How to Become an English Professor: Is It the Right Career for You?

English Professor Career Video

Becoming an English professor allows you to immerse yourself in literature, language, and education. This career can be rewarding and intellectually stimulating for those passionate about the written word and eager to share their knowledge with the next generation. However, becoming an English professor requires dedication, a love for teaching and research, and a significant investment in education and professional development. In this article, we’ll explore the role of an English professor, the steps needed to pursue this career, and whether it’s the right fit for you.

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What Does an English Professor Do?

An English professor plays a crucial role in shaping students’ understanding of literature, language, and writing. They teach courses on various topics, including literature, creative writing, linguistics, composition, rhetoric, and literary theory. The responsibilities of an English professor extend beyond teaching, involving research, mentoring students, and participating in the academic community.

Teaching Responsibilities

The primary role of an English professor is to educate students on various aspects of English studies. This includes:

  • Lecturing: Professors deliver lectures on topics ranging from classic literature to contemporary works, guiding students through the complexities of literary analysis, critical thinking, and cultural contexts.
  • Assigning and Grading: They assign essays, papers, and exams and provide constructive feedback to help students improve their writing and analytical skills.
  • Facilitating Discussions: Professors lead classroom discussions where students can explore the themes, characters, and literary techniques in their study texts.
  • Encouraging Writing Development: English professors help students develop their writing abilities, from creative writing to research papers, ensuring they understand the mechanics of language, structure, and style.
  • Advising and Mentoring: Professors often mentor students on academic matters, offering guidance on their writing, career paths, and graduate school opportunities.

Research and Scholarly Activities

In addition to teaching, English professors are expected to maintain an active research agenda. This involves publishing scholarly articles, writing books, and presenting at conferences. Their research may focus on specific literary genres, historical periods, or theoretical frameworks. By contributing to the body of knowledge in their field, English professors stay current with academic trends and enhance their credibility as educators.

Service to the Academic Community

Many English professors also participate in departmental and university service, such as:

  • Curriculum Development: Professors help design course offerings and update course materials to reflect the latest research and pedagogical strategies.
  • Committee Work: Professors may serve on committees that address issues like faculty hiring, departmental policy, and academic planning.
  • Community Engagement: Some professors engage with the broader community through public lectures, outreach programs, or collaborative projects with local schools or cultural institutions.

What Is the Working Environment for an English Professor?

The working environment for an English professor can vary based on the institution, but there are common elements that shape their experience.

Academic Institutions

English professors typically work in colleges and universities, including public and private institutions. Depending on the size and focus of the institution, professors may teach various courses in small seminar rooms, lecture halls, or writing labs. They may also have access to libraries and resources to support their research and teaching.

Work Schedule

Most English professors work full-time, with a workload that includes teaching, research, and service responsibilities. The academic year typically runs from late summer or early fall to the spring, with breaks during winter holidays and summer. However, many professors use their break time to conduct research, write papers, or prepare for upcoming courses. The schedule is often flexible, with professors spending time on campus for lectures and office hours and working independently for research and grading.

Challenges and Rewards

The job of an English professor can be demanding due to the need to balance teaching, research, and administrative tasks. Grading papers and preparing for classes can be time-consuming, and professors often work long hours, especially when preparing for new courses or managing large volumes of student work. However, the rewards come from helping students develop critical thinking skills, improve their writing, and engage with meaningful texts. Professors also have the opportunity to pursue personal research interests and contribute to the broader academic community.

How Do You Become an English Professor?

Becoming an English professor generally requires a combination of advanced education, teaching experience, and scholarly achievements. The following steps outline the typical path to this career.

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree in English, literature, or a related field. Students build a solid foundation in reading, writing, and literary analysis during this time.

Pursue a Master’s or Doctorate Degree

Most colleges and universities require English professors to have a graduate degree, typically a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or a Ph.D. in English or a related field. While some institutions may hire professors with an MFA, especially for creative writing or literature-focused positions, a Ph.D. is often preferred for tenure-track positions. A doctoral program involves in-depth study in a specialized area of literature and a dissertation that contributes original research to the field.

Gain Teaching Experience

Many aspiring English professors gain teaching experience as graduate assistants during their master’s or doctoral studies. Graduate assistants often help professors with grading, lecturing, and conducting discussion sections. Some may even teach their own courses as adjunct faculty members before securing a full-time position.

Build a Strong Portfolio

A robust portfolio showcasing your scholarly work and teaching abilities is essential for job applications. This includes your research publications, a teaching statement, sample syllabi, and letters of recommendation. A strong portfolio demonstrates your field expertise and ability to teach effectively.

