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Career Options After BA in English

By Editorial Team

24th April, 2025
5 Mins
Media

So, you’ve wrapped up your degree of BA in English. Congratulations, you’ve survived classics, critical theories, and analyzing metaphors in poems that make no sense before 8 a.m. But now you’re facing the real dilemma: What to do next? A simple degree in English can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Whether you’ve just graduated out of college or wondering how to use your BA in English beyond teaching, this guide breaks down the best career options for English majors. And yes, with real jobs, real growth, and real paychecks. From creative writing to tech roles, we’re covering the full spectrum of jobs for English majors to help you turn your passion for words into a profession you’ll love.

Popular Career Paths

Let’s look at some exciting, real-world jobs for English majors that pay the bills and let you flex your literary muscles:

  • Content Writer: After BA in English, you can pursue a job as a content writer. Crafts blog posts, articles, product descriptions, and website copy that inform, entertain, and convert.

Salary range: ₹2.5 LPA – ₹6 LPA


  • Copywriter: Writes persuasive ad copy, social media campaigns, and taglines that stick in your head like a pop song.

Salary range: ₹3 LPA – ₹7 LPA


  • Editor or Proofreader: Hunts down typos like a grammar detective. Make others sound better.

Salary range: ₹3 LPA – ₹7.5 LPA


  • Social Media Manager: Creates witty posts, understands trends, and grows communities.

Salary range: ₹3 LPA – ₹8 LPA


  • Technical Writer: Explains complex tech stuff in simple words, user manuals, help docs, and FAQs.

Salary range: ₹5 LPA – ₹12 LPA


  • UX Writer: Makes digital interfaces friendlier. You write the tiny texts that guide users.

Salary range: ₹6 LPA – ₹14 LPA


  • Public Relations Executive: Shapes brand perception, write press releases, and put out metaphorical fires.

Salary range: ₹3.5 LPA – ₹9 LPA


  • Digital Marketing Executive: BA English literature jobs also include digital marketing executive. Uses words and SEO know-how to create content that ranks.

Salary range: ₹3 LPA – ₹8 LPA


  • Literary Critic / Academic Researcher: If analyzing texts is your jam, keep going! Journals and academia await.

Salary range: ₹4 LPA – ₹10 LPA


  • Civil Services: Uses reading and writing skills to ace UPSC and make a real impact.

Salary range: ₹7 LPA – ₹20 LPA


These are just the highlights and vary by experience. There's a wide world of BA English literature jobs and simple literature jobs that go far beyond the classroom.


Freelancing and Entrepreneurship Opportunities

Got a way with words and a spirit that refuses to sit in a cubicle? Freelancing might just be your choice. BA in English graduates often shine as content writers, copywriters, editors, or even voice-over artists. You could start a blog, launch a YouTube channel about grammar or ghostwrite books for people who think “their” and “they’re” are interchangeable.

Many English major jobs can be done remotely, like:

  • Freelance writing (blogs, whitepapers, scripts)

  • Ghostwriting

  • Editing services

  • Starting your own blog or YouTube channel

  • Creating an online course

The best part? You control the rate, schedule, and niche.

These jobs for English graduates don’t even require a 9 to 5. You can earn from the comfort of your bed (yes, really).


Government and Public Sector Jobs

Believe it or not, the government loves a good essay. They are packed with opportunities for English grads who want stability and a pension. Want to flex your grammar while contributing to national growth? There’s room for that too, whether it’s as a translator, editor, or communications officer in ministries or PSUs. Basically, if you can turn complex info into clear sentences, you’re already halfway in. With your degree, you can apply for:

  • Civil Services (UPSC, SSC)

  • Public Relations roles in PSUs

  • Content writing for government portals

  • Journalism via DD News or AIR

If you're dreaming of a stable career and good benefits, the public sector is a solid bet for jobs for English majors.

Resume Keywords to Use

Want your resume to actually get seen and pass the ATS scanners? Use these:

  • Content Strategy

  • SEO Writing

  • Editorial Review

  • Copywriting

  • Research & Analysis

  • Creative Writing

  • Brand Storytelling

  • Communication Skills

  • Digital Campaigns

  • Literature Review

These resume keywords match what recruiters and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) are scanning for.


Using a Resume ATS Scanner

Before you hit "submit" on that job platform, run your resume through an ATS scanner like ResuScan.

Why? Because:

  • It checks if your resume will pass hiring filters.

  • You get suggestions to improve keyword match.

  • It shows you where you rank vs. other candidates.

This can be a game-changer, especially when applying for BA in English related jobs that are in high demand.

Job Search Strategy

Finding jobs for English majors doesn’t mean applying to every listing out there. Be smart:

  • If unsure about what job to look for, upload your resume on Job Match Pro and let it do the rest.

  • Use platforms like Find Me Jobs, LinkedIn, Naukri, and Internshala.

  • Set up alerts for BA English literature jobs, jobs for English majors, etc.

  • Write a killer cover letter (show off that word wizardry!)

  • Network with alumni or professors

  • Join writing or content creation communities

And remember, your degree gives you critical thinking and communication skills. That’s your superpower.


Higher Education Options

BA in English graduates often go for an MA in English Literature, Linguistics, or Comparative Literature—because why stop reading when you can turn it into a thesis? You can always level up. If academia isn’t suitable, you can switch to journalism, mass communication, education (hello, B.Ed.), or even an MBA to pair your literary flair with business minds. Some even go international with degrees in creative writing, publishing, or media studies. 

Consider:

  • MA in English / Literature

  • MA in Journalism & Mass Comm

  • MBA (Marketing or HR)

  • LLB (Yes, law school is an option!)

  • M.Ed or B.Ed (if teaching still calls you)

  • Courses in Creative Writing, Digital Marketing, or Publishing

Higher education opens more doors for careers in literature and beyond.

Resume Tips for BA English Graduates

  • Here are some tips for creating a resume of BA English Graduates:

    • Keep it to 1 page, and 2 if you’ve got tons of experience.

    • Start with a strong summary like, "Creative English graduate with a knack for writing SEO-rich content...".

    • Focus on outcomes, for example: "Grew blog traffic by 60% in 6 months".

    • Add internships, campus magazine work, or freelance gigs.

    • Don’t forget certifications from HubSpot, Coursera, etc.

    Remember, your resume isn’t a list, it's your professional story. And you, dear literature buff, know exactly how to tell one.

Perfect Career Search

A BA in English is more than a degree. You’ve studied communication, critical thinking, and creativity skills that are considered gold in every industry. Whether you want to write ad copy, edit novels, or work behind the scenes of a blockbuster film, your opportunities are endless.

English major jobs are evolving and are becoming cooler. And careers in literature? They’re not dying, they’re getting digital makeovers.

So go out there, make every sentence the first line of your next big break!


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