Writing, Publishing, and Media Careers

Career Tracks

Writing, Publishing, and Media Careers

UT English majors find careers as writers in a variety of fields, from creative writing to journalism to marketing. Majors can focus on creative writing in classes like 364, 365, 463, and 464 as they hone their craft as poets, novelists, screenwriters, or creative non-fiction writers. Literature courses in contemporary fiction (436) or poetry (459) as well as those classes that unfold the longer histories of form and genre (406, 412, 422, 424, 431), whether it’s the poetry of Milton, the novels of Jane Austen, or the early American essay help all writers grasp the rich human history written into language itself. Practical courses like Technical and Professional Writing (360), Persuasive Writing (455), or Writing for Publication (462) have also helped majors navigate the textual landscape of advertising and publishing. Scroll down to explore this exciting career and see who has gone before you in our Alumi and News sections.

THE POWER OF

An English Background

English teaches essential skills like connection, empathy, and creative thinking. Join us at our roundtable discussions where we learn exactly how English prepared these graduates for their careers.

Interviews with Alumni in Writing, Publishing, and Media Careers

From English to Singer-Songwriter: Ellie Holcomb
English alumna Ellie Holcomb (’05) is an award-winning singer and songwriter who has performed and toured solo as well as with her husband and their… Read more: From English to Singer-Songwriter: Ellie Holcomb
The Business of Creative Writing: An Interview with Mal Alder
English alumna Mal Alder (’13) sits down with Erin Cantrell (’25) to discuss her business, Alderwood Creative, and how her time at UT taught her… Read more: The Business of Creative Writing: An Interview with Mal Alder
Change in Perspective Leads to Publishing Career: An Interview with Sierra Swanson
English alumna Sierra Swanson (’20) sits down with Erin Cantrell (’25) to discuss her work in publishing in NYC and how her time at UT… Read more: Change in Perspective Leads to Publishing Career: An Interview with Sierra Swanson
English Major to Special Correspondent: Amien Essif and Finding Stories in the Chaos of Information
English Alum Amien Essif discusses how English prepared him for a career in journalism through telling human stories. Erin Cantrell: What was your career path… Read more: English Major to Special Correspondent: Amien Essif and Finding Stories in the Chaos of Information
From English Major to UT Press Director: Katie Hannah
When recently appointed University of Tennessee Press Director Katie Hannah first switched to English Literature as a major during her sophomore year at the University… Read more: From English Major to UT Press Director: Katie Hannah
English Major to Teen Vogue: Claire Dodson’s Career Path
“English is making you a better writer and making you a better person in the world that thinks critically about things.” English alum P. Claire Dodson (‘15)… Read more: English Major to Teen Vogue: Claire Dodson’s Career Path

What Alumni Say

What VP of Marketing, Christopher Moyer says about being an English major

“I use the skills and lessons that I learned in the English department all the time. I do photography one day, I do business copywriting for advertising the next day, and then I do investigative journalism about cults the day after that. All of those things have storytelling elements. Being able to think about things in more human and narrative terms has served me well in all the work that I’ve done since I graduated.”

—Christopher Moyer, VP of Marketing, Western CPE

What Songwriter and Guitarist for Breaking Benjamin Keith Wallen says about being an English major

“I’m a musician, and I write songs. You have to tell a story in a very concise, shortened manner. Lots of poetry comes into play in how you manage the words and the rhymes. All the literature and the reading I had to do really helped me formulate how I wanted to communicate through song. Just keep working to follow your dream and be persistent; that really is the great equalizer.”

—Keith Wallen, Songwriter and Guitarist for Breaking Benjamin