Writing Careers

Goshen College Alumni

Here are current positions held by alumni:

  • Writer
  • Columnist
  • Editor
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Librarian
  • Grants Writer
  • Academic Advisor
  • Account Executive
  • Advertising & Subscription Coordinator
  • Attorney
  • Director of Communications
  • Intensive Case Manager
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Editorial Assistant
  • Professor
  • Library Paraprofessional
  • Teacher
  • Print & Multimedia Designer

Overview

At Goshen College, the English department is committed to examining human values and expression through the study of both the production of and response to texts in diverse cultural contexts. Literature courses feature national and global literacy traditions, genre studies, popular and canonical trends, and textual analysis. Writing courses teach the expository, creative, and research strategies needed for students to express themselves professionally and personally. Language courses teach historical and sociological frameworks for language development, as well as a respect for the power of language as a social and artistic tool.

While developing skills in purposeful thinking, logical organization, and clear expression, students also have opportunities to share their writing through publication or public presentation.

About the Coursework

Students who select the writing major will develop skills in multiple genres, with specific attention to the cultural and professional contexts in which their writing will appear. Literature and arts-related requirements allow students to explore creative expression in visual art, music, and/or theater.

Writing majors are encouraged to get involved with Communication or English co-curricular activities such as The Record, The Maple Leaf, Pinchpenny Press, Broadside, and/or Red Cents.

Potential courses include:

  • Creative Writing
  • World Literature
  • Playwriting
  • English Grammar
  • Literature and Popular Culture
  • Writing for Media
  • Literature of Ethnicity, Gender & Race
  • Writing Creative Nonfiction

For a full list of courses and requirements, refer to the course catalog.

Possible Career Paths

The possible career choices are broad for every major, and writing alumni work successfully in many different careers. The list below provides several career options, but it is not exhaustive. Please note that some positions require additional education.

  • Advertising Copywriter
  • Archivist
  • Bibliographer
  • Biographer
  • Book Reviewer
  • Columnist
  • Comedy Writer
  • Community Organizer
  • Copy Editor
  • Corporate Communication Director
  • Critic
  • ESL Teacher
  • Feature Writer
  • Foreign Correspondent
  • Freelance Writer
  • Grant Writer
  • Human Resource Specialist
  • Institutional Researcher
  • Intelligence Officer
  • Humorist
  • Journalist
  • Legal Assistant
  • Legislative Analyst
  • Lexicographer
  • Lobbyist
  • Magazine Editor
  • Manuscript Reader/Reviewer
  • Management Analyst
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Marketing Director
  • Media Relations Specialist
  • Multimedia Writer
  • News Editor
  • Novelist/Author
  • Playwright
  • Poet
  • Policy & Procedures Analyst
  • Press Secretary
  • Professional Blogger
  • Proofreader
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Publications Editor
  • Publicist
  • Reporter
  • Science Writer
  • Scriptwriter/Screenwriter
  • Speech Writer
  • Story Editor
  • Teacher
  • Technical Writer

Additional Resources

From the Occupational Outlook Handbook: