...don't see many career opportunities. Can you go into publishing or copyediting with just an English degree? I have been told that I have a talent for writing, but I want to find a realistic career path before I decide to major in English. I don't particularly want to become an English teacher; if I ever teach anything, it'll be science or math. Should I just choose another major and write on the side?

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I'm doing english at University now and you have loads of options: Many authors study in a degree in english; most courses have creative writing options too. You can also go into publishing. And because its so open you can do anything you want; when I get a first (hopefully) it'll set me up to do a two year conversion to law :)

I know when people think English, they think no job possibilities, but they're so wrong. I majored in creative writing in college and believe it was the best decision ever. I too want to be a writer. You just need to know where to look, and you need to not limit your education to just writing stuff. You can go into publishing as an editor with only an English degree. Publishers like people who've taken both writing and literature classes. It helps to know how to write when editing. Lit classes teach you how to analyze books. Look into careers as a technical writer, a copy editor, a copy writer(this is what I'm doing freelance and loving it), speech writer, website content writer, and an editorial assistant. The key is to get as much experience in these fields before you graduate, at least a year. Employers want experience even if its only an internship. Here's what I did in order to open up more job opportunities. -majored in Creative Writing -took classes in print and media design because I've come across jobs that you have to be able to write but they also wanted you to be able to use the Adobe Suite to design company documents, newsletters, websites. This is a great idea if you want to go into magazine or newspaper writing. -got experience as an editorial assistant so I know what the job entailed -got public relations experience. Company writers sometimes have to handle writing press releases and the like, booking speakers, general assistant stuff. -teaching experience. You may not want to be a teacher, but having the skills can help you get a job in a bind while waiting for something better to come along. I've applied to teach at the college level. -KEPT MY OPTIONS OPEN. I didn't limit myself to one very specific job. This is a bad idea in a field that requires you to have so many different skills. The main thing is to major in what you want to major in. Believe it or not--and this depends on the school-- you don't have to be an English major to be a writer, though it is a good idea. In my creative writing class there were psychology majors, business majors. Some universities will let you take creative writing classes even if you're not a creative writing or English major. People in the major might get priority though. I hoped I helped. I love helping English or potential English majors. Message me if you have any more questions.

I have the same idea in mind. I'm taking English at university right now to improve my writing, and if that doesn't work out then I'm gonna travel and teach English as a second language (and write on the side) :D