Top 12 High Paying Jobs After an MA in English [with Skills Required & Average Salary Range]
If you’ve just completed an MA in English or are considering this path, you’re in for a world of exciting career possibilities. The domain offers a number of job opportunities beyond the usual academic or teaching roles. From creative industries to corporate environments, the skills you’ve developed can lead to some pretty exciting and diverse career paths. Let’s explore where your passion for English could take you next. In this blog, we’ll dive into the high-paying jobs after an MA in English, outlining what each job role entails and the skills you’ll need to succeed.
List of Jobs After MA in English
The future scope for MA in English graduates is quite promising. The degree sharpens your skills in writing, research analysis, and communication, opening doors to job roles where you can truly make an impact. Additionally, your advanced language skills after pursuing this course will offer you a path to professional growth and financial success. Here are some of the high-paying jobs after an MA in English:
1. Author
Becoming an author is one of the most fulfilling career opportunities after an MA in English. With a solid foundation in writing and storytelling, you can create novels, short stories, non-fiction books, and even digital content. As an author, you have the flexibility to work independently or collaborate with publishing houses, earning income through royalties, book deals, and speaking engagements.
Authors often work closely with editors and publishers to polish their manuscripts, ensuring that their stories resonate with readers. To market their books, many authors participate in promotional activities like book signings, readings, and interviews. Additionally, enrolling in a creative writing course can further hone your skills, helping you to succeed as an author.
i. Skills Required
Here are the skills required to pursue author jobs:
- Creative writing expertise to craft original narratives with a strong command of literary devices.
- Advanced storytelling techniques to develop plots, characters, and compelling story arcs that engage readers throughout.
- In-depth research skills to conduct comprehensive investigations, using academic databases, interviews, and primary sources.
- Editing and proofreading proficiency to refine drafts, address grammatical errors, and ensure consistency.
- Effective time management skills to handle multiple writing projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and follow publishing deadlines.
- Audience analysis capabilities to use tools like Google Analytics and social media insights to understand reader demographics and prepare content accordingly.
ii. Average Salary Range: ₹2.5 LPA – ₹24 LPA
2. English Lecturer
An English lecturer is a professional who teaches English-related subjects at universities and colleges. As an English lecturer, you will teach undergraduate and postgraduate students in areas like literature, linguistics, and creative writing.
They are responsible for designing course materials, preparing lesson plans, and evaluating students through assignments and exams. Beyond teaching, lecturers help students develop critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills. They are also involved in academic research, publishing scholarly articles, and attending conferences and seminars. Additionally, lecturers mentor students, providing guidance on academic and career-related matters.
i. Skills Required
Here are the skills required to pursue English lecturer jobs:
- Expertise in curriculum development to design detailed lesson plans and develop instructional materials.
- Advanced knowledge of literary theory and critical analysis to teach complex concepts and facilitate in-depth discussions.
- Strong public speaking and presentation skills for delivering lectures, leading seminars, and engaging students.
- Proficiency in student assessment to evaluate and provide feedback on student performance.
- Familiarity with educational technology, such as interactive whiteboards, virtual classrooms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams), and Learning Management Systems (LMS) to enhance teaching and manage coursework.
- High-level proficiency in English grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.
ii. Average Salary Range: ₹3 LPA – ₹18 LPA
3. Content Editor
A content editor is a good career opportunity after an MA in English. They review and improve written material before it is published. They ensure that content is clear, accurate, and engaging, aligning it with the intended audience and brand guidelines. Content editors check for grammar, punctuation, and consistency, while also refining the overall structure and flow of the text. They often collaborate with writers to enhance the content’s quality and effectiveness.
In addition to editing, they may also suggest ideas, guide content strategy, and ensure that the material meets deadlines and industry standards. You can enroll in a WordPress course to build proficiency in the world’s most popular content management system.
i. Skills Required
Here are the skills required to pursue content editor jobs:
- Proficiency in using editorial software like Microsoft Word for detailed editing, and content management systems (CMS) like WordPress for content publication.
