Career Options after BA English

Do you think that with a BA in English degree at hand, you will be limited to writing or editing job roles? You are mistaken; the BA English scope and salary are more than you can imagine, especially due to the ongoing digital revolution. Your BA English degree can actually be a gateway to a plethora of rewarding job opportunities in digital marketing, corporate communications, media, academia, the government sector, and beyond. The average base salary of a BA English graduate in India is up to INR 4.45 LPA, and that’s just the beginning. With the right skills and specialization, many individuals go on to earn an annual salary of INR 7-10 LPA in roles such as content strategy, brand communication, technical writing, and more.

Simply put, a BA in English isn’t a limitation; it’s a launchpad.

So, on that note, let us discover some high-paying jobs after a BA in English in this blog!

Top Career Options After a BA in English

Options are galore when a BA English graduate thinks of building a career in the government sector. These government or public sector career opportunities are not only respectful but also offer a competitive salary package. Similarly, BA English graduates are consistently in demand in various private sector industries, primarily because they possess excellent analytical, communication, writing, and problem-solving skills, which they acquire during an online BA English program. 

Government/Public Sector Job Opportunities

Let us now read about the various Government jobs after BA English and the expected salary package for the same:

• School Teacher (via TET/CTET): Do you love explaining ideas? Then, teaching can be the right career for you after earning a BA in English. All you need is to clear exams like TET or CTET to become an English Teacher in government schools such as Kendriya Vidyalayas or Navodaya Vidyalayas. Not only will you get a respectable job that is stable, but you will also get a satisfactory salary with this kind of job.
  
• Clerk/Assistant (via SSC CGL or State PSC Exams): BA English graduates can also apply for the post of Clerk or Assistant in various government departments, municipal offices, and courts. However, to achieve this, they must first clear competitive exams such as SSC, CGL, or state PSCs. You will be required to draft documents, manage files, and support daily administrative work as part of the job role.
  
• Civil Services Officer (IAS/IPS/IFS – via UPSC): Are you one of those who want to take up any challenge and want to bring a change? Then prepare to become an IAS, IPS, or IFS officer through the UPSC. It is a rewarding and respected career path where you act as a civil servant playing a key role in governance, policy-making, and diplomacy.
  
• Translator / Interpreter (Central/State Government Departments): When you are ready with a strong command of English after a BA English course, you come up as the best fit for the role of a Translator or Interpreter. Numerous job opportunities are available in government ministries, embassies, and cultural institutions.
  
• Railway Jobs (RRB NTPC, Assistant Roles): Indian Railways frequently recruits graduates through RRB NTPC for roles such as Assistant, Clerk, and similar commercial job profiles. These government jobs allow you to offer customer service and administrative services. In return, you receive various government benefits, a pension, and the opportunity to work for one of the world’s largest railway networks.
  
• Public Relations Officer (Government Departments or PSUs): English graduates are well-suited for the role of Public Relations Officer in government departments or PSUs. They are well-versed in the language and can easily handle press releases, media interactions, and event planning, showing their creativity and communication skills.
  
• Librarian or Archive Assistant: Being a BA English graduate, it is seldom that you won’t fall in love with books. So, carve a career for yourself as a Librarian or Archive Assistant. Your role in this position would be to preserve and organize valuable collections in libraries and museums. 

Here is a table to further help you understand the Government jobs after BA English and the expected salary package:

Job Roles	Industry/ Sector	Average Salary Expected
Civil Services Officer IAS/IPS/IFS	Government of India, State Governments, and Diplomatic Service	INR 6.73 lakh- INR 15.84 lakh per annum/INR 11.10 lakh per annum
Public Relations Officer (Govt. Departments or PSUs)	Ministries, State Tourism Departments, and PSUs	INR 9.83 lakh per annum
School Teacher (via TET/CTET)	State or Central Government Schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, and Navodaya Schools	INR 5.6 lakh per annum
Translator / Interpreter	Cultural Departments, Ministries, and Embassies	INR 5.4 lakh per annum
Librarian or Archive Assistant	Public Libraries, Government Archives, and Museums	INR 5 lakh per annum
Clerk / Assistant	State PSC Offices, SSC, and Municipal Corporations	INR 4.5 lakh per annum
Railway Jobs (RRB NTPC, Assistant roles)	Indian Railways, Zonal Railways, and the Railway Board	INR 4 lakh per annum

Private Sector Job Opportunities

BA English scope and salary are not limited to the government sector. As we said, there are endless career opportunities for such graduates in the private sector as well, such as:

• Content Writer / Editor: If you love to play with words, then think of becoming a Content Writer or Editor to help brands share their message clearly. Industries such as media, Edtech, publishing, and e-commerce are always seeking creative content writers.

