Skills Developed through an English Degree

A background in English ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges.

Core Skills

• The ability to confidently present your thoughts and opinions in text and in written statements
• Knowledge of literary works, both as art forms and as documents of human behavior
• An understanding of humanity as expressed in verbal art that crosses boundaries of time and place
• The ability to analyze English literature from the medieval period to the present, including forms such as poetry, popular literature, drama, fiction, satire, folklore and literary criticism

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

• Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
• The ability to organize, understand and analyze sources of information and to apply novel forms of technology or new information to different professional settings and tasks
• The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
• The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas
• The skills to collect various types of information, assess them, analyze and incorporate potential linkages from different fields, put them into writing and efficiently convey your message and the goal of your work

Management and Teamwork

• The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project's intended and successful end result
• The capacity to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
• The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts and opinions to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems
• The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field.

• Canadian Comparative Literature Association
• Authors Aloud
• Modern Humanities Research Association
• Editors' Association of Canada
• Association of Canadian Publishers
• Canadian Theatre Critics Association
• Small Publishers Association of North America