Are you wondering what careers are available with an English degree? You’re not alone. Many students and graduates often ask, “What can I do with an English degree apart from teaching?” The good news? An English degree opens doors to a wide range of industries that value critical thinking, communication, creativity, and analytical skills.
For the purpose of this blog post, an English graduate is an individual who has completed a degree in any of the following fields: English Language, English Literature, Literature-in-English, or English and Literary Studies.
In this article, we’ll explore top career options for English graduates, both traditional and unconventional. Whether you’re still studying or ready to enter the job market, you’ll find practical ideas here.
1. Editor or Proofreader
An English degree lays a solid foundation for a career as an editor or proofreader. With your advanced grasp of language, sentence structure, and tone, you’re well-equipped to refine written content and ensure it’s clear, consistent, and error-free.
Editors go beyond correcting grammar—they restructure sentences, clarify ideas, and ensure the overall flow of a piece. They may work as developmental editors, line editors, or copy editors depending on the depth of editing required.
Proofreaders, on the other hand, focus on catching surface-level errors like typos, punctuation mistakes, formatting inconsistencies, and spacing issues, often just before a work goes to print or publication.
You might find yourself working with:
- Publishing houses, editing fiction or non-fiction manuscripts;
- Magazines and newspapers, refining feature articles or news reports;
- Online blogs and media platforms, ensuring readability and SEO-friendliness;
- Academic journals, helping researchers polish submissions to meet strict publication standards; and
- Self-publishing authors, offering freelance editing and proofreading services
Skills Needed
- Mastery of grammar and punctuation
- Attention to detail, especially when working under tight deadlines
- Knowledge of style guides (APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, etc.)
- Excellent reading comprehension
- Strong communication skills, especially when working with writers and clients
Tools to Know
- Microsoft Word (Track Changes)
- Google Docs
- Grammarly, Hemingway Editor
- Zotero (for academic editors)
- Adobe Acrobat (for working with PDFs)
Industries Where You Can Work
- Publishing and Print Media – books, newspapers, journals
- Digital Media – blogs, websites, online magazines
- Academic Institutions – thesis and dissertation editing, academic journals
- Corporate Communications – newsletters, reports, employee handbooks
- Freelancing – many editors build successful careers on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or directly with clients
Bonus Tip:
Starting as a freelance proofreader or editor is an excellent way to build your portfolio and gain experience. Join writing groups, offer sample edits, or start your own blog to showcase your skills.
2. Content Writer
A career as a content writer is one of the most popular and accessible paths for English graduates, especially in the digital age. With your strong writing and research skills, you’re well-prepared to create engaging, informative, and persuasive content across a variety of platforms.
Content writers produce written material for websites, blogs, newsletters, social media, and more. Your work helps businesses communicate with their audiences, rank higher on search engines, and build authority in their industries.
You could write:
- Blog articles on topics like travel, finance, education, or tech
- Website copy including homepages, service pages, and about pages
- Product descriptions for e-commerce sites
- Social media captions that drive engagement
- Email newsletters that keep subscribers informed
- Whitepapers and eBooks for B2B companies
Skills Needed
- Excellent writing and storytelling skills
- SEO knowledge – understanding how to use keywords, meta descriptions, and structure content for Google
- Research skills – ability to turn complex information into easy-to-read content
- Adaptability – write in different tones and for different audiences
- Basic knowledge of CMS platforms like WordPress
Tools to Know
- Grammarly and Hemingway Editor (for clarity and tone)
- SurferSEO or Yoast (for SEO optimisation)
- Google Docs or Microsoft Word
- Canva (for simple visuals)
- Google Analytics (to measure performance)
Industries Where You Can Work
- Digital Marketing Agencies – write for various client brands
- Startups and Tech Companies – create website content and blog posts
- Media and Publishing Platforms – write opinion pieces, how-tos, or feature articles
- Corporate Communications – handle internal newsletters and company blogs
- Freelancing – work independently for clients across the globe
Bonus Tip:
Build a personal blog or writing portfolio to showcase your style and attract clients. Platforms like Medium or WordPress are great for this. You can also explore freelance sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and ProBlogger to find paid gigs.
3. Copywriter
If you’re a persuasive writer with a flair for crafting compelling messages, then a career as a copywriter could be your perfect fit. Unlike content writing, which is primarily informative or educational, copywriting focuses on selling—whether it’s a product, a service, or an idea.
Copywriters write short- and long-form marketing copy that grabs attention, evokes emotion, and drives action. Your words might end up on a billboard, in a social media ad, or in a catchy brand slogan.
