Jobs after MA in English

Are you one to curl up on your couch as you marvel at Dickens’ works or will you be found binge-watching Harry Potter even when you’re 83? Or, are you inspired by journalists like Gabe Pressman? 

For all these fascinating careers, you can channel your prowess in the English language to give words to ideas, stories, news reports, advertisements, and more!

If you have a Master of Arts in English, and are wondering what to do with all those words of wisdom and long lost fables, worry not! Here’s a look into the jobs you can apply to after pursuing an MA in English.

Why do you need an MA in English?

Besides sophistication, “value” is the word that comes to mind when one thinks of English. An MA in English is one of the most valuable and preferred Masters specialisations across the globe.

This two-year postgraduate degree is a pandora’s box when it comes to offering skills. It teaches you to communicate effectively, write like a pro, and read with an editor’s eye! 

What’s more, you also gain invaluable skills like critical and creative thinking, which help you carve future careers in diverse professional sectors. 

If you’re still unsure of the benefits of an MA in English, here are a few more reasons to opt for it:

1. Dynamic career scope: This master’s programme lets you create a standout resume that fits into several career roles, such as editor, content writer, author, researcher, blogger, journalist, and more!
2. Better remuneration packages: Once you have a postgraduate degree, there is no stopping you from bagging high-level positions in corporates. Sectors like hospitality, healthcare, media and journalism, and education are always on the lookout for English majors.
3. Improved networking opportunities: With a master’s degree, you gain better opportunities to network with industry professionals from different fields. This helps you test the waters before you dive deep into an industry.

Got a passion for the English Language? Make a living out of it!

The great William Shakespeare once said, “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.” 

We know the perks of our academic knowledge, but often wonder how to channel it into a fulfilling and rewarding career. 

However, you must know that the pen does happen to be mightier than the sword! If you have a genuine flair for writing, reading, or ideating in English, there are several exciting careers you can pursue!

Here are the top 10 jobs you can apply to after an MA in English:

1. Content Writer

Have you ever pondered over who coins the hilarious Swiggy notifications that make you giggle early every morning? Or the genius wordplay you see on Nike ads? 

This is the magic that a content creator creates (Now that’s an alliteration. Yes, we know you know!)

As a content creator, here are the different roles you can specialise in-

• Ghostwriter
• Technical writer
• Creative writer
• Freelancer
• Blogger
• Web content writer
• Business writer

The average salary of a content writer in India is INR 3.50 lakhs per annum. Your package increases as you gain experience and expertise.

2. Author

Honestly— how many times have you picked up Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone on a rainy day as you sipped on an unusually large mug of hot cocoa? Yes, we’ve lost count too!

If you’re good at storytelling and can stir up a good tale over a bonfire, we’re certain you can pursue a career as an author!

As an author, you can specialise in different genres like fiction, non-fiction, drama, crime and thriller, mystery, romance, science-fiction, poetry, etc. 

The average salary for an author in India is INR 4.30 lakhs per annum.  

The better your books sell, the more you earn!

3. Journalist

If you’re always updated about the latest “tea”, journalism could be your dream career! However, journalism requires you to have in-depth and dynamic knowledge of the field you choose to specialise in. 

You can consider the following job roles as a journalist:

• ​​Broadcast journalist
• Press sub-editor
• Newspaper journalist 
• Magazine journalist 
• Political risk analyst 

The average salary of a journalist is INR 3.8 lakhs per annum and you can earn more as you gain seniority in the industry.

4. Editor

Have you always jokingly been labelled a “Grammar Nazi”? Or have you flipped through pages of a popular magazine, and thought “maybe I’d have written this differently?”

Here’s enough hints for you to start working towards building a career as an editor. 

As an editor, you’d require the following skills:

1. Attention to detail
2. Knowledge of English grammar
3. Strong vocabulary
4. Time management
5. Creativity

The average salary for an editor in India after an MA is INR 4 lakhs per annum. 

5. Professor

If you’re one with vast academic knowledge and a genuine interest in imparting it, becoming a professor could be a fulfilling career experience for you.

The skills you require in this profession are:

1. Presentation skills to teach in a creative manner
2. Interactive communication style to keep students interested
3. Writing and editing skills (for research papers, thesis, dissertations)
4. Strong analytical, observational skills

To become an English professor/lecturer in India, an MA in English is the basic qualification that makes you eligible to appear for the UGC-NET examination. You must score at least 55% in this examination to become a professor.

