Career Options After an MA in English

Thinking about pursuing a Master’s in English, or already holding one and wondering what’s next? You’re not alone; many people are curious to know the scope of careers after an MA in English literature. With language skills in high demand, MA English graduates are entering dynamic roles across various industries.

A Business Standard report projected a 15% rise in demand for content writers, editors, and language specialists between 2022 and 2024—a trend that continues to gain momentum. At the same time, the content marketing industry is projected to grow by USD 539 million between 2025 and 2029, driving increased demand for content strategists, storytellers, and communication experts. 

The takeaway? Thanks to the skills you acquire through an MA in English, it’s not just a degree—it’s a gateway to rewarding careers in digital marketing, publishing, public relations, media, academia, and more. In this blog, we’ll explore the top career paths and the job opportunities after an MA in English, so read on and take the next step with confidence.

Top Career Options After an MA in English

Completing an MA in English doesn’t limit you to academia; it is your ticket to an impressive mix of job areas that can be in creative, corporate, and even government roles. MA English graduates now have more choices than ever. Thanks to the rise of the digital era, where they are in high demand in sectors like media, Edtech, and digital marketing, there are opportunities beyond just teaching jobs after an MA in English. 

Government/Public Sector Job Opportunities

Listed below are some Government jobs after an MA in English that can bring you both a competitive salary package and a high reputation:

• Assistant Professor / Lecturer: For those who love sharing knowledge with young minds, teaching at a government school or college as a Lecturer or Assistant Professor can be deeply fulfilling. It is a role that needs mentorship, research, and good communication skills.
  
• Civil Services Officer (IAS/IPS/IFS): If you are someone drawn to leadership and public service, then think about becoming a civil servant and grab the chance to directly impact communities and policies. Being an IAS, IPS, or IFS Officer in India is a highly respected path, and an MA in English can serve as a stepping stone for this career.
  
• Translator / Interpreter: After completing your online MA in English, you can also bridge the gap between languages by being a Translator or Interpreter. It is a role that demands conveying the accurate meaning of an idea from one language to another. 

• Public Relations Officer (PRO): Become the voice or image of a company or brand, and help build trust for it with the public as a PRO. Ideal for those who have completed an MA in English, this role is suited for individuals who enjoy writing, interacting with media, and branding. 

• Content Developer for Government Portals: Who says that Content Developers are only in demand in the private sector? You can also secure exciting job opportunities as a Content Developer for government portals, informing citizens about Government policies and information.
  
• SSC CGL Posts (e.g., Income Tax Inspector, Assistant): For those who look for a stable government career in departments like administration or taxation, the best job opportunity is to apply for SSC CGL Posts, which include Income Tax Inspectors or Assistants. This is a perfect job for those with an analytical blend of mind and good communication skills.
  
• State Government School Teacher (via TET): Among the most common teaching jobs after an MA in English, this path helps you interact with children. Harness your love of language and help students build confidence in reading, writing, and communication as a Government School Teacher.

Also Read: Role of Public Relations in the Social Media Age

Below is a table that will help you understand the MA English salary in India for different jobs in the government or public sector:

Job Roles	Industry/ Sector	Average Salary Expected
Civil Services Officer (IAS/IPS/IFS)	Administration	INR 11,10,000 per annum
SSC CGL Posts (Income Tax Officer, and Assistant)	Central Government	INR 7,00,000 per annum
Content Developer for Government Portals	E-Governance/ IT	INR 6,00,000 per annum
State Government School Teacher (via TET)	Education	INR 5,88,000 per annum
Assistant Professor / Lecturer	Higher Education	INR 5,60,000 per annum
Translator / Interpreter	Government Departments	INR 5,40,000 per annum
Public Relations Officer (PRO)	Public Sectors/ PSUs	INR 5,12,043 per annum

Private Sector Job Opportunities (H3)

The private sector is equally impressive when it comes to looking for jobs after an MA in English. Have a  look:

• Content Writer/Editor: This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy crafting words. As a Content Writer or Editor, you will be required to research the topic and present the information in clear and engaging content for the reader. Media houses, digital agencies, publishing firms, and Edtech companies are always searching for talented content writers.

• Copywriter / Creative Writer: If you can think out of the box and write catchy headlines or do storytelling, then copywriting is the best profession for you after an online MA in English through Online Manipal. As a Copywriter, you will be writing for ads, social media, and brand campaigns. Advertising agencies, digital marketing companies, and PR firms all look for fresh and creative voices, preferably with an MA in English. 

• Corporate Communication Manager: Get involved in planning and managing a company’s internal and external communication by stepping into the role of a Corporate Communication Manager. It is an ideal profession for those who like strategy and relationship-building. From MNCs to corporates and big brands, there is a strong demand for MA English graduates in such job positions. 

