I've been stumbling through websites and other blogs dedicated to directing English majors in the right, well, some, direction after they graduate. One of the websites I visited today laid out some skills and abilities that I should leave college with. Or, should be able to leave with if I participated well enough throughout college.

Ability to organize thoughts, ideas and materials.

Ability to analyze texts and interpret their meaning.

Ability to argue positions effectively.

Ability to analyze the written word.

Ability to write in an articulate manner.

Ability to research and explain the results.

Working knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.

Ability to be a creative thinker.

Ability to critically observe the world around them.

Ability to effectively communicate by listening to and questioning data.

I'm going to challenge myself to prove each and everyone of these. 


What Ten Things Can You Do With an English Degree?