Career Compass: English Literature

Literature connects us in vital ways to times, places and cultures, including our own. The Department of English, Theatre, Film & Media offers a wide range of courses that cover literature from medieval England to the present and that provide instruction in theoretical approaches and critical methods. The department also offers courses in film, theatre and creative writing.

Skills you will gain by studying ENGLISH LITERATURE

• A comprehensive knowledge of the English language (reading, writing, speaking and listening)
• The ability to analyze text and make connections between language, form, structure and meaning
• The ability to reflect upon the capacities of the human mind and imagination
• The ability to think critically and develop innovative responses to important moral and social questions

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
ENGL 1200 or ENGL 1300 or both ENGL 1400 and ENGL 1340

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor to help you plan your program.
2. Contact the Academic Learning Centre to meet with a writing tutor or visit the Centre for Creative Writing and Oral Culture to see the Writer/Storyteller-in-Residence for help with your creative writing.

CAREER TIPS

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Register for the Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including the English, Film and Theatre Students Association and Arts Student Body Council.
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience or join the Student Leadership Development Program.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as Community Engaged Learning programs.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Visit the International Centre to learn about international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit the Centre for Creative Writing and Oral Culture, get involved with the Winnipeg International Writers Festival or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your program

To do this year:

1. Should you follow a 3-or 4-year plan? Meet with an academic advisor and career consultant to map out your options.
2. Research scholarships and awards offered by the department of English, theatre, film and media.
3. When choosing a minor, take courses that will open opportunities.

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Become a Student Affiliate with associations such as Creative Manitoba.
4. Develop professional connections with professors by applying for an Undergraduate Research Award.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for an Undergraduate Research Award and inquire about research assistant positions.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out the Language Partner Program or Student Accessibility Services.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Become a Faculty of Arts Student Ambassador or join the Student Leadership Development Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange or service-learning program, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday".

Staying local? Check out one of the Community Engaged Learning programs. Consider learning a new language and culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your program

To do this year:

1. Meet with a department advisor for honours program approval.
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).

CAREER TIPS

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other academic institutions.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Check out student job opportunities with: Winnipeg Public Library, The Manitoban or apply to be a writing tutor with the Academic Learning Centre.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Creative Manitoba, Job Bank, Find My Job, Indeed or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program, volunteer for the International Student Mentorship Program or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your program

To do this year:

1. Meet with a department advisor for honours program approval.
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS

Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the Post-Secondary Recruitment Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus and register for the Intercultural Leaders program through the International Centre.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Author
• Archivist Assistant
• Biographer
• Communications Officer
• Community Liaison
• Conference/ Event Planner
• Copywriter/Digital Copywriter
• Culture and Media Specialist
• Editor/Digital Editor
• Employment Counsellor
• Literary Agent
• Policy Analyst
• Proofreader
• Public Affairs Officer
• Publisher
• Publicity Assistant
• Social Media Strategist
• Speech Writer
• Technical Writer 
• Video Game Writer
• Volunteer Coordinator
• Web Content Writer

Options requiring other education

• Adult EAL Instructor
• Archivist/Digital Archivist
• Art Conservator
• Journalist
• Lawyer
• Librarian
• Public Relations Specialist
• Teacher
• Translator
• University Professor

Industries such as communications, education, film and theatre, government and publishing would value an English literature major in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Oral and written communication
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Teamwork
• Digital technology
• Numeracy and data use
• Industry specific knowledge
• Continuous learning

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.