You could write:
- Sales pages that convert visitors into buyers
- Email marketing campaigns that generate clicks and revenue
- Landing pages designed to capture leads
- Social media and ad copy that promotes products or events
- Brand taglines, slogans, and scripts for radio or video ads
Skills Needed
- Persuasive writing and storytelling
- Understanding of buyer psychology and marketing funnels
- SEO copywriting – especially for online ads and web copy
- Ability to write concisely and powerfully
- Creativity to match a brand’s tone and stand out from the competition
Tools to Know
- A/B Testing tools like Google Optimize
- Copywriting frameworks like AIDA (Attention-Interest-Desire-Action)
- Grammarly (for polish and tone)
- SEO tools like SEMrush or Ubersuggest
- Ad platforms like Meta Ads Manager or Google Ads
Industries Where You Can Work
- Advertising agencies
- Marketing and branding consultancies
- E-commerce brands – writing product pages, ads, and newsletters
- SaaS companies – writing UX microcopy, onboarding emails, and sales emails
- Freelancing – offering copywriting services to global clients
Bonus Tip:
To stand out as a copywriter, start collecting and analysing great examples of copy (“swipe files”). Consider taking an online course in conversion copywriting or behavioural marketing to deepen your skillset.
4. Teacher or Lecturer
Becoming a teacher or lecturer is one of the most traditional and rewarding career paths for English graduates. With your in-depth understanding of literary texts, critical thinking, and communication skills, you’re well-equipped to educate and inspire the next generation of readers and thinkers.
Where You Can Teach
- Secondary Schools: Teach English Language and Literature, prepare students for exams (like WAEC, NECO, IGCSE), and guide them through reading comprehension, essay writing, and literary analysis.
- Tertiary Institutions: With further studies, you can become a lecturer in universities or colleges, teaching advanced courses in African Literature, Literary Theory, Creative Writing, Sociolinguistics, Semantics, Applied Linguistics, Dramatic Literature, Comparative Literature, Discourse Analysis, or Stylistics.
- Private Schools & International Academies: Many private and international schools hire English graduates to teach global curricula like Cambridge, IB, or SAT English.
- Online Teaching & Tutoring: With the rise of e-learning, you can also teach English virtually—either independently or through platforms like Preply, Outschool, or Udemy.
Extra Qualifications You Might Need
- Teaching Certificate or License (e.g., PGDE, TRCN in Nigeria, or a PGCE abroad)
- Master’s Degree or PhD (for lecturing roles, especially in universities)
- TESOL/TEFL Certificate (for teaching English abroad or to non-native speakers)
Key Skills Required
- Strong communication and presentation abilities
- Passion for literature and language
- Lesson planning and curriculum design
- Classroom management and student assessment
- Empathy and adaptability across student learning levels
Why It’s a Fulfilling Career
Teaching allows you to make a direct impact on students’ academic growth and personal development. It also provides long-term job stability, opportunities for growth, and in many cases, a global career path.
Bonus Tip:
If you’re passionate about education but don’t want to teach full-time, consider part-time tutoring, running literature workshops, or starting a YouTube channel or blog that explains English texts and grammar to students.
5. Academic Researcher
If you enjoy digging deep into literary texts, exploring theories, and generating new knowledge, a career as an academic researcher might be your calling. English graduates are naturally analytical and inquisitive. This makes them ideal candidates for research-based roles in the humanities and beyond.
English graduates are trained to ask deep questions, engage with complex texts, and articulate insights clearly—skills that are vital in any academic setting. Their familiarity with both historical and contemporary literature also opens doors to interdisciplinary research.
What You’ll Do:
Academic researchers investigate topics related to literature, culture, language, or theory. Your responsibilities might include:
- Designing and conducting research studies;
- Analysing texts through various critical lenses (postcolonialism, feminism, Marxism, etc.);
- Writing academic papers, journal articles, or book chapters;
- Presenting findings at conferences or seminars;
- Collaborating with institutions or interdisciplinary teams; and
- Contributing to curriculum development or policy papers.
Skills Needed
- Strong research and critical thinking skills
- Advanced writing and referencing abilities (APA, MLA, Chicago)
- Literature review and data synthesis
- Academic publishing literacy
- Presentation and public speaking skills
Extra Qualification
A master’s degree or PhD in English, Cultural Studies, or a related field is typically required. Many researchers also hold fellowships or grants for funded projects.
