English : Your skills

The skills gained through studying English are marketable in most career areas. The major strength of all English graduates is the ability to communicate effectively, both in speech and in writing.

In particular, studying English teaches you to:

• work independently;
• develop time management skills, for example, when meeting essay deadlines;
• plan and research written work;
• articulate knowledge and understanding of texts, concepts and theories;
• lead and participate in discussions and have confidence in your own opinions;
• work with others when presenting ideas and information;
• effectively convey arguments and opinions and encourage independent and creative thought;
• have tolerance of ambiguity and of others’ opinions;
• work towards a solution using negotiation skills;
• use judgement when weighing up different options and alternative perspectives;
• develop skills in critical reasoning and analysis;
• convey meaning precisely and pick out the essential points from texts;
• command a broad range of vocabulary and critical terminology.

Studying English also gives you skills in:

• information technology;
• organisational understanding;
• commercial awareness.

As English is a non-vocational course, the skills developed outside your study are also vital in developing a rounded CV. While at university, for example, many English students write for student newspapers and magazines, get involved with student radio or film societies, or volunteer in the community or local schools. The combination of evidence of skills gained from work experience and extracurricular activities, as well as through study, can help boost your employability.

Consider the skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile. Take a look at job application advice for some useful tips.