The Global Relevance of an MA in English in the 21st Century
In the age of globalization, and the changing job market, having a degree in MA English becomes an advantage that opens doors to numerous job opportunities. A degree in MA English as often thought, does not limit one’s career opportunities to fields around literature only but on the contrary, an MA in English opens doors into numerous careers, crossing industries, borders, and roles. The degree holds an international significance and thus provides ample job opportunities within India and abroad.
The MA English program of the The NorthCap University, is designed uniquely to prepare students for academic excellence and professional success with an effective and innovative blend of tradition. It offers deep knowledge about world literature, different genres, historical contexts, and cultural narratives. The degree teaches students how to make critical analyses, which in turn enables them to appreciate literary pieces and their impact on society. During their two years of study, students are exposed to courses on literary criticism, Indian literature, postcolonial literature, feminist writings, and contemporary works, thus bringing a deeper understanding of different literary genres, human experiences, and global cultures.
The NorthCap University, the best private university in NCR, is one of the most suitable institutions to study an MA English programme due to its favorable learning environment and a dedicated staff. The Centre for Language Learning of NCU offers degrees in BA (Hons.) English, MA (Hons.) English and has a comprehensive PhD programme. Since NCU offers programmes that focus on academic content as well as professional development, students complete the programmes with the necessary skills required for their potential career fields. Training and placement support offered by CPAAE, the placement cell of the university, strategically guides the students to get the best placement with industry giants and leading companies. The NorthCap University ensures that the students not only gain knowledge and skills that would enable them to acquire good performance in dynamic areas but enhances the prospects of the students to have smooth transition of functional professional career. It is, therefore, the right place for anyone who is interested in being an English graduate.
English has undoubtedly set itself as the world’s language with the language dominating most of the communication needed in the modern-day business and academic world. While pursuing an MA in English, a lot of emphasis is put on the different aspects of how the English language works. This is linguistically rather attractive to employers from various sectors and levels, including international giants. With the constant expansion of OTT services and consumption of digital content most students manage to get a platform in creative areas such as novel writing, script writing, blogging etc. The corporate world also happily hires the students from MA English programs since they are proficient in communication and have business like etiquettes.
Apart from this, MA in English graduates can also easily find jobs in diplomatic and international relation sectors. Some of them are employed as cultural attachés or communication specialists because of their effective communication abilities and cultural sensitivity which are valued by the embassies, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations that are involved in the breakdown of cultural and linguistic barriers. For those who have inclination towards careers where one could use one’s analytical and cultural knowledge, opportunities in civil services and government positions are also open. There are avenues which are interesting for people who wish to enter creative and entertainment industries such as scriptwriting, film critics, and narrative design in the games. Many creative centers across the world provide a haven for gifted writers to bring their creativity to cinema, television, as well as video gaming industries.
The analytical skills that students acquire while pursuing their MA makes them employable in the business and finance sectors and they can work as business analysts, market researchers and corporate communicators. Likewise, they can also practice as legal researchers, policy analysts and public affairs specialists in the law and policy systems.
Some students also prefer to work as communication managers, marketing managers and public relations specialists. However, with the ever-rapid-evolving digital landscape, there are possibilities of becoming SEO writers, social media managers, content strategist who would be capable to churn out quality optimized content. The graduates in MA English also find a good scope in the ever-advancing field of technology and digital media and serve as UX writers. Through the adequate provision of comprehensible content, they participate in the designing of interfaces for easy use. It is for this reason that they are resourceful when it comes to the development of apps, websites, language lab software and other digital tools since they can put complex ideas in a simple manner for layman understanding. With the help of creative thinking, UX writers ensure optimal communication between people and technology.
As a result of enhanced critical thinking, analytical and communication skills, and knowledge of world literature, graduates in English stand to benefit most from the globalized society. As scholars or teachers in academia or as active contributors to business, media or technological sectors acquiring an MA in English will prove to be a fulfilling and rewarding experience that comes with a global view of literature.
Author
Dr Shrutimita Mehta
Deputy Dean-Students’ Welfare
Associate Professor
Centre for Language Learning