Industries That Hire Academic Researchers
- Universities and colleges
- Think tanks and research institutions
- Cultural organisations and NGOs
- Publishing firms and academic journals
- Educational policy or curriculum development agencies
Pro Tip:
Start by assisting a lecturer or supervisor with research projects, contribute to student journals, or attend academic conferences. Building a publication record early can give you a head start.
6. Journalist or Reporter
If you have a passion for storytelling, curiosity about the world, and a knack for asking the right questions, a career in journalism could be an exciting path. English graduates are well-equipped to research, write, and present news and feature stories that inform, engage, and inspire.
What You’ll Do:
As a journalist or reporter, you’ll investigate stories, interview people, and write articles or scripts for:
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- Online news platforms
- Radio or television
You may specialise in areas like politics, education, health, lifestyle, or culture. Some journalists also pursue investigative reporting or long-form feature writing.
Skills Needed
- Excellent writing and editing skills
- Strong research and fact-checking ability
- Interviewing and communication skills
- Deadline management and adaptability
- Basic knowledge of media ethics and law
Familiarity with digital tools like content management systems (CMS), SEO, or multimedia editing software (e.g., Canva, Adobe Premiere, or Audacity) can give you an edge, especially in today’s multimedia-driven newsrooms.
Industries That Hire Journalists
- Print and digital media organisations
- Broadcasting companies
- NGOs and advocacy groups
- Corporate communication teams
- Freelance and independent platforms
Tip for Beginners:
Start by writing for your campus publication, contributing to local blogs, or pitching articles to online magazines. Internships at media houses also provide invaluable exposure.
7. Public Relations (PR) Officer
Public Relations (PR) is all about shaping a company or individual’s public image. As a PR officer, you’ll be at the forefront of managing communication between your organisation and the public which is constituted by customers, investors, media, and other stakeholders.
An English degree equips you with exceptional writing skills, an ability to understand narrative structures, and the capability to effectively convey messages. PR relies heavily on strategic communication, and English graduates’ ability to adapt tone, style, and voice makes them ideal for this role.
What You’ll Do
As a PR officer, your key responsibilities will include:
- Writing press releases and news articles to communicate important company updates, product launches, or crisis management situations.
- Maintaining relationships with the media to ensure positive coverage of your client or organization.
- Crafting speeches and statements for key executives or public figures.
- Managing social media platforms to ensure consistency in messaging and brand tone.
- Organising press events and conferences to engage with journalists and stakeholders.
Your primary aim is to build and maintain a positive public image while strategically responding to any issues that might arise.
Skills Needed
- Persuasive writing and communication skills to craft compelling narratives.
- Strong research to understand the key media outlets, audiences, and trends affecting the industry.
- Crisis management skills for handling difficult situations and keeping a brand’s reputation intact.
- Attention to detail and the ability to write for various audiences (from journalists to the general public).
- Media relations and networking skills to build strong connections with journalists and other key stakeholders.
Industries That Hire PR Officers
- Government and public sector (e.g., local and national government agencies, public health organizations)
- Fashion and luxury brands
- Nonprofits and advocacy groups
- Entertainment and media (e.g., film studios, production companies, celebrity management)
- Corporate sector (e.g., tech firms, multinational corporations)
Tip for Success:
In addition to your degree, gaining experience through internships at PR firms, media companies, or large corporations can significantly boost your career. Building a portfolio of your work (press releases, articles, event promotions) will showcase your abilities to potential employers.
8. Librarian or Archivist
If you have a passion for organising information, preserving culture, and making knowledge accessible to others, a career as a librarian or archivist might be the ideal choice. These roles allow you to work with books, manuscripts, digital records, and other materials, helping people find the resources they need for research, education, or leisure.
An English degree equips you with a love of literature and a commitment to research, both of which are essential for success in library and archival work. The skills learned while analysing texts—such as organization, categorisation, and attention to detail—are directly transferable to this field. English graduates are also well-suited to creating user-friendly catalogues and helping patrons find the resources they need, making them ideal candidates for librarian roles.
What You’ll Do
- Organise Collections: Librarians and archivists are responsible for organising books, manuscripts, and other materials. They ensure they are easy to find and accessible to users.
- Manage Information: This involves cataloging, classifying, and maintaining records in libraries or archives. You’ll be dealing with both physical and digital information.
- Assist Library Patrons: Librarians help library users find resources, provide research assistance, and offer guidance on using the library’s systems and services.
- Preserve Historical Documents: Archivists focus on preserving and protecting historical records and artifacts They ensure that future generations can access and study them.
