Students at UNK have access to an electronic career planning tool called Handshake through the Office of Academic Advising. English majors may also access a free mini course created by Dr. O’Malley to help student navigate the job search process called “Careers for Humanities Majors.” For more information, check out the Experiential Learning website here.
A Focus on Careers
English majors are often told that students in the humanities can work in a number of different professions. Today we look at careers for English majors in Library and Information Science by talking to UNK English alumna Mackenzie Marrow.
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Mackenzie Marrow graduated from UNK in 2018 with a major in English and a minor in Advertising and Public Relations. She received her Master in Library and Information Science from Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2020. At UNK, she was an active member of Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society, and the Ad/PR Club. Mackenzie also participated in the Undergraduate Research Fellow program.
We asked Mackenzie how an English major might prepare a student to pursue in library science:
I received my MLIS from Simmons last year. I'm in library research right now and using a lot of skills I learned in English to write report papers, literature reviews, and the like. [English majors would also be adept at] ready reference in public libraries and finding specific books for patrons and recommending ones as well. Archives also require research skills, but also rare/special book collections that take a lot of care and a special eye to go through. [The minor in Advertising and PR] was a big help in school, because a lot of library work is outreach and design.
We asked faculty at the Calvin T. Ryan Library if they would recommend a career in library science and information science to English majors. They shared the following insights.
Makylee Kaping, Acquisitions Associate
Yes, I would definitely recommend a career in library science to English majors. Whether it be an academic library or a public library you would have the chance of working with an immense collection of literature. There is always something new to discover and always opportunities to advance your knowledge (you are literally surrounded by books and individuals with a plethora of expertise).
Matt McDowall, Library Information Systems Support Specialist
Of course! I came to it in a pretty roundabout way (via a career in tech), but I have definitely found it an important and fulfilling field to work in.
Lisa Mount, Library Circulation Manager
An English major would be helpful if you're going to be working with the English Literature collection [at a university library] in developing or weeding it or as a liaison with the English department faculty.
Kimberly McNutt, Cataloging and Metadata Associate
Maybe, depends on their strengths and likes. Library science isn’t just about books. It’s more about connecting people with information and sometimes that information has nothing to do with books. In a public library, a librarian might spend more time planning programs/activities and dealing with people than dealing with books. There are many different areas of library science, though. I recommend researching career possibilities/choices before jumping right in.
Joseph Anderjaska, Library Access Services Associate
I would recommend any field that brings an English major closer to their passion. So if the library is your passion, go toward Library Science.
David Arredondo, Collection Services Librarian
Yes, I thoroughly enjoy my career in libraries! It’s not like what I think people expect it to be like. I would be super excited to talk to any student considering a career in library science, as would all of my colleagues in Calvin T. Ryan Library!
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Learn more about opportunities for UNK English majors and minors to
…apply for scholarships HERE.
…minor in English and/or Humanities HERE.
…major in English +Pre-Law HERE.
…major in English +Music/Theatre/Dance/Art HERE.
…major in English +STEM HERE.
…participate in the Undergraduate Research Fellow program HERE.
…present research and creative writing at the department’s annual conference HERE.
…publish poetry and stories HERE.
…study abroad HERE.
…work as a tutor at the Learning Commons HERE.