JoAnne C. Juett, Ph.D.
Scientific and Technical Writing
English Department, UWEC
FAMOUS ENGLISH MAJORS
See anyone you know?
 http://jobsforenglishmajors.com/
 http://englishcomplit.unc.edu/en
glish/undergrad/careers
 http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos089.
htm
 Writing - Communicating effectively with others in
writing as indicated by the needs of the audience.
 Active Listening - Listening to what other people are
saying and asking questions as appropriate.
 Speaking - Talking to others to effectively convey
information.
 Information Gathering - Knowing how to find
information and identifying essential information.
 Information Organization - Finding ways to structure
or classify multiple pieces of information.
 Synthesis/Reorganization - Reorganizing
information to get a better approach to problems
or tasks.
 Active Learning - Working with new material or
information to grasp its implications.
 Product Inspection - Inspecting and evaluating
the quality of products.
 English Language - Knowledge of the structure
and content of the English language including
the meaning and spelling of words, rules of
composition, and grammar.
Copy editor. Journalist. PR genius. Marketing
wizard. Celebrated author. You may still be
deciding where you'd like to take your English
major.
http://www.payscale.com/best-colleges/careersfor-english-majors.asp
Popular Careers for English Majors - Full List
Popular Careers for English Majors
Median Salary All U.S.
Technical Writer
$65,700
Administrative Assistant
$34,800
High School Teacher
$49,400
Executive Assistant
$49,400
Administrative / Office Manager
$41,500
Copywriter
$53,400
Popular Careers for English Majors - Full List
Popular Careers for English Majors
Median Salary All
U.S.
Retail Store Manager
$52,500
Marketing Coordinator
$39,900
Middle School Teacher
$47,400
Paralegal
$54,300
Editorial Assistant
$30,500
Managing Editor
$62,300
Elementary School Teacher
$45,200
Popular Careers for English Majors - Full List
Popular Careers for English Majors
Median Salary All U.S.
Assistant Editor
$36,100
Editor
$51,500
Customer Service Representative (CSR) $34,600
Executive Director, Non-Profit
Organization
$64,100
Copy Editor
$47,000
Associate Editor, Print
$42,200
Legal Secretary
$51,900
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos320.htm
 American Society of Journalists & Authorswww.asja.org
 Public Relations Society of America- www.prsa.org
 American Literature Association www.americanliterature.org
 National Council of Teachers of Englishwww.ncte.org/
 American Association of Advertising Agencieswww.aaaa.org/
 Society for Technical Communications- www.stc.org/
 American Society of Magazine Editorsasme.magazine.org
 Work at a desk in an office
 May be required to travel to another location to
discuss a project with others.
 Use personal computers and word processing or
desktop publishing software for text, graphic, and
multimedia production.
 Meet deadlines
 May work from home or at the employer's site.
 May work alone or together under the supervision of
a publication chief or editor, a product or procedure
specialist, or a marketing manager.
EVALUATE YOUR CAREER GOALS
What is your "dream job"?
Where do you want to be 5 years from now?
What skills and activities do you like to perform at work?
What special populations interest you?
What type of employers or industries attract you?
What salary levels do you hope to attain?
Visit UWEC Career Services web site:
http://www.uwec.edu/career/Students/Major/english.htm
https://www.myinterfase.com/uwec/mentor/
LEARN HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF
A.
List and assess your strengths and weaknesses - Include the
following:
1. Specific knowledge and skills related to ENGLISH fields of
interest (i.e. job-related skills in editing and publishing, teaching,
communications, etc).
2. Transferable skills gained from work, volunteer, and community
service positions
3. (i.e. organizational skills, writing skills, public speaking skills,
teamwork skills, etc.)
4. Traits, which reflect your personality, character, and ability to get
along with others. (i.e. dependable, motivator, detail-oriented,
responsible, etc.)
5. Leadership qualities (i.e. organizational skills, taking initiative,
decision-making)
B. Be prepared to give specific examples of your greatest
strengths
C. Minimize your weaknesses by presenting them in a positive
way
D. Pursue that extra credential, certificate, or field expertise
Create a Portfolio - A sample of your very best talents:

Resume

Mission Statement - Can include your skills, strengths, guiding principles,
and future professional goals.

Professional letters of reference

Educational transcripts, coursework samples (special projects or research)

Any relevant certifications or credentials

Awards, honors, publications, and presentations (include brochure)

Certificates of attendance and participation in relevant workshops and
seminars

Outstanding supervisory evaluations of your internship experience

Photos of special activities you conducted through your internship, jobs, etc.

Newspaper articles/photos of you as a leader, organizer, team player, or
role model

Letters of invitation to share your expertise to train or consult others

Projects you initiated and implemented (i.e. creative layout and design for
college yearbook, programs or materials developed during internship, etc.)
Getting Your Foot in the Door:
 A. Prepare an Outstanding Resume - Most
important primary tool of your job search
 B. Include an Impressive Cover Letter - Tailor
it to the specific job vacancy
 C. Obtain 4-6 Excellent References - Attesting
to your job related skills, character, & work ethic.
 Professional Reference Letters - Internship
supervisors, administrators at field related
work/internship/volunteer sites, English department
chair & faculty members.
 Personal Reference Letters - Previous employers,
community leaders, etc
Prepare for the Interview:
A. Research Employers of interest - Impress the
Interviewer
Business Directories
Internet Resources
Direct Company Contact
B. Use Network Contacts to Gather Insider Company
Information
C. Dress for Interview Success
Prepare Clear, Concise, and Relevant
Responses to Interview Questions:
Credential Questions
1. What was your GPA? Why is your GPA not higher?
2. What were the certification requirements for ___________?
Experience Questions
1. What qualifications make you a good candidate for this position?
2. Tell me about yourself
Opinion Questions
1. What are your greatest strengths? Weaknesses?
2. Why did you choose to attend UWEC?
Behavioral Questions
1. Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How did you
resolve it?
2. In your current job, give me an example of how you contribute as a
team player
Prepare Clear, Concise, and Relevant Responses
to Interview Questions:
Ask Good Questions
1. Could you tell me more about this position and the type of
candidate you're seeking?
2. I consider myself a team player, as it can be a more
productive way to work, do staff members here plan or
work on projects together?
3. What are the opportunities for growth and advancement
for this position?
4. How is your company responding to the competition in the
________ area?
5. What do you consider to be the most important factors in
being successful in this position?