- Digital Archiving: With the rise of digital media, archivists and librarians now also manage digital archives, converting physical materials into digital formats to preserve and improve access.
- Educational Programs and Events: Many librarians also organise workshops, lectures, or reading programs, especially in school or community libraries, to promote literacy and learning.
Skills Needed
- Organisational Skills: A librarian or archivist must be able to organise and catalogue large amounts of information efficiently, whether it’s in physical or digital form.
- Research: Being able to quickly locate and reference material is a crucial part of the job, especially when assisting patrons or working on projects.
- Attention to Detail: Whether you’re cataloging records, reviewing manuscripts, or maintaining collections, attention to detail ensures that nothing gets overlooked.
- Technological Proficiency: With many libraries and archives going digital, having an understanding of library management systems and digital archiving tools is increasingly important.
- Communication Skills: As a librarian, you’ll need to interact with a wide range of people, from students and teachers to researchers and members of the public, offering advice and assistance in a friendly, approachable way.
Additional Qualification
While a bachelor’s degree in English is a solid foundation, a Master’s in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or a related field is often required for most professional librarian or archivist positions. This advanced qualification provides specialised knowledge in managing collections, understanding metadata, and preserving materials.
Industries That Hire Librarians and Archivists
- Public Libraries: Local and community libraries that serve the public with educational resources.
- Academic Libraries: University and college libraries that support students, faculty, and researchers.
- Specialised Libraries: Corporate, legal, medical, or government libraries that serve specific industries.
- Archives and Museums: Institutions dedicated to preserving historical documents, records, or artifacts, including government archives, national libraries, and cultural heritage organisations.
- Digital Archives: Companies or organizations that focus on preserving and organising digital content.
9. Scriptwriter or Playwright
For English graduates with a passion for storytelling and a creative flair, a career as a scriptwriter or playwright can be a fulfilling choice. This path allows you to craft compelling narratives for stage, television, or film. With the rise of Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood, the opportunities for scriptwriters and playwrights have never been more abundant. There is a growing demand for talented scriptwriters who can bring fresh stories and voices to both local and international audiences. And here you are, trained in the art of storytelling, understanding narrative structures, and developing characters.
What You’ll Do
- Write Scripts for Film or Television: A scriptwriter’s primary job is to create the blueprint for a visual story. This involves writing dialogue, structuring scenes, and building compelling narratives. In television, this could be for a series, while in film, it could be for a feature-length project.
- Write Plays for the Stage: Playwrights write scripts intended for theatrical production. This involves developing strong characters, engaging dialogue, and creating plots that work within the confines of a stage.
- Collaborate with Directors and Producers: A script is only the beginning of a project. Scriptwriters often work closely with directors, producers, and actors to ensure the final production matches the vision.
- Adaptations: Many scriptwriters and playwrights also adapt existing works (novels, plays, short stories) into scripts or screenplays. This requires creative adaptation to make the narrative work in a visual format.
- Work on Dialogue: Whether it’s for a stage production or a film script, crafting authentic, compelling dialogue is crucial for making the story come alive. Scriptwriters are responsible for creating conversations that drive the plot forward and develop characters.
- Rewriting and Editing: Scriptwriting often involves multiple drafts. You’ll be revising dialogue, adjusting pacing, and fine-tuning the narrative until it’s ready for production.
Skills Needed
- Creative Flair: Writing scripts and plays requires a natural ability to create original stories, characters, and scenarios that capture the audience’s attention.
- Knowledge of Narrative Structure: Understanding how stories unfold—whether it’s a three-act structure for film or a traditional dramatic structure for plays—is key to creating engaging scripts.
- Dialogue Writing: Crafting realistic, interesting dialogue is one of the primary skills of a scriptwriter. Your characters should sound authentic, and conversations should be dynamic and purposeful.
- Adaptability: Whether you’re writing for a film, TV series, or theatre, adapting your writing to fit different formats and genres is essential.
- Research: In many cases, scriptwriters need to conduct research to understand the settings, culture, or professions they are writing about to ensure the scripts are realistic and grounded in authenticity.
- Collaboration: Working with directors, actors, and producers means being open to feedback, making revisions, and ensuring that your script aligns with the vision of the production team.
Industries That Hire Scriptwriters and Playwrights
- Film and Television: Nollywood, the multi-billiion naira Nigerian film industry, offers ample opportunities for scriptwriters and screenwriters. With the increasing demand for content, both locally and internationally, there’s room for fresh ideas and creative narratives.
