Placement Centers

Placement Centers - University Sites About “What Can I Do With My Degree In . . . ”

“What can I do with my degree?” If you've asked this question at some point, you are not alone.

Every university has (or should have) a vibrant career and placement centre. Let's take a look at the University of Guelph and "What can I do with my degree in English?" (Confession from the Webmistress: I have a special place in my heart for students of English Literature.)

Check out, for example, http://www.cecs.uoguelph.ca/home/documents/CareersinEnglishPDF.pdf

You will see - among many things - a list of employers that have hired English majors from Guelph AND many of these companies are in the Top 100 Places in Canada to work at.

For example:

BMO Nesbitt Burns
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Chubb Insurance Company of Canada
Hamilton Public Library
Homewood Health Centre Inc.
IBM Canada Inc.
Indigo Books
KPMG Management Consulting
Madison Press Books
Manulife Financial Corporation
McGraw-Hill Ryerson Limited
National Post
National Resource Council
Peel Regional Police
Rogers Communications
Royal Bank of Canada
Royal Ontario Museum
Stratford Festival
University of Ottawa
York Region Board of Education

Did you notice that at least half of these don't sound very artsy? That's because when you get your degree, you are not only learning "content" - you are learning skills with wide and wild applicability.

These may include but are not limited to...

• Ability to translate ideas into words
• Ability to work independently
• Analytical and critical thinking skills
• Ability to articulate and present ideas clearly
• Attention to detail
• Understanding of social, cultural, political, and historical perspectives of communication and literature
• Ability to compile and organize information
• Editing skills
• Excellent grammar and syntax
• Ability to work as a part of a team

*****

Laurentian University - my alma mater - also has a "What to do with a degree in English website?" See www.laurentian.ca/Laurentian/Home/Departments/Placement+Centre
(Thank you cousin Belinda!)

Here we learn that in Canada, approximately one quarter of English graduates go on to become Secondary and Elementary School Teachers and Counselors. Others find work in public relations, as librarians, clerks, and journalists.

At Laurentian, English grads most likely work at school boards, insurance companies, banks, Revenue Canada, non-profits, theatre, Children’s Aid Society and . . . Teaching English Overseas. More on this career choice later . . .

Note: For many jobs in Canada and the USA, an English degree is a good start – but you need to continue to Teachers College, Journalism School, Graduate School, do a second degree such as a Bachelor of Social Work, etc.

*****

Remember:

1. Keep a positive focus.
2. Surround yourself with support.
3. Don't believe everything you hear or read (especially the bad news.)
4. Have long-term focus, but short-term goals.
5. Remember that everything counts!

• Your product - packaged in a friendly, positive, and professional style. • Your promotion - cover letters, resumes, and interviewing technique.
• Your distribution channels - networking, Web job boards (national, local, and industry/profession), company job postings, trade publications, local newspapers, cold calling, recruiters, career fairs, and career centers (local, university).
• Your pricing - check your competitors, be realistic.

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