Going to Graduate in January -- What next? Advice Needed!
@StephanieAnnC (4274)
United States
February 9, 2013 1:36pm CST
hey, all! It's been awhile! I've been so busy!But I come here today in need of advice.
For those of you who remember, I was going to school to become a teacher. An english teacher. Well, this semester, I went out into the field and realized that heck, I didn't want to teach. I connect with students more on a friend level.
Plus, I've always been so involved on campus with extra curricular activities and love it. One day, I was leaving a meeting and I grew sad, because well, when I graduate, I won't do that anymore.
So, I decided to go into student affairs. It's a balance between connecting with students and being a leader, similar to the student role. I'm so excited and I feel like I'm on the right path.
Except I'm dropping the education part of my degree and only graduating with an English degree. And well, I'm not quite sure what to do with it! I mean, I know the obvious ones, but I need a job.
I plan on getting in graduate school for a degree in college student affairs a semester after I graduate. (The program only runs in the fall and I'm graduating in the fall so I'll have to wait until the next fall semester to start, if I get in)
[b]
So, I guess, what I'm asking is, if you were in my position, what would you do with your English degree? I need a job because once I graduate, I have to pay back my loans. My dream job is in student affairs, but with an English degree, it won't get me too far in that direction. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? I was thinking I'd shoot for some type of paid internship...[/b]
3 people like this
9 responses
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
9 Feb 13
Wow, Congrats!!! As for advice, I have no clue on what to tell you, but maybe a temporary job until you finish next semester?
1 person likes this
@wilsongoddard (7291)
• United States
9 Feb 13
It depends on where you live and where you're willing to go.
Tutoring, an internship with a magazine or freelancing with a local newspaper are some of the obvious choices. Substitute teaching is also an option.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (168126)
• Boise, Idaho
10 Feb 13
SOmetimes it helps to do some giving of your time to charity and that might help you find something you like. Like Questions is doing right now. She is helping teach imigrants the english language. If you want to be in student affairs I would look at counseling or something like that. You said you connect with students more on a friend level and so that is why I mentioned the counseling side of it.
@Cutie18f (9546)
• Philippines
9 Feb 13
A degree in English and a passion to work in that department handling student affairs would be good. You can still use your degree in that office since you will be dealing with students. I think any college degree holder can have a position in the students' affairs office provided he or she is familiar with student activities. Just make your application in all schools in your area.
1 person likes this
@RobtheRock (2433)
• United States
10 Feb 13
If push comes to shove, do some substitute teaching. Depending on your state, the best place to substitute is grade school. When I lived in Pittsburgh and Ann Arbor, I substituted in grade school, middle school, and high school and to me, grade school was the best. When I subbed, you only needed a degree (an education degree gives you a head up) and education credits. I had education credits and experience teaching adult education. Write for publication will also give you some money. That can give you personal spending money. If subbing is not your thing, then paid internship sounds good. Also tutoring can be lucrative, if you can find those who need it.
@MoonGypsy (4606)
• United States
10 Feb 13
paid internship is a very good idea. another thing you could do is to see if you could get into some kind of counseling with youths. i don't know if you could use your english degree in that direction, but maybe you could go back to school for a little while. i only say this because it sounds like you want to work with children, you just don't want to be in a teaching role. there are many kids out there who needs adults in their lives as good mentors. what ever role you get into, i feel like it would be in a role, where children look up to you as a mentor and an advocate. just my thought. good luck no matter what you decided to do.
@WakeUpKitty (8694)
• Netherlands
9 Feb 13
Sounds to me you are not ready starting a new part of your life. So I would advice you to take some "rest". Go travel, see the world, meet people, find yourself.
@ARIES1973 (11426)
• Legaspi, Philippines
9 Feb 13
Hi stephanie!
Personally, I would take whatever job that would be offered for me which is related to my field even though this might not be my first choice. Then while I have that job, I can continue looking for the job that I want.
Have a nice day!
