Moreover, those who have received a sound education in English are able to consider a remarkable variety of employment opportunities. Such fields as journalism, radio and television, advertising, public relations, technical and copywriting, printing, publishing, government, foreign service and librarianship all traditionally welcome graduates who have learned to read critically and communicate effectively. This pattern is understandable, for we live in an era when dwindling numbers of people actually master those communications skills vital to the operation of a complex society.
One often hears the short-sighted criticism of humanistic studies: "So what if English Majors know everything about Shakespeare or Emily Bronte? No employer in industry cares about that!" This cliche, like most, contains a particle of truth; yet it is a partial truth which obscures a large misconception. A potential employer is rightly unimpressed by literary name-droppers and self-styled "culture" snobs who consider it more satisfying to turn a cute phrase than a solid day's work. Conversely, an employer is often interested in what a job candidate has learned from his experiences with literature, in what great (and not so great) books have taught him or her about human values and possibilities. And the employer most certainly is concerned with how well the candidate has absorbed the disciplines of critical thinking and clear, logical communication. The wise employer knows that his or her best investment lies with the candidate displaying range and flexibility of mind, with someone who can readily learn the specific functions of a job and write coherent reports for colleagues and superiors.
To read well is to bring the world to one's fingertips; to write well is to share that experience with friends, colleagues, employers, and students. Clearly, English will remain one of the cornerstones of education and a necessity in the American marketplace.