- Expertise in style guides, such as APA, Chicago Manual of Style, or MLA for ensuring formatting, citation, and stylistic standards.
- Advanced content structuring skills to organize complex material to enhance readability and coherence.
- Fact-checking abilities to verify data, cross-reference information with credible sources, and ensure factual accuracy and reliability.
- Understanding of SEO tools and best practices to improve search engine rankings and visibility.
- Experience in cross-functional collaboration to coordinate and produce high-quality, cohesive content.
ii. Average Salary Range: ₹3 LPA – ₹12 LPA
4. Public Relations Executive
A PR executive plays a crucial role in managing communication between an organization and its audience, helping to shape public perception and build a strong brand reputation. Their key responsibilities include writing press releases, handling media inquiries, and organizing press conferences. They are also responsible for managing crisis communication when issues arise.
Additionally, PR executives focus on building and maintaining positive relationships with media outlets, influencers, and the general public to ensure the organization’s image remains favorable.
i. Skills Required
Here are the skills required to pursue public relations executive jobs:
- Advanced media relations skills to build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, bloggers, and media influencers.
- Expertise in crisis management to develop and implement strategic communication plans and mitigate potential damage to the organization’s reputation.
- Proficiency in writing press releases and content that effectively communicates key messages and attracts media attention.
- Event planning capabilities for organizing high-profile public relations events, such as press conferences, product launches, and corporate functions.
- Social media management skills for performance analysis on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook to enhance brand engagement.
- Analytical skills to assess public sentiment through media monitoring tools using metrics and performance indicators.
ii. Average Salary Range: ₹2.4 LPA – ₹11 LPA
5. Publisher
A Publisher is a professional responsible for overseeing the production and distribution of books, magazines, or digital content. They manage the entire publishing process, from selecting and acquiring manuscripts to editing, designing, and printing.
Publishers work closely with authors, editors, and designers to ensure that the final product meets high-quality standards. They also handle marketing, sales, and distribution strategies to reach the target audience. Additionally, publishers decide which works to publish, balancing creative vision with market demand, and they play a key role in shaping the content that reaches readers.
i. Skills Required
Here are the skills required to pursue publisher jobs:
- Editorial management skills to oversee the entire publishing process.
- Market analysis expertise to study industry trends, consumer preferences, and competitive positioning using tools like Nielsen BookScan and market research reports.
- Contract negotiation skills to secure and manage agreements with authors, literary agents, and distributors.
- Project management skills to coordinate publishing tasks, manage timelines, allocate resources, and handle budgeting for publishing projects.
- Financial management skills for creating and managing budgets, setting book prices, and forecasting financial performance.
- Knowledge of digital publishing platforms, such as Kindle Direct Publishing and ePub formats to manage digital content distribution and DRM (digital rights management).
ii. Average Salary Range: ₹4 LPA – ₹9 LPA
6. Communications Specialist
Communications specialists have some of the highest-paying jobs after an MA in English. They are responsible for managing and enhancing how an organization communicates with its audience. They create and deliver messages that align with the organization’s goals, ensuring clear and consistent communication across various channels, such as social media, press releases, and internal communications.
Communications specialists also monitor public perception and handle any communication-related challenges, helping to maintain a positive reputation and effective engagement with both the public and internal stakeholders. You can consider enrolling in an English-speaking course to improve your communication skills and get better job opportunities in this field.
i. Skills Required
Here are the skills required to pursue communications specialist jobs:
- Strategic communication planning skills to develop comprehensive communication strategies that align with organizational goals and address target audience needs.
- Expertise in media writing to create press releases, speeches, newsletters, and other communication materials.
- Stakeholder engagement abilities to manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Crisis communication skills to execute communication plans that address emergencies or reputation issues.
