The English major gets a bad rap. Even on the campus of a liberal arts college, it’s still shockingly common to hear quips about ending up as a barista. However, people actually in the major prove the overall perception is outdated. Interviewing graduates from Hamline’s English program, not a single one would change their degree if they were teleported back in time. Every single person was satisfied with where their degree took them, but there’s intense diversity in where English majors end up. From technical writing, librarianship, or teaching to marketing, law, software, or medicine, careers for English majors are everywhere. Some followed the anticipated rhythm: graduate and find a job—like Christina Zauhar, a 2009 graduate.
Zauhar met her current boss while in class; he spoke as a guest speaker while she was in law school. Afterward, she introduced herself and mentioned her interest in clerking for Halberg Criminal Defense where he was a partner. While they weren’t currently hiring, she passed on her card and a few months later a clerkship was hers. That position led to the full-time job she has with them now. “The story of how I got my job is a perfect example of how networking works,” Zauhar said. In much the same way, Carey Nadeau, a 1999 graduate, credits her positions to being upfront about what she wanted to do. “As a non-confrontational person that’s a challenge, but so, so important,” Nadeau said. Initially, Nadeau worked in art and arts education nonprofit but switched into the healthcare world as a grant administrator after finding she wanted a change. Her ability to speak up helped her both get her initial job and aid the swap into a new area. Utilizing an English degree in scientific medical industries isn’t uncommon. Amy Ruuska, a 1994 graduate, now works as a clinical pharmacist at Methodist Hospital, but she wouldn’t change her English degree. Instead, she wishes she’d added a major in biology to complement her eventual doctorate in pharmacy. “Like the Dixie Chicks’ song, I seemed to take the long way around to arrive at my current job,” Ruuska said. She obtained her EMT certification and worked as a camp nurse for the Girl Scouts which led to a full-time position creating programs for the scouts. “This role also rejuvenated my interest in science, which led to applying to the Doctor of Pharmacy program at the University of Minnesota.” The idea that some industries don’t need the skills of an English major just doesn’t add up. Even Danielle St. Louis, a 2006 graduate, and Kris Hackney, a 1994 graduate, in marketing and software respectively, utilize their degrees daily even if, at first glance, they might seem like a stretch.
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