Network and Apply for Jobs

Networking is crucial for finding academic job opportunities. Attend educational conferences, engage with colleagues in your field, and connect with university hiring committees. Job boards, such as those from the Modern Language Association (MLA) and ChronicleVitae, regularly post openings for English professors.

Helpful Links:

What Is the Salary of an English Professor?

The salary of an English professor varies depending on factors such as the level of education, type of institution, and geographic location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for postsecondary English language and literature teachers is approximately $75,000. However, salaries can range from $40,000 to $120,000, depending on experience and tenure.

For more detailed salary information, check the BLS Postsecondary English Teacher Salary.

What Is the Labor Market for an English Professor?

The demand for English professors is closely tied to higher education trends and humanities funding. According to the BLS, employment for postsecondary teachers is projected to grow by 12% from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations. However, the availability of tenure-track positions may be limited due to budget cuts in many academic institutions, which can increase competition for these roles.

For more information, visit BLS Postsecondary Teacher Employment.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Being an English Professor?

Like any career, being an English professor has its advantages and challenges. Let’s explore some of the key pros and cons.

Pros

  • Intellectual Fulfillment: English professors have the opportunity to engage deeply with literature and ideas, fostering a lifelong passion for learning.
  • Job Stability: Tenure-track positions offer long-term job security and benefits.
  • Creative Expression: Professors, particularly those in creative writing, can continue to pursue their artistic work while teaching.
  • Impactful Work: Professors have the chance to shape the minds of young people and contribute to society’s cultural and intellectual fabric.

Cons

  • Competition: Securing a tenure-track position can be highly competitive, especially at prestigious institutions.
  • Workload: Balancing teaching, research, and administrative duties can be time-consuming and stressful.
  • Limited Pay: Salaries, especially for adjunct professors, may be lower than those of other professional roles.
  • Pressure for Publication: Professors are often expected to publish regularly, which can be demanding and time-sensitive.

What Are the Careers Related to Being an English Professor?

An English professor is well-positioned to transition into various other career paths. Here are some related jobs:

  • College and University English Teacher: Teach at the high school level, focusing on literature, writing, or grammar.
  • Writer: Write books, articles, or content for various industries, requiring strong writing and research skills.
  • Editor: Edit manuscripts, books, and articles for publication, ensuring clarity, style, and accuracy.
  • Librarian: Manage libraries, archive resources, and support research efforts in various academic or public settings.

What Types of Jobs Can an English Professor Pursue?

Beyond teaching, an English professor can pursue various roles within the academic field or in other industries. Potential positions include:

  • Department Chair: Oversee the English department, manage faculty, and set departmental policies.
  • Academic Dean: Lead academic programs and initiatives within a college or university.
  • Publishing Professional: Work with publishing houses to edit and manage manuscripts.
  • Literary Critic or Reviewer: Write reviews and critiques for magazines, websites, and other media outlets.

What Websites Are Best for Finding English Professor Jobs?

Finding an English professor job requires a strategic approach and utilizing the right resources. The following websites are great places to search for academic job listings:

How Do I Know If I Should Be an English Professor?

Deciding whether becoming an English professor is the right career path for you involves self-reflection, research, and exploration. Here are some steps to help guide you:

Take a Career Aptitude Test

A career aptitude test, such as the Free Career Fit Test™, can provide valuable insights into whether this career matches you. The Career Fit Test™ includes:

The test also provides a Holland Code, which you can compare to the typical profile for English professors. A Premium Report and Skills Map™ can further guide you in identifying your strengths and potential growth areas and creating a tailored career plan that supports your aspirations.

Conduct Informational Interviews

Engaging with current English professors through informational interviews is a great way to understand the realities of the job. Ask about their experiences, challenges, and rewards to better understand the profession.

Reflect on Your Passion for Teaching and Literature

Being an English professor requires expertise in literature and writing as well as a genuine passion for teaching and mentoring students. Reflect on your desire to inspire others, manage a classroom, and contribute to the academic community.

How Can I Learn More About a Career as an English Professor?

To gain further insight into becoming an English professor, visit the following resources:

Conclusion

Becoming an English professor is a fulfilling career for those passionate about literature, writing, and teaching. However, it requires significant dedication and academic preparation. By taking a career test like the Free Career Fit Test™, conducting informational interviews, and gaining teaching experience, you can assess whether this path aligns with your interests and strengths. Whether you pursue this career or one of its related paths, finding a role that sparks your passion and enables you to live your calling is key to a fulfilling professional life.