I frequently get asked what I plan on doing with an English degree. Or, what can I do with professional writing? When I answer that I want to work in the marketing field, more questions seem to arise. Many people do not see the connection between marketing and professional writing. However, English majors have a huge skillset to bring into marketing.
Meet Alexis
To explore this topic further, I interviewed Alexis Brost, the Marketing and Member Relations Coordinator at The Club Inc. Her duties include The Club’s quarterly newsletter, (concept, design, writing and photographs) communicating with outside media and sending all emails to members. Alexis graduated from Auburn with a Bachelors in English with a concentration in Literature. She has previously worked on the marketing and social media team for Books-A-Million.
A Piece of Advice
Alexis says her best piece of advice for future English graduates is, “Take a chance on ANY job that accepts a liberal arts degree. In a world that is changing in technology, people want instant and correct communication. English majors are highly attractive candidates for any career.”
What Skills Can Professional Writers Bring to Marketing?
Professional writers bring forth a unique skill set. Not only can they write and edit proficiently, they can also eloquently express themselves. Professional writers have the ability to be creative and think outside of the box; they have a diverse knowledge in reading, writing, rhetoric and many other areas. Lastly, professional writers can communicate effectively, making them a mediator between products and consumers.
According to Alexis, the majority of her English classes have come in handy in her career, but she says that her past Linguistic classes have helped her the most. In Alexis’s current job she has to use HTML coding and programs such as TextEdit, so she emphasized how important her computer classes were as well. (Shout out to Dr. Bacha and Dr. Basilico)
What’s the Takeaway?
I feel like there is a stigma when it comes to being an English major. We have so many positive qualities to offer, and our potential is limitless. When it comes to your career, be bold and take chances. Some things that don’t seem like they fit, like Professional Writing and Marketing, may just be what you’re looking for. HireABlazer is a good place to start looking for potential jobs, internships or job shadowing opportunities.
