I am UIC: Are you an English major?

During the feast this Thanksgiving, family members and friends will often ask these questions: When are you going to graduate? What year are you now? What is your major?

“I am an English major.”

“What would you do with that after college?” “What can you be employed for?” “Can you make a good living?”

All these questions are expected, especially from people who are not familiar with the idea of studying “English.” As an English major, there are a lot of jobs and opportunities available after graduating from the university. Attaining an English degree diversifies one’s job options as there are different corporations searching for writers. Moreover, the ability to write concisely and coherently and communicate probably has become an essential element for hiring in the corporate world. Thus, having a solidified English degree provides one with a good chance of employment.

The Office of Undergraduate Studies in English create events that promote the idea of job availability for students with English degrees.

On Nov. 13, the English department hosted an event called “Ask Alumni.” This event invited UIC alumni to discuss their career paths after graduating with an English degree. They also answered questions from undergraduate students about internships and jobs. This event has become an excellent medium for English undergraduate students to network, as well as become confident about their career path after college.

Temitope Eddna Odedoyin is majoring in English and fully concentrating in media and professional writing. Apart from writing, she has a passion for painting and enjoys using watercolors, oil paint, acrylic, charcoal, oil pastel. She also has an interest in creative writing and short stories. She believes that art — through writing and painting — is a way of expressing one’s feelings.