- Theatre: Theatres across Nigeria and around the world are constantly in need of new and innovative plays. Many English graduates have found success as playwrights for both mainstream theatres and independent productions.
- Digital Media and Web Series: The rise of online platforms, such as YouTube and Netflix, has opened doors for new forms of storytelling. Digital platforms often seek scriptwriters for short films, web series, and other online productions.
- Advertising: Advertising agencies also hire scriptwriters to create compelling scripts for commercials or promotional videos that require strong storytelling to engage audiences.
- Gaming: With the growing popularity of interactive storytelling in video games, scriptwriters are also in demand to write game scripts, narratives, and dialogues.
10. Research Analyst
If you have a passion for digging into data, uncovering insights, and presenting findings in a clear and concise manner, becoming a research analyst could be an ideal career path for an English graduate. Research analysts are essential for companies, think tanks, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and media outlets looking to make data-driven decisions and inform their strategies.
While technical skills in data analysis may be required in some research roles, English graduates can leverage their existing strengths in writing, critical analysis, and interpretation of information, with the addition of some specialized research training if needed.
What You’ll Do
- Data Collection and Analysis: Research analysts gather data from various sources, such as surveys, reports, interviews, and databases. They analyse this data to identify patterns, trends, and insights.
- Report Writing and Presentation: After gathering and analysing data, research analysts present their findings in well-organized reports. These reports often include recommendations for businesses or organisations to act upon.
- Market Research: Many research analysts focus on understanding market trends, customer behaviours, and competitor activities. This involves studying industry reports, consumer data, and sales figures to provide valuable insights.
- Policy Analysis: In policy research, analysts assess governmental or organisational policies, reviewing their impact and suggesting improvements or adjustments.
- Data Interpretation: Translating complex data into simple, actionable insights is a key part of the job. You’ll need to break down intricate research into easy-to-understand language for stakeholders.
- Strategic Recommendations: Based on research findings, you’ll help businesses, policymakers, or NGOs make informed decisions. This could range from suggesting a new marketing strategy to proposing policy changes or new initiatives.
Skills Needed
- Analytical Skills: The ability to interpret complex data, identify trends, and make connections is crucial for a research analyst. You’ll need to be able to analyse large volumes of information and extract meaningful insights.
- Strong Writing Skills: As a research analyst, you’ll be writing reports, summaries, and presentations. English graduates are particularly skilled in this area, as they have honed their ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
- Attention to Detail: Research requires precision. Ensuring that data is accurate and that your findings are supported by reliable sources is critical.
- Critical Thinking: You’ll need to evaluate the data critically, asking the right questions and challenging assumptions to uncover the truth or gain deeper insights.
- Knowledge of Research Methodologies: Familiarity with various research methods—whether qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods—is important. This includes knowledge of surveys, interviews, and statistical analysis.
- Presentation Skills: In many cases, research analysts must present their findings to clients, stakeholders, or teams. Clear and engaging presentations are key to conveying your research in an impactful way.
Industries That Hire Research Analysts
- Policy and Government: Research analysts in policy sectors help assess the impact of laws, regulations, or government programs, and advise policymakers on strategic decisions.
- Media: Media outlets often hire research analysts to help with content creation, audience analysis, and story development. Research analysts provide insights into trends, viewer preferences, and potential storylines.
- Marketing and Advertising: In the marketing world, research analysts study consumer behaviour, trends, and market conditions to help companies refine their strategies. They may analyse competitors, consumer surveys, and market research reports.
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): NGOs rely on research analysts to evaluate the effectiveness of their programs, assess community needs, and gather evidence to support advocacy campaigns or funding proposals.
- Consulting: Consulting firms often hire research analysts to provide data-driven insights for their clients. Analysts help businesses navigate challenges, optimize performance, and make informed decisions based on research.
- Healthcare: Healthcare organisations, including hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and health research institutions, need research analysts to interpret clinical data, assess health trends, and provide insights for healthcare strategies.
11. Author or Novelist
For many English graduates, the ultimate goal may be to become a published author or novelist. Whether it’s writing fiction, poetry, memoirs, or even non-fiction, this career allows you to express your creativity, explore complex ideas, and share your voice with the world. The journey to becoming an author can be long and challenging, but with persistence and dedication, it can also be incredibly rewarding—both creatively and financially.
What You’ll Do
- Creative Writing: As an author, your primary task is to write original content, whether it’s novels, short stories, poetry, or plays. This involves generating ideas, developing characters, crafting plots, and finding your unique narrative style.
