Explore Options: A Menu of Major-Specific Experiences and Sampling of Related Career Paths
Explore our English academic resources, designed to support your academic aspirations.
Curriculum Guide
Feeling like you don't know what to do with all of this great information? We highly encourage to make an appointment with your academic advisor and career advisor. Another great starting point is the Self-Guided Career Exploration Tool.
Unlock career potential in English! Discover resources to maximize your professional trajectory.
Sample English Internship Sites
Internships provide a way for you to get hands-on, supervised experience in the world of work. You are able to apply the concepts you are learning in the classroom to a work environment.
Join A Student Organization
Get involved with a student organization related to your major. Student orgs are a great way to get connected and explore career options!
Relevant Courses and Certificates for Building Skills
Developing the relevant skills that employers seek is an essential component of a student's education. GVSU students should consider strategic elective courses and certificates to pair with their major in order to gain additional skills.
Community Service Opportunities
Seek volunteer opportunities related to the field you're exploring as a way of testing out future careers.
The Civic Engagement Center keeps a list of current volunteer opportunities updated on their website. There are ongoing opportunities on a continuous basis, as well as on-campus and off-campus opportunities posted as they become available.
English Study Abroad Options
Through study abroad you’ll also set yourself apart from other job-seekers and graduate-school applicants in an increasingly competitive market.
Imagine studying Shakespeare in the UK, where the Globe Theatre brings his words to life just steps from your classroom. Picture yourself analyzing postcolonial literature in South Africa or exploring ancient epics in Greece, where the stories originated. Imagine joining writing workshops in Ireland or attending literary festivals in Australia, surrounded by global voices and fresh perspectives. Studying abroad gives English students the chance to experience literature in its cultural context, gain inspiration from new environments, and engage with storytelling traditions from around the world.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Pursuing academic, creative, and research experiences and projects outside the classroom is an excellent way to learn new skills and build a body of work in your field.
Fellowship Opportunities
Fellowships are high-impact, potentially life-changing opportunities for students and alumni, opening doors to careers in public service, advanced academic study, foreign service, international teaching, and other career and service pathways into meaningful and fulfilling lives.
One of my favorite memories from Grand Valley was being a part of the GVSU Dance Troupe. I had never taken any type of organized dance classes prior but soon fell in love with the art of dance. I still dance both recreationally and competitively today.
I met the woman who is now my wife during my first year at GVSU. My favorite memory is proposing to her in the arboretum during our final year.
I formed a singer-songwriter trio in 1976 and we performed around campus, singing some favorite songs from the mid-70's. Then, we started writing our own tunes - my English background served me well:)
My favorite Grand Valley memory was being in all of the organizations that I was a member of made my time at Grand Valley.
January 29, 2026 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Stop by the Seidman Lobby anytime between 9:30am and 2pm to meet representatives from Deloitte! Each semester, we bring top companies right to you on campus! Stop by our casual informational...
February 1, 2026 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
All Grand Valley students and alumni are invited to attend a GVSU/JCPenney Suit-Up Event! This event will include options to participate virtually or in-person. In-person: Come to JCPenney at RiverTown...
February 9, 2026 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Are you preparing for the upcoming Fall GVSU Career and Internship Fair, but not quite sure where to start? The Career Center will be hosting a drop-in event to help you refine your resume, formulate...
February 11, 2026 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Are you preparing for the upcoming Fall GVSU Career and Internship Fair, but not quite sure where to start? The Career Center will be hosting a drop-in event to help you refine your resume, formulate...
February 12, 2026 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Stop by the Seidman 2nd Floor Lobby anytime between 9:30am and 2pm to meet representatives from Mercantile Bank! Want to learn about exciting career opportunities and meet potential employers?...
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Consider joining the Communication and the Arts Career Community or any other Career Community you are interested in!
You’ve explored the power of language and literature as an undergraduate in English, and now you're ready to dive deeper into critical theory, refine your writing, or pursue a specialized path in communication or education. Graduate school can help you transform your passion into a focused career.
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Looking for other career resources? The Career Center Resources page contains resources related to careers, resumes, internships, job search, interviewing, networking, and more.