• User Experience (UX) Writer: How about combining writing with design? As a UX Writer, you can do exactly this. The text you see in apps, websites, or digital products is all the work done by a UX Writer. They are in great demand in tech companies, SaaS startups, and fintech firms. 

• Anchor: The scope after an MA in English literature is not limited to writing; you can also step into the shoes of an Anchor and host shows. All you need is the ability to turn complex topics into engaging conversations. News channels, web TV platforms, and media production houses all look for talented and well-versed Anchors. 

• Brand Strategist: As the name suggests, a Brand Strategist is a person responsible for planning the brand strategy with the right tone, visual identity, and messaging. It is a blend of creativity, research, and market analysis. The key industries looking for Brand Strategists are marketing agencies, e-commerce brands, and lifestyle companies. 

You might also like: How to become a brand manager

• Linguistics Consultant: Satiate your love for the language by applying for the role of a Linguistics Consultant. It is an exciting role that involves advising on language use, translation, and developing AI tools, such as chatbots. Industries hiring such professionals are mostly tech firms, research organizations, and AI startups. 

The table below will acquaint you with the MA English salary in India for in-demand private sector job opportunities:

Job Roles	Industry/ Sector	Average Salary Expected
User Experience (UX) Writer	Tech and Startups	INR 21,94,372 per annum
Corporate Communication Manager	Corporates and MNCs	INR 12,00,000 per annum
Content Writer / Editor	Media and Publishing	INR 6,70,995 per annum
Brand Strategist	Marketing and Branding	INR 6,50,000 per annum
Copywriter / Creative Writer	Advertising and Digital Agencies	INR 5,50,000 per annum
Linguistics Consultant	AI and Language Services	INR 5,55,000 per annum
Anchor	Media and Broadcasting	INR 4,86,472 per annum

Also Read: Career Opportunities After an MA English

Courses That Can be Done After an MA in English (H2)

What to do after an MA in English is one of the biggest questions in those budding minds who have recently received this degree in their hand. The best thing is that there is not just one answer; there are many exciting directions to choose from, and we are listing them here for easy reference:

Professional Courses

Add a practical edge to your academic background by enrolling in a professional course after an MA in English, like:

1. MA in Journalism and Mass Communication: The number one choice for many MA English graduates who want to enrol in a professional course is MA in Journalism and Mass Communication. A course that helps them learn how to craft news stories, features, and digital content for print, online media, and TV.

2. Digital Marketing: Digital platforms and online marketing have made this course popular for those who are searching for what to do after an MA in English. An online digital marketing course helps learn analytics and social media marketing techniques.

Also Read: Skills Your Get After an MA English

Doctoral Studies

For those drawn to in-depth research, writing, and academia, pursuing doctoral study courses is the best choice after completing an MA in English. 

1. PhD in English Literature or Linguistics: With an intention to focus on literary theory, language structure, and cultural analysis, this course is ideal for individuals keen on becoming professors, academic writers, or researchers. 

2. MPhil in Literature or Cultural Studies: A shorter yet research–focused degree that often serves as a stepping stone to a Ph.D; an MPhil in Literature or Cultural Studies helps explore interdisciplinary topics that connect literature with society, media, and history. 

Certification Courses

There are several short-term certification courses that you can add to your resume after an MA in English. 

1. Certificate in Technical Writing: For those interested in writing guides, manuals, and content related to technical fields, pursuing a Certificate in Technical Writing is a sensible choice. 

2. Creative Writing Certificate: How about honing your storytelling skills and narrative writing with a creative writing certificate? If you are interested, consider enrolling in one of these courses to learn the art of narration through words. 

3. Foreign Language Diploma: Adding a language like French or German to an MA in English degree is like a cherry on the cake, opening up an array of job opportunities in teaching, translation, and tourism.

Creative/Alternative Career Courses

If you do not want to stay restricted with traditional academic work and want to dig deeper into the world of creative writing, then these are the courses worth considering after an online MA in English:

1. Copywriting Course: If you think you have it in you to write punchy taglines and brand stories for ads and digital campaigns. Then, the best thing for you to do after an MA in English would be to pursue a Copywriting Course.

2. Social Media Strategy Certification: In the digital era, those who learn to excel in planning, creating, and managing engaging digital content for social media will go a long way. 

3. Graphic Design Diploma: It’s a deadly combination of words and graphics, providing a complete visual treat. All this can be learned by pursuing a Graphic Design Diploma. 

