For anyone here with an English Lit degree, how did you get started in a career?

[Saoirse96]

Hi everyone, I just graduated from a Russel Group with a First in English Lit MA. I had wanted to do primary teaching with it, but it's a bit of a disaster zone for the foreseeable in the UK.

I haven't the foggiest how to make a career out of my degree. Is there any other (cheap) qualifications I could do that make me more marketable for degree-related jobs?

What has anyone else done? Any advice and insight very much appreciated. Feel so lost!

What is it about teaching that appeals to you - it might help work out what sort of career you are interested in

e.g. 'Training' could be an option if you like working with people, teaching, etc

Or is more about the subject knowledge and you'd enjoy careers related to literature and books, e.g. publishing

I imagine you're writing will be strong so careers like PR, Marketing, copywriting etc. are worth looking at

This quiz might help give you some ideas https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/skills-assessment

Hi, thanks for your reply. I think really I have a passion for both my subject and working with others - I was encouraged by university staff to do further study but I couldn't discern any real benefit career wise other than potentially becoming university staff (and I don't know how many opportunities there are for that).

I went to university as a mature student, and had built a prior career that was solely about making money. Job satisfaction was the reason I went back to uni, because I think for whatever role I'm in I need to feel that I am contributing something positive to society/people/children (but also need to make a decent wage to support a family while doing that).

I'll take that quiz, thank you! And I'll have a look into the above jobs you mentioned!

What was your career prior to doing your degree?

Same degree, Russel Group uni also.

I went into publishing for a few years and then moved across to communications in a writing role. There are pros and cons of both.

Publishing is generally a bit underpaid, but the people tend to be lovely and the work is pleasant.

There's a more money and variety in marketing/comms. Downsides are that I work more now and I find it hard to stay motivated. Of course, my experience won't be the same as everyone else's.

The frustrating thing is entering either you'll probably start on a fairly low salary. If you have any opportunity to get experience prior to committing to a new role I'd say this would be hugely helpful.

Good luck with the search!

I work in communications and have an English degree.