Expert: Sharon Reed Abboud - 1/26/2009

Question
Hi Sharon,

I have a bachelors degree in English Language Arts and have no clue what I want to do in terms of a career?

I'm taking a break at the moment before I continue with my masters--in what, I don't know.

I like writing, now and then, analyzing things (love that), teaching, lexicography (defining only), computer based training programs (I guess I'd have to learn a program or language for that), and research.

What do you think?

Answer
Hi Enzo,

Thanks for your question. I suggest that you visit your campus Career Center. They will have many resources to help you decide what career to pursue. Be sure to make an appointment to meet with a career advisor. They can arrange for you to take career assessment tests, suggest appropriate resources for finding out about career options, etc.

It sounds like you have already started your self assessment process, and your skills (writing, research, analysis, etc.) will work well in many careers. You may want to start researching careers by accessing the site for the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/OCO/ For hundreds of different types of jobs—such as teacher, editor, and writer—the Occupational Outlook Handbook tells you:

   * the training and education needed
   * earnings
   * expected job prospects
   * what workers do on the job
   * working conditions

Other good sites for finding about careers include:

*Career Voyages: http://www.careervoyages.gov/
*Career One Stop: http://www.careerinfonet.org/explore/View.aspx?pageID=1

Here is an article that lists some possible career options for people who have English degrees: http://www.quintcareers.com/majors/communications.html

I hope this is helpful to you. Good luck!