Thinking about Graduate School? You need to get started now: look through this very important information.

An English major prepares you for more than a single job:  it prepares you for careers in a variety of fields.  Effective writers and readers are increasingly in demand in today's workplace.  It's never too early to start planning. 

While an English major does not purport to train students directly for a particular job like an accounting or nursing major might, it does prepare you for a variety of professional careers in business, law, librarianship, medicine or journalism. For inspiration, check out what these famous English majors did with their degrees!

With an English major you can also consider teaching. The job market for high school teachers is excellent in many states, including New York. If you enjoy working with young people and are outgoing and energetic, this may be an excellent career for you, with the potential of mobility to other parts of the United States. Contact the Education Department and begin early to take the courses required for secondary certification in English.  If you're not sure about teaching, consider teaching English to foreign speakers after you graduate from college. This can be a short-term career with opportunities for travel and enrichment at a time in your life when you might like to try something new.

Writing is an increasingly marketable skill. You can become a poet or fiction writer; until you write your first best seller, however, you'll proabably need another job (like teaching) on the side. Or you can become a free-lance writer, working on a per-job basis for businesses and industries and selling stories or essays to magazines. There are growing career opportunites for writers in companies - preparing internal newsletters and external brochures and communications, for example - and in technical writing (for manufacturers or computer hardware and software, for example, to write the brochures needed to explain in non- technical language how to use their products). Writers with relevant computer skills in web design and desktop publishing are sought after for well-paying and satisfying writing jobs.

Preparing for a Writing Career
The corporate world can't function without technical and professional writers, who are among the best-paid and most sought-after former English majors of all.  Technical and professional writers are responsible for turning out advertising copy, service manuals, training materials, and a host of other kinds of business writing.  Technical writers can work full-time, part-time, or freelance; they can work from home or at the workplace.

How should I prepare for a writing career?
If technical and professional writing  interests you, you will probably want to concentrate in Writing.  After completing English 251, you'll be ready to take English 355, "Technical and Professional Writing" and English 356, "The Business of Writing."  The latter courses are taught by Mary Anne Donovan-Wright, a professional technical writer, and will give you an excellent introduction to the field and the opportunity to prepare a portfolio and resume.

What about computers?
While at Fisher, learn as much as you can about computers and information technology.  You should take courses such as CSCI 150, "Computer Applications," CSCI 220, "Multimedia Literacy," and CSCI 250 "Computer Applications II."   Emerging technologies such as desktop publishing and web design favor computer-literate writers who are also skilled at graphic design and layout.  If you need more training in the principles of design or with computers, consider completing a certificate program in information technology or graphic design such as the ones offered at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).

• an introduction to technical and professional writing
• What do technical and professional writers do all day long?
• internships in English
• teaching (elementary, secondary, college-level)
• graduate school in English
• teaching English to speakers of other languages
• desktop publishing
• creative writing:  marketing your work
• pre-law minor; preparing for law school