- Proficiency in social media marketing tools to create, manage, and analyze content across platforms, such as Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
- Brand messaging expertise to develop and maintain a consistent brand voice and narrative across all communication channels.
ii. Average Salary Range: ₹3.5 LPA – ₹9 LPA
7. Proofreader
Proofreading has become an essential part of the content development process. Proofreaders review written content to ensure it is free from errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting. They are the final check before content is published in books, articles, websites, or marketing materials.
These professionals are required to have a keen eye for detail and a thorough understanding of language mechanics. They often work with authors, editors, and content creators, ensuring that content is clear, concise, and error-free.
i. Skills Required
Here are the skills required to pursue proofreading jobs:
- High attention to detail for identifying and correcting typographical, grammatical, punctuation, and formatting errors with precision.
- In-depth knowledge of grammar, syntax, and language usage rules.
- Expertise in document formatting using tools, such as Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Word to maintain consistent style and layout.
- Proficiency with proofreading and editing software, including Grammarly for efficient and effective error detection.
- Consistency-checking skills to review text for uniformity in language, tone, and style.
- Understanding of specialized terminology for proofreading technical, scientific, legal, or other specialized content.
ii. Average Salary Range: ₹2 LPA – ₹7 LPA
8. Soft Skills Trainer
A soft skills trainer teaches people essential interpersonal skills that enhance their personal and professional interactions. These skills include communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
Soft skills trainers design and deliver training programs that help individuals improve how they work with others, manage their time, and handle conflicts. They often work with employees in organizations, helping them develop the skills needed to succeed in the workplace. By focusing on areas like communication and adaptability, soft skills trainers play a key role in improving overall productivity and workplace harmony.
i. Skills Required
Here are the skills required to pursue soft skills trainer jobs:
- Expertise in designing and developing training programs that address specific soft skills requirements
- Strong presentation skills for delivering interactive and engaging training sessions, using tools like PowerPoint, interactive modules, and live demonstrations.
- Behavioral assessment capabilities to evaluate candidates through various methods, such as simulations, and feedback surveys.
- Group facilitation skills to encourage participation, and enable a collaborative learning environment during training sessions.
- Effective feedback delivery techniques to provide constructive and actionable feedback.
- Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) like Blackboard to deliver online training, track progress, and manage training materials.
ii. Average Salary Range: ₹3 LPA – ₹8 LPA
9. Journalist
The field of journalism offers a good career after an MA in English. A journalist plays a crucial role in keeping the public informed by researching, investigating, and reporting on news stories for various media outlets. They typically work for newspapers, magazines, TV stations, or digital platforms. This role involves gathering information through interviews, research, and observation, and then crafting articles, reports, or scripts that present the facts in a clear and engaging manner.
i. Skills Required
Here are the skills required to pursue journalism jobs:
- Investigative research skills to conduct thorough investigations and use public records to uncover information.
- Advanced interviewing techniques to gather detailed and accurate information from various sources.
- Expertise in news writing to create well-structured, accurate, and engaging news stories.
- Multimedia production skills to produce and edit content in various formats using tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and Audacity.
- Understanding of ethical reporting practices to ensure fairness, accuracy, and impartiality in journalism.
- Deadline management skills to work efficiently under tight deadlines.
ii. Average Salary Range: ₹3.5 LPA – ₹13 LPA
10. SEO Content Writer
An SEO content writer is a professional who creates online content designed to rank well in search engine results. They write articles, blogs, and website copy that not only engage readers but also include keywords and phrases that improve the content’s visibility on search engines like Google.
SEO content writers understand how to balance quality writing with search engine optimization techniques, ensuring that the content is both informative and discoverable. Their goal is to attract more traffic to a website by making it easier for people to find the content through search engines.
i. Skills Required
Here are the skills required to pursue SEO content writer jobs:
- Advanced keyword research skills to identify high-traffic and relevant keywords using tools like Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs for content optimization.
- Proficiency in on-page SEO techniques, including SEO meta tag creation and internal linking, to improve content visibility and search engine ranking.
- Content optimization skills to enhance readability, incorporating best practices, such as using short paragraphs, bullet points, and engaging headlines.