• Digital Marketing Executive: Blend your creativity and analytical skills learned during a BA English course to apply for the post of a Digital Marketing Executive. From startups to corporates and digital agencies, all look for English graduates to manage their email newsletters, social media posts, and track website traffic. 

• Copywriter / Creative Writer: Those who can write catchy lines or jingles can opt for a role as a Copywriter in advertising agencies. They can be a part of their creative team to write ad slogans, brand stories, and scripts. 

• Public Relations Associate: English graduates are also in demand for job roles such as a PR associate in PR agencies, corporations, and event management companies. They can use their ability to communicate and write confidently in this type of job setup to excel in their career. 

• Customer Support / Communication Executive (International Process): Strong English proficiency during the BA English course opens doors to customer communication roles in BPOs, travel, and e-commerce sectors. You will be required to handle customer queries, draft professional emails, and offer live support to clients. 

• Journalist / Reporter / Blogger: When discussing the scope and salary of BA English, we can’t ignore the role of a Journalist, Reporter, or Blogger. Be a wordsmith and interview people, report current events, and help them get published on online platforms, newspapers, and magazines. 

• Social Media Manager: This is the current favourite job role for those who have a BA in English degree at hand. It is a trending job role where you help build brand presence across various social media platforms, crafting posts to engage audiences. Companies in the lifestyle, hospitality, retail, and corporate sectors often hire Social Media Managers to maintain their visibility in the digital era.

The table below highlights the high-paying jobs after a BA in English in the private sector:

Job Roles	Industry/ Sector	Average Salary Expected
Digital Marketing Executive	Startups, Corporates, and Digital Agencies	INR 7.50 lakh per annum
Content Writer / Editor	Media, Publishing, EdTech, and E-Commerce	INR 6.70 lakh per annum
Journalist / Reporter / Blogger	Newspapers, Magazines, and Online Media Houses	INR 6.70 lakh per annum
Copywriter / Creative Writer	Advertising, Marketing Agencies, and the Entertainment Industry	INR 5.13 lakh per annum
Public Relations Associate	PR Agencies, Event Management Companies, and Corporates	INR 5.12 lakh per annum
Customer Support / Communication Executive (International Process)	BPOs, Travel, and E-Commerce	INR 4.50 lakh per annum
Social Media Manager	Digital Marketing Agencies, Corporates, and Lifestyle & Retail Brands	INR 4.50 lakh per annum

Also Read: Career Options After Graduation in English

Courses That Can Be Done After a BA in English

A Bachelor of Arts in English opens the door to a diverse range of academic and professional pathways. It’s your choice whether you want to specialize further or gain practical skills through relevant online courses. Have a look at some of the popular options students often consider after completing their BA in English course:

Postgraduate Degrees

For many students, the first choice after earning a BA in English is to pursue a Master’s degree. Some choices they  make are:

1. MA in English: It is an ideal choice for BA English graduates, helping them explore advanced literary theories, research methodologies, and classical and modern literature. It paves the way for a promising career in academia, publishing, and editing. 

2. MA in Journalism or Mass Communication: Students drawn towards media and storytelling often choose to pursue this course, where they learn about reporting, digital journalism, broadcasting, and media ethics. After completing this course, they can get good jobs in new agencies, radio, television, and digital media platforms. 

3. MA in Creative Writing: Aspiring authors and poets must enrol in this course to sharpen their creative thinking and storytelling skills. This course helps them learn narrative techniques and editing. It offers an excellent foundation for writing professionally or working in a publishing house. 

Also Read: Rising trend of online BA in English: Exploring potential careers in India

Professional Courses

Then, there are BA English graduates who prefer to gain industry-specific skills to become job-ready. So, they choose professional courses like:

1. PG Diploma in Digital Marketing: The hype surrounding social media these days makes this an excellent choice for those interested in branding their products or services. This course covers a curriculum centered on digital strategy, analytics, and paid advertising campaigns. Digital marketing professionals are in demand across sectors.

2. PG Diploma in Public Relations: If you are someone who loves media, then this is a perfect course for you to pursue after a BA in English. It will teach you how to handle media and manage corporate communication strategies. After completing this course, you stand a good chance of working as a PR executive, event coordinator, or corporate communication specialist. 

3. Teaching and Education Certificates, like B.Ed.: Those who love to set examples and teach must enter the field of education after a BA in English by pursuing a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) course. It helps them learn with classroom management techniques, curriculum planning, and pedagogical skills. After completing a B.Ed degree, you can easily take up a job as an English teacher at a primary or secondary school. 

