The private and corporate world of India is huge, brimming with innumerable opportunities. For English literature students it offers wide variety of opportunities that are up for grab. Let us now explore some of the important career avenues available in the private sector to English literature graduates/postgraduates.

             

Education: There is a huge demand for teaching professionals in private English medium schools, colleges and universities. To get a job as a teacher or a lecturer in any school, institute, or university, you should be a graduate/post graduate in English. A degree in education such as B. Ed/ BTC will definitely enhance your employability in private academic institutions. If you want to explore other avenues in the education sector, then you can move into corporate training and teaching. Here you are required to develop course contents and engage in research at the higher level.

 Publishing and Media: Publishing is an attractive career option for students of English language and literature. But to excel in this field, you must have a flair for writing and good command over vocabulary and grammar. There are international, national and local publications offering regular and freelance jobs for writers, examiners and academic researchers for developing course contents.

 

                                                                    Media

Students of English literature can also build a successful career in media- both print and electronic. A career in mass media is both challenging and satisfying.   English literature students get to read and learn about theater/drama at graduate and post-graduate levels, and also they possess good communication skills. These skills, knowledge and confidence are in high demand in the Media. However, with a diploma in journalism or mass-communication, you’ll boost your career prospects.

Advertising and Public Relations: English literature students are known for their creativity, communication skills, writing skills, imagination, logic and reasoning. Therefore, English literature students are ideally suitable for variety of careers in advertising and public relations industry. You can take up a job as an advertising copywriter, creative executive or director, campaign manager, event organizer, PR manager, and others. It’s an exciting industry, where you will get to use your creativity, verbal adeptness and writing skills to prove your mettle.

              

                                                            Digital Media        

Digital Industry: The digital/online marketing industry in India has a lot to offer to English literature students, as there are many openings such as content writer, copywriter, strategist, digital marketer etc. and the demand for digital professionals in the near future is likely to shoot up.  However, to work in digital world, you require certain set of skills and knowledge before you can set out to climb up the ladder. If you’ve writing skills only, you can start your career as a content writer, but if you develop your skills or do a course in digital marketing then you can reach the highest ladder in the industry.