After Graduation English majors develop in the course of their studies several abilities that translate well to the working world. They are good writers, and good writing has economic value. They are also critical thinkers, able to read, analyze, and interpret difficult texts. They are experienced researchers, knowing how to examine their own experience and that of others, scholarly articles and books, technical reports, and laws in order to find the logic in their world.
English majors read deeply and broadly.
They are familiar not only with the literature of an era, but with the history, culture, and philosophy of the time. Twenty or thirty years ago a college graduate with such knowledge and abilities would have been an employer's first choice. But the economic and corporate climate has changed. While an English major's background will help her or him to advance a career, it alone will not get the job candidate that first interview or response to a letter of inquiry.