Ask a Mentor: My English Degree is Getting Me Nowhere

Written by Sandra Kleinsasser.

I am a recent college graduate and I can’t seem to get a communications job. I thought my English degree would be enough, but maybe it is holding me back. Any suggestions?

No degree will hold you back if you use it to your advantage rather than focusing on what it doesn’t or can’t do. Often we are too literal in our interpretation of qualifications or experience. Ask yourself what you earned through your English degree. An ability to write? Interpreting skills? Clear communications strategies? More?

– Jane Baxter Lynn

Have you had any internships? You need to show you have the communication skills to handle the work in an organization that interests you. Blindly applying for jobs won’t do it.

Start by contacting people you know about opportunities or try the obvious — walk in (with your resume, just in case) and ask if you can talk to someone about volunteering. In the meantime, you may need to get a non-communications job to show employment history, but you can slowly work your way into a dream job if you are persistent. You also need the skills: writing, editing, social media, web work, and use of software programs for your area of interest. You will likely need a portfolio or proof you have the skills to get the job.

Informational interviews with someone in an organization you like are good ways to find out what you might want to do and to introduce yourself to others. Good luck!

— Barbara Putrino

Think about the one or two niche markets you most want to serve. Be clear about what you want to do with that beautifully diverse English degree. Think about your strengths and talents and what excites you. Become somewhat of an expert or go-to person in those niche areas. If you are a good writer and once you know your niche (two big keys), look for jobs in content creation (white papers, social media, e-newsletters) and blog writing both in the for- and non-profit arenas. Write a few articles for industry-specific or non-profit magazines.

Let your inner and outer circles of friends and LinkedIn contacts know exactly what you’re looking for. Network. Build up your portfolio.

— Karen Aroian

Volunteering and networking are great ways to find hidden job opportunities, learn about jobs before they hit the marketplace, and to secure the all-important referrals that will help you to get noticed in a sea of applicants. Ask around at WCA or look online for charities that you want to support. Offer to do communications work to build your portfolio, help others and have fun making the connections.

— Glenda Beasley

Have you had a chance to reach out to your peers from school to find out how they got jobs? You might learn a lot from that.

Many industries are looking for people with English or journalism degrees to hire for jobs that are not directly related to communications. Being able to write clearly for different audiences is extremely useful, so don’t limit yourself to a “communications” job.

Do you have an updated LinkedIn profile? Have you been building your network, including people who graduated with you? When you read the requirements in a potential job description, is there experience that you need to work on? Is there a potential hiring manager or recruiter who can give you honest feedback about why you were not hired for a position?

It may not be one thing, but a combination of little things. While you are looking for a communications position, apply your skills as a volunteer. That experience is valuable and can be added to your resume.

— Barbara Springer