Competitive Exam Preparation Courses

The third common area of interest noted for BA English graduates is to appear for competitive exams to enter government or public sector job roles. Such students look for:

1. UPSC Civil Service Exam Preparatory Course: Those who want to become an IAS, IPS, or IFS Officer after an online BA English through Online Manipal must enrol in a UPSC Civil Service exam preparatory course to learn about the latest current affairs, general studies, and essays to crack the main exam.

2. UGC NET Preparatory Course: This type of preparatory course qualifies you to become a college lecturer and also to gain opportunities in research. It helps polish the English literature knowledge and learn research methodology, along with teaching aptitude. 

3. Bank PO, Railway Recruitment, or SSC CGL Exam Preparation Course: Another option is to enroll in an exam preparation course for securing officer or administrative roles in public sector banks, central government departments, or Indian Railways. 

You May Also Like Reading: What Can You Do with a BA Degree?

Skill-Based & Online Certifications

Students who wish to enhance employability and hone their practical skills often opt for short-term courses such as:

1. Foreign Language Courses: BA English graduates often have a desire to learn foreign languages, such as German, French, Spanish, or Japanese, to complement their English degree. It helps them open doors for a career in translation, tourism, and international business. 

2. Public Speaking and Communication Skill Courses: Refine your confidence and clarity in personal as well as professional contexts by enrolling in this type of course after finishing your BA English degree program. It teaches you how to engage with audiences and handle interviews or meetings effectively. 

3. Digital Tools and Analytics Certification Courses: Those eager to build a career in Digital Marketing after a BA in English must learn tools such as Google Analytics and content management systems. This can be done by enrolling in one such certification course, and once you complete it, you stand a chance to get a high-paying job as a digital content writer, social media executive, or marketing analyst. 

Also Read: Digital Marketing Strategies, Case Studies, and Best Practices

Why an Online BA in English from SMU is Best for a Successful Career

An online BA in English from Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) is more than a degree; it is a career booster. It enables you to acquire versatile skills for popular jobs such as teaching, journalism, writing, and marketing. SMU is among India’s top 151-200 universities according to NIRF 2024, and you too can be part of its robust alumni network, establish connections with professionals, and gain industry insights to make yourself a best-fit for various competitive job roles. Moreover, if you are eligible, you stand a chance to avail the Manipal scholarship scheme, and if not, you can experience a stress-free learning with SMU’s no-cost EMI fee starting at just INR 150 per day. 

Also Read: What Makes Online Manipal a Great Choice?

Conclusion

So, now if you’re excited to build a solid future with your degree, an online BA in English from Sikkim Manipal University could be a game-changer. It will not only teach you literature, but it will also develop strong and practical skills, such as communication, critical thinking, and digital literacy, which are highly valued by most employers today. Moreover, since it is online, you get to study flexibly without putting your job or personal plans on hold, so what are you waiting for? Enrol in an online BA English course from SMU through Online Manipal. 

FAQs

1. What are the top career options after a BA in English?

Some of the top career options available after a BA in English are:

• Content Writer
• Editor
• Journalist
• Teacher
• Translator

2. Can I get a government job after completing a BA in English?

Yes, you have a good chance of getting a government job after completing your BA in English. You can apply for a government school teacher, translator, or interpreter in the government departments, or even prepare to clear the UPSC exam to become an IAS, IFS, or IPS Officer. 

3. What courses can I pursue after a BA in English for better job prospects?

Many BA English graduates pursue postgraduate degrees, such as an MA in English or an MA in Journalism, after obtaining their degree. Some other popular courses to pursue after BA English are a Diploma in Digital Marketing or Advertising. 

4. Is a BA in English helpful for competitive exams like UPSC or SSC?

Yes, a BA in English enables one to develop strong communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills. All these skills learned through the BA English course help to clear competitive exams such as the UPSC or SSC. 

5. Can I build a career in content writing or digital marketing after a BA in English?

Yes, you can build a career in content writing or digital marketing after a BA in English. In fact,  these are the fields where BA English graduates are always in demand due to their strong knowledge of the English language. 

6. What private sector jobs are available for BA English graduates?

A BA English graduate can apply for lucrative job roles in the private sector, such as:

• Content Writers/ Bloggers
• Journalists/ Editors/ Copywriters
• Customer Communication Executives
• Social Media Managers
• Digital Marketers

References 

https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Degree=Bachelor_of_Arts_(BA)%2C_English_Literature/Salary