Also Read: MA in English Course Guide

Competitive Exams & Government Prep

If you think you are different and want to serve society and also get job stability with a respectful job, then you must pursue courses to crack the competitive exams.

1. UPSC Civil Services Exam: You can be in the top administrative roles like IAS, IFS, and IPS by preparing well to crack the UPSC Civil Services Exam after finishing your MA in English course. 

2. UGC-NET: If you feel you can do better than a school teacher and can teach college students, then first become eligible to teach as a Professor by preparing to crack the UGC-NET exam.

3. State PCS/ PSC Exam: Get the confidence to clear the State PCS or PSC exam with the right preparatory course after a Master’s in English. 

Teaching & Education

There is always a rewarding world of teaching for those who complete an MA in English. This degree equips one with skills and knowledge to inspire the next generation of learners.

1. Bachelor of Education (B.Ed): Those interested in imparting knowledge to young learners must pursue a B.Ed degree course to apply for the post of teacher. 

2. TESOL/ TEFL Certification: Enroll in this underrated certificate, which helps pave a path for you to teach English abroad or online after an MA in English degree. 

3. IELTS/ TOEFL Trainer Certification: Offered by the British Council, this type of teaching certificate helps you to become a trainer to train others to clear IELTS and TOEFL English proficiency exams. 

Also Read: MA in English vs Political Science vs Sociology

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Career Path After an MA in English

We assume you will now agree with us that the scope after an MA in English Literature is truly broad and full of possibilities. However, with numerous options available, selecting the ideal career path after earning an MA in English can seem overwhelming. Consider these factors for the right pick:

Personal Interests and Strength

Reflect on what you enjoy most; is it the research, writing, teaching, or creative work? Figure out your interest and proceed in that direction. 

Career Goals and Long-Term Vision

At the same time, consider what excites you most: corporate communication, academia, public service, or content creation. Accordingly, align your career goals with a long-term vision.

Industry Demand and Job Opportunities

Research well about the latest trends and industry demands in your area of interest, and keep track of what kind of skills are most valued for the best jobs after an MA in English. 

Salary Expectations and Financial Stability

Whether you agree or not, there is no denying that salary expectations play a vital role in deciding which career option to choose after an MA in English. Consider the income level you want to achieve and proceed accordingly. 

Scope for Higher Education and Specialization

Most importantly, the more you study, the more you specialize, and the more doors you open for a bright career. Keeping that in mind, consider pursuing a PhD or a professional certification to advance your career after earning an MA in English. 

Also Read: The Role of Career Guidance in Helping Students Achieve Their Career Goals

Wrapping Up

An MA in English is not just a qualification; it is an open invitation to explore where your love for words can take you. It works best for those who want to teach and also for those who wish to work in media or pursue government roles. What makes the difference is where you pursue an online MA degree course and learn the key skills required to become job-ready. The online Master’s in English from Sikkim Manipal University through the Online Manipal platform helps broaden your career possibilities, enabling you to learn at your own pace from the expert faculty. 

FAQs

1. What are the best career options after an MA in English?

The scope after an MA in English Literature is wide, with the following as the best career options to choose from:

• Content Writer/ Editor
• Journalist/ Media Researcher
• Translator/ Interpreter
• PR Executive
• Academic Researcher/ Lecturer

2. Can I get a government job after an MA in English?

Yes, you can get government jobs after an MA in English by preparing for exams like:

• UPSC Civil Services (IAS/ IPS/ IFS)
• SSC CGI
• State PSC Exams
• UGC NET

3. Is an MA in English a good degree for content writing or digital marketing?

Yes, an MA in English is a good degree for starting a career in content writing or digital marketing. You can be the best fit for job roles such as Social Media Content Creator, Brand Storyteller, Blogger, Digital Marketing Campaign Planner, and Content Writer.

4. What further studies can I pursue after an MA in English?

After finishing your MA in English, you can consider further studies like:

• PhD or M.Phil in English Literature
• Language Certifications (German, French, Spanish, etc.)
• Diplomas in Creative Writing, Journalism, or Film Studies

5. Can I work in the corporate sector after an MA in English?

Yes, there are plenty of MA English job opportunities in the corporate sector, such as:

• Corporate Communication Specialist
• Brand Strategist 
• Content Manager
• HR Specialist
  

6. Are there freelance opportunities for MA English graduates?

There are plenty of freelance opportunities for MA English graduates in areas like:

• Freelancer Writing/ Editing
• Translation
• Online Tutoring

7. Which industries hire MA in English graduates?

The industries that are always looking for MA in English graduates are:

• Advertising and PR Agencies
• Publishing and Media Houses
• Digital Marketing Firms
• E-Learning and EdTech Startups
• Universities and Research Institutes