English is a field of study that opens doors—to a wide variety of career choices, professional programmes, and post-graduate studies. At Redeemer, students majoring in English learn to see reading and writing from a Christian perspective that involves recognizing God’s continuing work in the world that He loves, and discovering how we can join in. English majors develop a set of skills that equip them for vocations in education, business, journalism, public relations, marketing, pastoral ministry, and many more.
Skills Developed as an English Major
- Understanding of genres, authors, periods, and critical approaches
- Writing clearly, concisely, convincingly
- Using language ethically and with spiritual wisdom
- Cultivating an aesthetic appreciation of language
- Presenting alternative points of view
- Clarifying ideas
- Making oral presentations
- Evaluating different interpretations
- Analysing written material and identifying centrally important points
- Thinking critically, independently and logically
- Editing for effective prose
- Developing the art of persuasion
- Using grammar and vocabulary correctly and creatively
- Composing copy for various occasions, audiences, purposes
Sample Fields of Work and Career Titles
| Reporter/Editor |
Freelance Indexer |
| Journalist |
Freelance Proofreader |
| Radio & TV writer |
Playwright |
| Newscaster |
Song Lyricist |
| Radio & TV commentator |
Novelist |
| Book Editor |
Scriptwriter |
| Technical Writer |
PR Officer |
| Book Publicist |
Media Relations Officer |
| Assistant Book Publisher |
Advertising |
| Writers’ Agent |
Copy Writer |
| Copy Editor |
Website Designer |
| Speechwriting |
Writer |
| Research assistant |
Policy Writer |
| Educational Sales |
Market Researcher |
| Lawyer |
Law Clerk |
| Teacher |
ESL Teacher |
| Librarian |
Translator |
A Sample of Redeemer English Majors' Career Titles
ESL Teacher, Cheonju Sogang Language Preparation, S. Korea
Reporter, Christian Courier, St. Catharines
Counsellor, Amco Employment Services
Co-Editor, Christian Courier, St. Catharines
Confirmation Officer, Toronto Dominion Securities, Toronto
Marketing Co-ordinator, Chapters Burlington
Reader Sales, Hamilton Spectator
Court Recorder, Ministry of Attorney General, Family Court, Milton
News/Features Writer, Faith Today Magazine, Markham
Indexing Consultant, Lexis-Nexis
Home Life Manager, New Horizons Youth Ministry, Marion, Indiana
Researcher, The Michael Coren Show, Burlington
Financial Advisor/Seminar Leader, Bick Financial, Ancaster
Professor of English, Niagara College, Welland
English Teacher, National Resource Center, East Asia
Advanced Managing Editor, Overseas Radio and Television, Taiwan
Community Development Worker, Mission Services, Hamilton
Foreign Language Teacher, LangCon English Schools
Communications Editor, Manulife, Waterloo
Special Education Teacher, Algoma District School Board, Sault Saint Marie
Financial Advisor, Christian Stewardship Services, Markham
Developmental Assistant, Volunteer Coordinator, Calgary Christian School
ESL Teacher, Central Quebec School Board, Chemin Saint-Louis, Sillery
Research and Development Assistant, Christian Horizons, Kitchener
Study Skills/Project Advisor, Confederation College, Thunder Bay
Communications Associate, Christian Reformed World Relief Committee
Customer Service Coordinator, Briercrest Bookstore, Caron Port, SK
Managing Editor, CARDUS Work Research Foundation, Hamilton
Teaching Assistant, University of Waterloo
English Teacher, Private Hagwon School, South Korea
Senior Library Assistant, Burlington Public Library
Digital Resources & Reference Instructor, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI
Events Planner, Toronto Tours
Web Developer, Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Mississauga
Professor of English, University of Warwick, England
Freelance, Proofreader, Writer and Book Reviewer, Waterloo
English Faculty and International Liaison Coordinator, Lambton College
Website Resources
The Word Guild
InScribe Christian Writers Fellowship
The Writers' Union of Canada
Canadian Association of Journalists
Canadian Authors Association
Professional Writers Association of Canada
Magazines Canada
Editors' Association of Canada
Association of Canadian Publishers
The Canadian Public Relations Society
Teaching English as a Second Language Canada Federation
Canadian International Development Agency Intern Program
Foreign Affairs Canada (Exchange Programs)
Culture Works
Ontario Internship Program
Associations Canada
Jeff Gaulin's Journalism Job Board
Media Job Search Canada