- Expertise with SEO content writing tools, such as Google Analytics and SEMrush to track performance metrics, analyze data, and refine content strategies.
- Knowledge of content structuring techniques to create well-organized articles with clear headings, subheadings, and a logical flow of information.
- Understanding of link-building strategies, including acquiring high-quality backlinks and utilizing outreach techniques to enhance domain authority and search engine ranking.
ii. Average Salary Range: ₹3 LPA – ₹7 LPA
11. Marketing Strategist
The field of marketing offers a number of jobs after an MA in English literature. A marketing strategist is a professional who plans and guides a company’s marketing efforts to reach its goals. They analyze market trends, understand customer needs, and create effective strategies to promote products or services. Their role involves research, identifying target audiences, and selecting the right platforms for advertising.
By crafting clear plans, they help businesses stand out in a competitive market. Marketing strategists also monitor campaign performance, adjusting their approach to ensure success.
i. Skills Required
Here are the skills required to pursue marketing strategist jobs:
- Expertise in market research to analyze industry trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape.
- Proficiency in campaign planning to develop and execute marketing strategies and managing campaign budgets.
- Advanced data analysis skills to interpret marketing data, generate insights, and make data-driven decisions using tools like Google Analytics and Excel.
- Brand positioning expertise to create and maintain a strong market presence, differentiating the brand from competitors through strategic messaging and positioning.
- Knowledge of digital marketing funnel and techniques to drive brand awareness and engagement.
- Budget management skills for allocating marketing resources effectively and optimizing ROI (return on investment) for marketing initiatives.
ii. Average Salary Range: ₹3 LPA – ₹10 LPA
12. Linguistics Expert
A linguistics expert studies language and its structure, including grammar, sounds, and meanings. They analyze how languages are formed, evolve, and are used in different cultures. Their work often involves comparing languages to understand similarities and differences.
Linguistics experts also explore how people learn and process language, helping to improve communication methods. They may work in various fields like education, translation, or research. By understanding the mechanics of language, they contribute to fields like language preservation, technology development, and enhancing learning systems.
i. Skills Required
Here are the skills required to pursue linguistics expert jobs:
- Proficiency in phonetics and phonology to analyze and describe the sound systems of languages.
- Advanced knowledge of syntax and semantics to study sentence structure, grammatical rules, and meaning in language.
- Expertise in sociolinguistics to examine how language varies across different social contexts.
- In-depth understanding of language acquisition processes and research methods for studying language learning.
- Computational linguistics skills to use tools for analyzing linguistic data through methods like machine learning algorithms for natural language processing.
ii. Average Salary Range: ₹3 LPA – ₹8 LPA
Conclusion
Upon completing an MA in English, a wide range of career opportunities become available, showcasing the versatility and applicability of language skills and critical insights. To secure a high-paying job after an MA in English, it is essential to identify career paths that align with your passions and strengths. Your advanced understanding of language and literature can be a valuable asset, providing opportunities across various industries. Embrace the opportunities that present themselves, allowing your MA in English to guide you toward a fulfilling and impactful career. You can explore the best job search apps in India to find career opportunities in this field.
FAQs
Answer: Yes, you can work in other fields after pursuing an MA in English. Here are the fields you can find job opportunities:
– Marketing
– Public Relations
– Education
– Linguistics
Answer: Here are some tips to help you find job opportunities after an MA in English:
– Utilizing job search platforms like Internshala.
– Joining professional organizations related to your field of interest.
– Attending industry conferences and networking events.
– Working with a career counselor or mentor to explore potential career paths and job openings.
Answer: Here are the best ways to gain experience with an MA in English:
– Internships: Look for internships related to writing, editing, or communication.
– Freelance Work: Offer your skills on a freelance basis to build a diverse portfolio.
– Volunteering: Volunteer to write or edit for non-profits or local organizations.
– Part-time Jobs: Consider part-time roles in related fields to gain practical experience.