However, if you have completed a PhD programme, you are exempt from the UGC-NET exam, and can directly apply for professor roles in universities. 

The average salary for a professor falls between 5.7 lakhs and 14.9 lakhs. This varies depending on the subjects you teach, the institution you work at and your seniority in the industry.

6. Copywriter

A copywriter is responsible for creating concise and creative copy for advertisements, marketing campaigns, product launches to engage and educate customers for different audiences in different industries. 

Copywriting is nothing short of art and storytelling using words! If you’re still wondering what a copywriter does, let us tell you about the genius move Starbucks’ copywriting team made— they used LinkedIn to reach out to their customer base (that usually comprises working professionals who NEED coffee to get through the day!)

So, as a copywriter, you need to create content with a sense of humour and the intent to connect with your customers. 

To kickstart your career as a copywriter, you must upskill yourself, understand the intricacies of copywriting, and advertise your skills on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. 

Here are some upskilling courses you can consider: 

1. The Complete Copywriting Course : Write to Sell Like a Pro on Udemy
2. Create Ads That Convert: Master the Art of Ad Copy and Ad Design on Hubspot
3. Copywriting Course by Neville Medhora

The average salary for a copywriter in India is INR 3.66 lakhs.

7. ESL Teacher

Not all people speak English as their first language, in fact, there are millions around the world who opt for English as a second or foreign language.

ESL teachers come as a boon to such learners as they are responsible for teaching three essential skills: reading, writing and speaking in English. 

To become an ESL teacher, you require a licence and with an MA in English, this process is a breeze! 

An ESL teacher in India earns around an average of INR 3.8 lakhs per annum. 

8. Public Relations (PR) Professional

Ever seen those cool after-party invites for concerts or celebrity meet-and-greets? Or the “exciting launch soiree” at a five-star hotel’s opening? 

This is the work of a PR professional— to communicate with the public on behalf of the brand or company.

As a PR professional, you need these skills:

1. Relationship-building
2. Advertising
3. Networking
4. Creativity 
5. Communication skills
6. Strategic thinking
7. Social media management skills

PR professionals in India earn around INR 6.10 lakhs per annum. Your 

pay increases as you gain experience in the industry and build a stronger professional network.

9. Corporate Communications Executive

A corporate communications executive is one who has a dynamic profile since they are required to manage the communication of a company. 

From employee training, team building, and marketing and PR efforts, a corporate communications executive is a key professional in a corporation.

In this profession, you can earn an average salary of INR 6.36 lakhs per annum. 

10. Translator/Interpreter

As a translator, you are required to translate written material from a foreign language to English. The requirements of this job varies based on the specifics of the industry. 

For instance, if you work with the Foreign Ministry, you may be required to travel often and translate confidential documents. 

The average salary of a translator or interpreter is INR 3.3 lakhs per annum.

How to Apply to Jobs after an MA in English?

Applying to jobs may seem like a daunting task, especially when you’re just starting out. However, our 4-step P-R-L-P strategy make it easier and help you tread confidently:

1. Create a Portfolio

If you want a career as a copywriter or a content writer, you need to create a standout portfolio. Make sure your portfolio has organic, creative works that reflect your interests and strength areas. 

2. Create a Resume 

Once your portfolio is ready and you have a clear idea of the role you want to apply to, work on creating a resume. The ideal resume must include the CAR framework as you explain your achievements and work experience.

3. Create a LinkedIn Profile

Creating a LinkedIn profile is a must-do for all graduates and postgraduates in the current professional world. A LinkedIn profile helps you connect, communicate, network and influence industry professionals from around the world.

4. Create Profiles on Job Portals

Job portals help you strategically streamline your job search by displaying openings that match your skills and interests. Start by applying to specialised roles by creating your profile on job portals like Indeed, Monster, LinkedIn, Naukri, etc. 

How to get started with P-R-L-P?

When creating a portfolio or resume, it becomes crucial to get it vetted by a professional. Choose Mentoria’s Ultimate CV Review Package that helps you revamp your resume, build your LinkedIn profile, and get your portfolio reviewed by a professional!

Let your words build you a stellar career!

Now that you have these stellar career options to choose from after an MA in English, all you need is the right guidance to help you make it big! Take the Mentoria Assessment to choose the ideal pathway for your dream career. And remember— “be not afraid of greatness!”