But the practical question remains. An English major does not train students in marketable skills the way a Business major or Chemistry major does. What we do doesn't lead directly to a job; but it provides preparation which can be applied in a number of ways (for graduate study in professional areas like business, law, librarianship, or journalism, for example).

With an English major you can also consider teaching. The job market for high school teachers is better than a few years ago, so opportunities for those who enjoy writing and literature to share their enthusiasm with young people are again available. Hope's Education Department is strong and has an excellent placement record because schools over the years have found Hope graduates to be well- prepared, dedicated, skillful teachers. If you choose to go this direction, obtain an information booklet from the Education Department and begin early to get into the sequence of education courses. To be certified for teaching, you also need a minor: think about the choice of a minor in practical terms, as well as in terms of subjects you like - any high school teacher who does the job right must assign lots of writing, so grading papers becomes a burden. You may retain your enthusiasm (even your sanity) longer if you can divide your teaching between English courses and a subject which doesn't involve reading papers or essay answers (like math or a foreign language, for example though it will be easier to get assigned to math classes, because math teachers are in demand).

There are signs too that opportunities will increase for college level teaching, at least by the time those now entering college finish graduate school (a Ph.D. is essential for college teaching). Those aiming in this direction should get a fairly large English major and several courses in philosophy; a strong background in history and French or German will also be valuable. Some student assistantships in the English Department, working with a professor in a composition course, are available to upperclass majors and can provide valuable experience to those considering graduate school. If you are interested, talk to the department chairperson.

Besides teaching, you might write. You can become a poet or fiction writer; until you write your first best seller, however, you'll probably need another job (like teaching) on the side. Or you can become a free-lance writer, working on a per-job basis for businesses and industries and selling stories or essays to magazines.

There are growing career opportunities for writers in companies - preparing internal newsletters and external brochures and communications, for example - and in technical writing (for manufacturers or computer hardware and software, for example, to write the brochures needed to explain in non- technical language how to use their products).

Internships for undergraduates at Hope are frequently available and are a good way to try out such work; those interested should consult the Career Planning and Placement Office or Professor Klooster in the English Department. Graduate programs in Technical Writing are available, though jobs are often available for persons holding only a B.A. degree.

Other, less typical, areas also offer possibilities - these often require imagination and initiative from the individual. For help, one might consult such resources as the following (available for reference at the English Department Office, Lubbers, 338.)

English: The Pre-Professional Major by Linwood E. Orange
Life After Shakespeare: Careers for Liberal Arts Majors by Manuel Flores-Esteves
Jobs for English Majors and Other Smart People by John L. Munschauer
Aside from Teaching, What in the World Can You Do? by Dorothy K. Bestor
Career Opportunities for Writers: A Comprehensive Guide to the Exciting Careers Open to You as a Writer Indispensable and Realistic Information on Nearly 100 Specific Writing Jobs by Rosemary Ellen Guiley