What Can You Do with an English Degree? More Than "They" Think!

So, you're deciding on which degree to take at Briercrest. The English degree looks interesting. You've always loved reading and have tried your hand at writing.

You tell someone that you are planning to take English, and the first thing out of their mouth is a sarcastic, "Oh, what are you going to do with that?" That was my experience, over and over. I graduated in 2020, and the doors have been wide open for me. I currently work as a copywriter/content coordinator with a small marketing team. I'm also a published author, own two Substack publications, and write on multiple other platforms. I can confidently say that my English degree with Briercrest equipped me to do all these fun and interesting opportunities.

There is a common misconception that an English degree isn't specific enough to result in meaningful employment. In defence of the degree, these naysayers usually compare it to the employment opportunities of the trades—at the very least, this is an unreasonable comparison. The truth is that an English degree offers a wide range of career opportunities and valuable skills that are sought after in various industries.

But I'm not the only one who understands the value of an English degree at Briercrest. We interviewed a fellow Briercrest alumni. Let's see what Renée Heron ('18, College) has to say about her time at Briercrest and whether it was worth it.

Briercrest: What made you choose Briercrest?

Renee: I wanted to get my university education in a Christian environment. I attended a different university before transferring to Briercrest. It made all the difference to have chapel every morning and be surrounded by Christian peers in dorm and my classes. It was awesome to include Biblical studies in my education while taking all the English classes for my degree.

B: What made you choose an English degree?

R: I have always loved reading, writing, stories, history, and theatre, so an English degree felt like a great fit for those passions.

B: What have you been up to since graduating from Briercrest with your BA in English?

R: I graduated in 2018, so it’s been...7 years! I completed a diploma in Theatre Arts from Rosebud School of the Arts in 2019. I got married in 2019 to another Briercrest alumni, and two sweet girls have since joined our family (3 years old and 1 year old). I worked as a copywriter for 3 years and tutored online in literature for middle-school and high-school students during COVID. I’ve since transitioned to full-time mom, and I work part-time as the Music Director at my church.

B: How has your BA in English been useful in your work?

R: My English degree was a huge asset when I worked as a copywriter, interviewing clients and writing concise website content and longer blog articles for a variety of small businesses. As a Music Director, I am constantly using the skills I developed during my time at Briercrest. A few examples include identifying and highlighting central themes in a scripture passage through the song choice, writing a core beliefs document on the theology of worship, and creating dramatized scripture readings for Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter services. The opportunity to lead many class presentations and discussions has greatly boosted my confidence in public speaking.

B: What value does an English degree have for you beyond employment?

R: I used to dread questions like this because English degrees tend to get a bad rap as not being a “practical” degree. However, in the last few years, I’ve thought a lot about this question, and I have such an appreciation for the education I received and how it benefits my family and me in everyday life.

My English degree taught me to pay attention to the world around me and to identify themes and worldview lenses not just in literature but also in religion, culture, and entertainment. It has greatly enriched my view of the world, how I read my Bible, and how I live out my faith. It also helps me wade through the myriad narratives we all have to deal with on the news and in politics.

As a parent, I want to raise my kids to love the kind of stories and narratives that reflect a Biblical worldview and to live as a godly and courageous character in their own stories.

B: What are you reading these days?

R: My latest big read based on word count was War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. Between novels, I’ve enjoyed delving into various myths and legends (Russian, Greek, Irish). I’m finally tackling the rest of C.S. Lewis’s Space Trilogy – I finished Perelandra right before the New Year and am looking forward to reading That Hideous Strength.

B: Any words of advice to English students in the program?

R: Work hard on all the different drafts of your writing assignments. The professors take so much time to mark each draft to help students improve their writing and thrive in the program. I am so grateful for that! Engaging with my professor’s comments and edits, reworking, and polishing the different drafts helped me to become a stronger and more articulate writer.

B: What was your favourite moment in an English class during your time at Briercrest?

R: Do I have to pick one? In my 4^th year, I took Dr. Grant Poettcker’s Humanities 400 class on Beauty. Some other English majors and I anonymously gave Grant on-topic memes every single class all semester long based on whatever we were learning in class. Grant’s reaction when our group of English majors revealed ourselves as the “Memester” on the final day of class was pretty fantastic.

Another highlight was in Dr. Matthew Zantingh’s Critical Theory class. As we learned about Stanley Fish, Matthew would say, “we put on our fish hats” when referring to Fish’s literary theories. We thought it would be hilarious if we gave Matthew a literal fish hat—tail, fins and all. He obligingly wore it during our final exam.

As we got closer to graduation, we just had fun in class as we learned and engaged with the material. The professors were such good sports with our shenanigans!

Renée Heron (nee Cyr) at Briercrest Grad 2018

What You Will Get with a BA in English:

The moments of connection and creativity that Renée experienced highlight Briercrest's unique community and engaging learning environment. In addition to the fun and camaraderie, studying English equips students with invaluable skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

One of the most significant benefits of studying English is developing critical thinking and analytical skills. As an English major, you will learn how to dissect and analyze complex texts, interpret them from multiple perspectives, and form logical arguments based on evidence and research. These skills are essential in any profession as they allow you to approach problems creatively and make informed decisions.

Moreover, an English degree also teaches effective communication skills. By studying literature and writing extensively, you will hone your ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, whether through written or verbal communication. Effective communication is crucial in any job, and an English degree can give you an edge over others.

Another benefit of studying English is gaining a deep understanding and appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. Through reading widely from various authors and periods, you will gain insights into the human experience across different societies and historical contexts. This knowledge is valuable in today's globalized world, where employers highly value cross-cultural understanding and sensitivity.

Lastly, an English degree offers versatility in career options. While many graduates pursue careers in writing, editing, or teaching, there are also opportunities in fields such as marketing, publishing, law, public relations, and more. The critical thinking, communication, and cultural competency skills gained from an English degree make you an attractive candidate for various positions.

So, don't let the stereotype of an English major being "unemployable" discourage you from pursuing your passion for literature and writing. An English degree opens doors to diverse career paths and equips you with valuable skills that are highly sought after in today's job market.