- Research: Many authors spend time researching their topics or the world-building for their stories. This could involve reading other works, studying history, culture, or specific topics related to the book’s subject matter.
- Editing and Revising: After writing, authors spend significant time editing and revising their work to ensure that it is well-structured, compelling, and polished. Many authors also hire professional editors to help with this process.
- Publishing: Authors typically navigate the process of publishing, whether that’s through traditional publishers or by self-publishing. For traditional publishing, this involves submitting manuscripts to agents or publishers, while self-publishing gives more control but requires more marketing effort.
- Marketing and Promotion: In the modern publishing landscape, authors often have to take an active role in promoting their books. This could include book tours, interviews, social media marketing, and engaging with readers through newsletters and other platforms.
- Building an Author Brand: Successful authors often cultivate an author brand or identity, which helps attract a dedicated readership. This includes establishing a public persona, engaging with readers, and creating a consistent voice across their works.
Skills Needed
- Creativity: Writing is inherently creative, and an author needs to constantly generate fresh ideas, compelling characters, and engaging plots.
- Strong Writing Skills: Of course, writing ability is paramount. English graduates are trained to craft compelling narratives, develop intricate characters, and master various literary techniques that make their work resonate with readers.
- Discipline and Persistence: Writing a book can be a long and challenging process. Persistence, time management, and the ability to push through writer’s block are key to success.
- Editing and Proofreading: Strong editing skills help ensure that your writing is clean, coherent, and free from errors. Being able to critique your own work objectively and revise accordingly is essential.
- Research: Whether you’re writing historical fiction or exploring a niche subject, research is crucial for accuracy and depth. English graduates, with their ability to delve into texts and analyze content, are well-suited for this task.
- Marketing and Self-Promotion: As an author, particularly if you’re self-publishing, promoting your work is essential. Understanding how to market your book effectively through social media, websites, and book events will help you reach a wider audience.
Pathways to Becoming an Author
- Traditional Publishing: This route involves submitting your manuscript to literary agents or publishers. While this can be competitive, traditional publishing offers professional editing, design, and distribution support. It can also provide broader exposure through bookstores and libraries.
- Self-Publishing: The rise of self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, and other e-book platforms has made it easier for authors to publish their work independently. This route offers more control and higher royalty percentages but requires a proactive approach to marketing, distribution, and building an audience.
- Online Platforms and Blogs: Many authors today also use online platforms like Wattpad, Medium, or personal blogs to publish their work and build a following. These platforms are particularly useful for testing ideas and gaining feedback from readers.
- Small Presses and Indie Publishers: For those who want to avoid the traditional publishing route but still seek professional guidance, small presses or indie publishers offer an alternative. These publishers may provide editing, design, and marketing services in exchange for a smaller percentage of royalties.
Industries:
- Publishing: Traditional publishing houses, both large and small, are the main industry for novelists and authors. They can offer resources like editors, agents, and distribution.
- Self-Publishing: The rise of digital publishing has created a booming self-publishing industry, providing authors with a direct route to readers and higher earnings through royalty models.
- Film and Television: Novelists with successful works may also have opportunities in scriptwriting or adapting their books for TV or film. Many authors transition into screenwriting, especially if their novels gain popularity.
- Content Creation: Authors can also contribute to online platforms, blogs, and magazines, adding another revenue stream. Some authors monetise their writing through Patreon or subscription-based services.
- Literary Agencies: If pursuing traditional publishing, many authors work with literary agents who represent their interests, negotiate contracts, and help secure publishing deals.
Tip:
Self-publishing has become a powerful tool for aspiring authors. Platforms like Amazon KDP, Smashwords, and Lulu allow you to publish your work without a traditional publishing contract. However, this also means you’ll need to take control of your book’s editing, cover design, and marketing efforts. By starting small on these platforms, you can build a reader base and improve your craft without waiting for traditional publishers to recognise your work.
Final Thoughts
English degrees are far from “useless.” They equip you with versatile, transferable skills that are in demand across many industries. Whether you’re into books, branding, or business strategy, there’s a career path for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest paying job for English graduates?
Jobs in marketing, law (with further education), and UX writing tend to offer high salaries. Content strategists and brand consultants can also earn well with experience.
Can I work in tech with an English degree?
Yes! Roles like UX writing, technical writing, and digital content strategy are open to you—especially if you learn some basic digital tools or programming.
What are the most in-demand jobs for English graduates in Nigeria?
Content writing, digital marketing, teaching, and PR are currently in demand in Nigeria, especially with the growth of online education and e-commerce.
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