You have more options than you think

English requires an array of literacy-based skills. You must be able to read and interpret a variety of sources, understand their context and form an opinion on their respective merit or arguments made. As well as working with pre-existing literature, you could even create your own. The process of writing involves excellent written communication skills, creativity, and the ability to proofread and edit.

How do these skills translate into careers?

Journalism seems an obvious choice, and yet there is ample opportunity to specialise. There are different kinds of journalist, from sports correspondents to film critics, as well as investigative reporters. Regardless of specialism, they all rely on an ability to write, proofread, edit and research – all part of the study of english.

Marketing may seem unrelated, though it shares many traits with english. English encourages creativity and making interpretations, both of which are fundamental basics of marketing; those in marketing create social media content/campaigns and have to research/interpret their audience to better communicate with them.

You may prefer to work more directly with books/magazines instead. There are several ways to do so. The publishing industry is one such pathway, where you could contribute to the output of new books as an editing assistant (potentially progressing to editor). Editing assistants take on administrative tasks like liaising with clients/colleagues, proofreading documents and ensuring ongoing projects are organised. Alternatively, consider caring for books as a librarian or academic librarian! Being organised is important as you will assist other readers in their search for particular books.

The study of the past equips you with multiple skills for your future. Much like english, you must be able to interpret a variety of sources, research their context and form opinions on past events/persons. You must also be able to present a convincing argument backed up with evidence.

Archaeologists study the material past, whereas history is predominantly the study of written sources. You often have less background information to use (especially when dealing with prehistoric sites) which means that your ability to interpret existing information and form opinions is even more important. Archaeologists often interact with the public, by delivering talks or engaging in stakeholder meetings, thus giving you further skills like public speaking.

Interested in preserving our past for the future? There are several ways to do this! Archivists manage and care for written sources used by historians and the public. Heritage officers manage physical sites and landscapes for future generations. Conservation officers care for objects to ensure they survive for years to come. These different careers are united by their ability to interpret what happened in the past and educate those in the present.

Enjoy interrogating the past to find out what happened? Why not reapply those skills in the present with a career in law? There are multiple roles within the legal system that rely on skills developed by history. Barristers must be well-versed in past legal cases, pay attention to detail and articulate convincing arguments. Paralegals must be excellent at research and communicating both verbally and through written legal documents.

Geography encourages a range of skillsets beyond those technical skills like cartography (map-reading). Digital literacy is also improved by studying geography, as several digital technologies like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are now used to monitor landscapes. Geography students also write reports, solve problems and work in teams.

Caring for our environment has become more important in recent years, thus opening more doors for those with a geography qualification.

There are multiple positions for those interested in studying our planet. Climate Scientists collect data pertaining to ice, sea and temperature levels and publish their findings. Geoscientists study natural phenomenon like seismic activity and advise upon safety protocols. Geospatial technicians undertake surveys using specialist equipment and write up results in technical reports. Collecting these datasets has real life implications; meteorologists collect and examine data from sources like satellite images and remote sensors to predict the weather and inform the public. These positions require more than knowledge, they require an ability to collect and critically examine data, and to disseminate knowledge to a variety of audiences; Geography trains individuals with all these necessary skills.

Engineering is a popular career pathway these days, but did you know you can specialise? Nuclear engineers work on nuclear equipment and sites. Marine engineers undertake surveys and repair ships/oil rigs. Agricultural engineers ensure equipment can work in all weather conditions and solve issues like irrigation/draining. All these specialisms are aided by an understanding of geography to ensure their respective technologies operate within environmental standards and to minimise any impact on nature.

Are you instead interested in working more directly with nature? Countryside officers work collaboratively with landowners and conduct surveys to keep well-informed on the land under their protection. A more public-facing role is that of a countryside ranger. Rangers not only inspect sites and plan how to create/protect habitats, but they also lead volunteers with conservation projects. You could even specialise as an arboricultural officer (who looks after trees and forests). All these individuals put their knowledge of our environment into action, to protect it as well as the public.

Sport is more than just the study of activities like football or tennis. Sport professionals possess knowledge of (and must be able to research) diverse topics ranging from psychology to anatomy and nutrition. To practise sports or design workout plans requires time management, self-discipline, and endurance. Communication is also vital – with teammates, with coaches/students and with the public. Failure to communicate well could result in misunderstandings and injuries.

Sport science professionals assist athletes in several ways. Physiotherapists utilise their knowledge of anatomy to diagnose injuries and create a personalised recovery plan. Nutritionists offer specialist advice on food choices (tailoring it to different audiences with different needs) and conducting/disseminating research via clinical trials and study groups. These professionals can work in industries other than sport, such as healthcare, by applying existing knowledge and skills to new audiences with new needs.

Sport and education share a lot of skills. A basis tenet of coaching is to educate athletes on how to improve their performance; coaches also monitor progress and help motivate their athletes. The same principles can be applied to secondary school education, wherein you teach, monitor, and motivate young people to help them realise their potential. Perhaps you are more interested in the leisure sector, wherein you teach tourists everything from skiing to swimming. All these roles involve creating session plans and teaching others (albeit to varying degrees).

You may consider management positions within the leisure sector. Managers rely less on coaching, and more on how to manage a successful business. Management involves budget management, marketing and awareness of health and safety procedures. Sporting knowledge is still helpful, for example to understand which services to provide and the equipment needed to provide that service. All of the aforementioned skills can be applied to management positions in other industries too.

A diverse range of skills are possessed by those studying textiles. Creativity and knowledge of specific techniques are core skills. You must also be able to manage budgets and deadlines too. Communication will similarly be useful, either with staff to create materials or with clients to understand their needs. Such traits are critical to several other industries and roles, like project management.

Clearly, to study textiles can prepare you for multiple positions or industries!

Do you want to design clothes? Fashion design assistants help create prototypes and test fabrics. Other positions, like tailors and dressmakers, alter existing clothing for customers as well as create new clothing. All these positions rely on your hand-eye coordination, attention to detail and creativity.

Are you more interested in the management of clothing? You could work as a conservator to research and protect historic garments! Conservators are passionate about protecting the past for future generations. You may wish to work with more contemporary materials as a wardrobe assistant. Wardrobe assistants create and curate the clothes used on stage or screen. Both pathways require an understanding of textiles to repair and care for the materials when needed.

A key part of creating something new is being able to sell it. Why not consider a career in the marketing side of fashion? You could become a photographer to promote your own or other products. Another possibility is to be a fashion journalist, where you would conduct research and disseminate news on the latest textiles and fashions. If you are confident in your style and judgement ability, perhaps consider becoming a stylist where you will style sets or people. Your knowledge of textiles is well-suited to all these roles and offers unseen benefits too. Textiles, like photographers, must pay attention to detail and be patient. Textile workers and journalists often work independently. Stylists, like textile workers, tap into their creativity to meet their briefs.