I was told going into college that with an English degree, I could go do anything. Majoring in English was one of the most broad and general studies and because of it, I had a lot to choose from. When I specifically asked what I could make of my degree, I received a lot of awkward pauses and blank stares from the very same people that told me I was on the right track. “Well, you could teach…that is after you complete your degree and head on over to grad school to major in Education.” Thing was, I understood even then the wrap that teacher’s get. I'd figure if it isn’t a passion, then my best bet is to leave it up to the strong and dedicated. Then there was, "you can be an author! But uh oh, good luck on getting your books published because that's one in a million."

Two years later upon my graduation, I was stuck in dead in jobs that had nothing to do with my degree. I bitterly wished someone would have prepared me for real life and I blamed myself for not better preparing myself for these realities.

I am in the business of helping people. I don't want another graduate student looking crazy as I had because they simply were not prepared for the harsh realities of leaving school with no idea how they will make a living with their degree. If there is anyone out there who is contemplating the benefits of majoring in English but unsure as to what they will do with it, or an innocent recent college grad who is struggling to find work, please brace yourself for some important information that can help you dramatically avoid the pitfalls of life after graduation, with an English degree.

Seriously, talk to a career counselor , ideally freshman year, but definitely by sophomore year and certainly junior year in order for them to help you find appropriate resources that will help you piece together a career with an English degree. It is imperative that you start early thinking seriously how you will make a living with an English degree. Yes, the most common is teaching English in a classroom setting. But remember, teaching is not for everyone as it is a hard and difficult time. Even for those that may feel passionate about teaching, please consider whether you will be able to deal with the demands as well as if you will be able to live off a teacher’s salary.

Make sure that you have an internship/classroom hours/shadow so that you get an idea on hands experience into what goes into teaching. Have all of the programs in place like Teach for America, that will help you transition into finding work immediately after you graduate. Don’t take for granted that education is recession proof. Always consider the location and area that you may find more teaching jobs than others. Be prepared to relocate even out of state in order to find education jobs.

Think about writing jobs that will make you money. Of course, you’re job shouldn’t be all about money, because you should be doing what you love despite the income. However, they are right when they say that English is a broad area making it easier to tap into different avenues and still make a living on the side while having enough money to market your passion. Every English major should be considering technical writing, grant writing, editing, and translation.

 It is highly suggested that you pick up Spanish as a second language in order to up your chances of getting more work as well increasing your content range as a writer. If the classes at you college are too demanding or you just can’t afford to take on a second major, go to a community college during the summer or teach yourself through reliable Spanish sources like Rosetta Stone. Practice on perfecting your Spanish writing by working with tutors and investing in Spanish textbooks.

Make earning residual a top priority. You already have all the tools you need in order to be successful in this. Set up an account online and write for paying online jobs like Bukisa, Ehow, and Triond. You can do this on your spare time. Research how to market your articles by use of high powered key words and Google Adsense Ads (this is where you get your income from).

Blogging and doing online freelance writing jobs is an absolute must for writers. Once established these jobs pay well if you commit to taking out time during the week and writing. The best places to find freelance jobs are Associate Content, iFreelance, and elance.com, Demand Studios and Examiner. Sometimes, you get the option of bidding/setting your own price on articles. Take advantage of this and build creditability through these sources.

 Write an ebook. You may have dreams of becoming a best selling author and that is great, but start off writing what you feel may sell in the internet and market it out of the park. Using the internet as a platform to introducing yourself will not only help you build credibility and reputation, but will earn you money quicker and allow you to fund any book projects later on down the line. You will be a much confident and established writer when you get ready to join the major leagues.