A degree in English language and literature opens up a variety of career paths, including:
Teaching: Many English graduates pursue careers in teaching at primary, secondary, or tertiary levels.
Writing and Editing: English graduates often work as writers, editors, or content creators for various media outlets, publishing houses, advertising agencies, or businesses. This can involve writing articles, blogs, marketing materials, or editing manuscripts.
Publishing: Working in publishing involves roles such as editorial assistants, literary agents, or production managers. English graduates can contribute to the publication process by acquiring manuscripts, editing content, or managing the production of books and magazines.
Journalism: Graduates with a degree in English can pursue careers in journalism, reporting, or broadcasting. They may work for newspapers, magazines, online publications, or broadcast networks, covering news, features, or entertainment stories.
Public Relations and Communications: English graduates often excel in roles related to public relations. They may write press releases, create promotional materials, manage social media accounts, or handle media relations for organizations.
Copywriting and Content Marketing: Copywriting involves creating persuasive content for advertisements, websites, or marketing campaigns. English graduates with strong writing skills can thrive in this field, crafting engaging and effective messages to promote products or services.
Freelance Writing: Many English graduates choose to work as freelance writers, offering their services to various clients. This can include writing articles, blogs, copywriting, editing, or ghostwriting for individuals, businesses, or publications.
Digital content writing: English graduates can apply their language and communication skills to create user-friendly content for websites, apps, or digital platforms.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other career paths available to graduates with a degree in English language and literature. The versatility of the degree allows individuals to pursue diverse interests and adapt to various industries and roles.
In this issue, we feature the perspectives of five university graduates who have pursued careers outside Greece. What prompted their decision to move? Was it the limited opportunities available within the Greek context? Did they find it easy to secure employment at foreign universities? Are they satisfied with their current pursuits? And do they experience feelings of homesickness for Greece?
Enjoy reading!
Dr Konstantinos Pitychoutis, Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics, English Language Department, American University of the Middle East, Kuwait
1. What academic/professional qualifications do you have?
I hold a doctorate in applied linguistics from Middlesex University, London, focusing on EFL teacher development in the Arab Gulf. Additionally, I have an MA in TESOL from the same institution. As a true believer in CPD, I have also completed several certifications in various fields, from educational neuroscience to differentiated teaching, to enhance my instructional skills and pedagogical approach.
2. What were the working prospects in Greece after your graduation?
Upon graduating, I was fortunate to secure a teaching position immediately, which facilitated a smooth transition into my professional career. Concurrently, my still active involvement with TESOL Greece provided valuable networking opportunities and further professional development. TG has been instrumental in connecting me with like-minded professionals -many of whom are lifelong friends- and enhancing my teaching practices through collaborative learning and professional exchanges.
3. Were the limited options the Greek context offered the factors influencing your decision to work abroad?
The decision to work abroad was primarily driven by my desire for new challenges and professional development rather than limited job prospects. I had already moved abroad when the financial recession impacted Greece during the past decade, which affirmed my path to seek diverse experiences and broaden my professional horizon in international settings.
4. How easy was it to find work at a foreign university?
Securing a position at a university in the Arab Gulf involved determination and readiness to adapt to new academic and cultural environments. My qualifications and extensive teaching experience were certainly advantageous, but equally important was my focus on developing strong intercultural communication skills. These skills have been essential in navigating diverse academic settings and have enriched my interactions with students and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds, significantly contributing to my professional and personal growth.
5. What other options do English teachers have apart from working in the state sector e.g., private tutoring, language schools, online teaching?
English teachers looking beyond state sector roles have a variety of options. They can engage in private tutoring, teach at private K-12 schools, language schools, and colleges, and reach students through online platforms. Embracing digital technologies and specialising in learning differences are particularly valuable for these roles. Teachers can also explore careers in materials writing, content development, and translation. For those seeking academic advancement, further studies are often needed to enhance their qualifications, research skills, and career prospects.
6. Are you happy with what you are doing?
Absolutely, I find great satisfaction in my role within the English department at the American University of the Middle East, in Kuwait. My research activities, which have been published in several journals, focus on topics such as teachers’ attitudes toward SLA, the impact of digital technologies on ELT, and gamification in the language classroom. These projects try to enhance educational methods and contribute new insights to the field. I also have the enriching opportunity to travel internationally, which further broadens my perspective and allows me to bring diverse experiences into my life, teaching, and research.
7. What do you miss from Greece?
I regularly spend two months each summer in Greece, which allows me to stay deeply connected with family and friends and enjoy my favourite Cycladic lifestyle. This frequent connection means I genuinely don't feel a sense of missing home, as I can balance my time between Greece, travelling abroad, and my work in Kuwait.
