“Why are you studying English? What will you even do with that degree?” If you’re an English major I bet you have heard these questions more times than you can count. People often assume this field is for the directionless and that it offers little value in the “real world.” But is that really true?
The English major is often misunderstood, surrounded by stereotypes that question its practicality and value. Myths about directionlessness, limited career options, and that it only focuses on grammar overshadow the truth of what the field actually offers. Through the perspectives of current students, this discussion will unpack these misconceptions, highlight the diverse skills developed and showcase the opportunities available. For those curious about its true essence or considering it as a path, the insights here will reveal the depth, versatility, and relevance of studying English in today’s world.
- The purpose behind choosing English
For many students the decision to study English is deeply intentional often coming from a lifelong connection to the subject, which many think is unlikely. One student, speaking anonymously, reflected on their journey:
“Since childhood, I had always considered myself organically good at English, which helped me major in it. Though I was satisfied with my English writing skills, I harbored English phobia when I was about to major in English because of what people were saying about this major. But my academic experience differed from these prejudices. I found studying English to be enjoyable.”
This sentiment highlights that the choice to major in English is not always a fallback option but can also be a deliberate pursuit of passion and curiosity. And the judgments and stereotypical thinking of people might sometimes get in the way of that.
- Debunking the myth of ‘Lack of Useful Skills’
One of the persistent misconceptions is that English majors do not gain practical skills that are applicable to the real world. However, the reality is far from this myth. English majors acquire critical thinking, adaptability, and communication skills that translate seamlessly into professional as well as personal settings.
Sabiquin Nahar Rim, who teaches English, shared how these skills impact her teaching:
“Yes as I teach English to my students, the skills I developed as an English major help me guide them more effectively. When a student struggles with a concept I think carefully about how to break it down in a way they can understand. I use clear and simple language to explain ideas and if one approach doesn’t work I adapt and try another.”
This practical application of English major skills in real-world scenarios underscores their importance and utility. With her real-life applications, it’s evident that English majors have an acute ability to communicate, conceptualise and delineate.
- Career opportunities beyond teaching and writing
Teaching and writing remain popular career options for English graduates. However, the degree offers opportunities in a wide range of fields. For instance, Julkifal Taan shared how English majors in his family have carved unconventional career paths:
“In my own family one of my aunts, who studied English, turned into a professional photographer and filmmaker. She used her literary skills to create engaging visual contents. And my mother, also an English major, shifted into marketing as a business consultant. She is utilising her communication abilities for a career. I really admire her.”
Other potential career paths for English majors include:
- Marketing and Public Relations
- Law and Policy
- Journalism
- Translator/Interpreter
- User Experience Design (UX)
- Content Creation and Editing
- Publishing
- Corporate Jobs
- Freelancer
- Comparing English and STEM: Bridging the gap
English and STEM are often perceived as entirely separate domains. However, surprisingly, they intersect in significant ways.
As Sayeda Sayema Naba insightfully puts it, “In my opinion, English serves as the foundation for excelling in any field. Its value goes beyond the materials offering strong career prospects in education and beyond. Especially in Bangladesh. STEM has driven many innovations but English continues to evolve too. It has a unique ability to interpret complex texts. Something other disciplines often struggle to master.”
This highlights how English fosters essential skills which are invaluable in STEM fields. For instance, the ability to clearly articulate complex ideas, writing research papers, presenting findings or collaborating with diverse teams. Additionally, in global collaborations where teams often span multiple countries and languages strong command over English ensures seamless communication and understanding.
- Misconceptions about curriculum: More than just grammar lessons
Another common myth is that English majors only study grammar. This could not be further from the truth. As Sadia Afroz explained: “The part of the English curriculum that surprised me the most is how Bangla was included as a course, which I didn’t understand at first. Since I have completed the course, I understand it was involved for the literature perspective of it not just the language. So the myth that English mainly focuses on grammar is wrong. We study literature, every kind of literature that is from Bangla to philosophy to linguistics.”
This breadth of topics ensures that English majors graduate with a well-rounded education that goes far beyond language mechanics.
A typical English curriculum includes courses such as:
- World Literature, Comparative Literature
- Critical Theory
- Creative Writing, Analysis
- Linguistics
- Business Communication
- Philosophy
- Presentation Skills
- Is the degree worth the investment?
Question about whether an English degree is worth the financial and time investment are there. Specially in a job market that often prioritise STEM fields. In this case, Sajid offered a thoughtful perspective, “I think people often measure the value of a degree only in terms of immediate monetary return, which does not capture the bigger picture. For me, studying English has been an investment in understanding the world. The return on investment goes far beyond money. It’s about the lifelong skills and perspectives that shape us and how we approach the world.”
This holistic view of education emphasises that the value of an English degree cannot be reduced to a simple cost-benefit analysis.
As for my opinion, the English major is far from an aimless choice. It is a sophisticated and versatile discipline that equips students with skills applicable across countless fields. Beyond its professional advantages, it offers the chance to engage deeply with language, culture, and ideas. If someone says studying English isn’t worth it, don’t believe them. It’s a fun, elegant, and rewarding journey that builds both character and career potential. Embrace it and let your love for language and stories guide you forward. After all, the power of words can shape the world. So, why not be the one who helps tell the story?