Literature classes explore the question of what it means to be human and enlarge our understanding of ourselves and others. Writing classes develop the skills needed to convey what we know with clarity and precision. Professionals can go only so far in most fields before their English skills will determine their ability to advance. Employers recognize this fact, making an English major a valuable asset in any job search.
Lawyers spend much of their professional time writing briefs.
An English major would definitely enter this field with an advantage. The ability to observe and analyze human behavior taught in literature courses is also the same skill needed in a good psychological counselor. The ability to respond to inference and tone is also similar in the two fields. In fact, anyone pursuing a career that depends on people skills would benefit from such training. Finally, the expanding fields in technology ultimately will require more, not less, emphasis on writing skills.