Storytelling is no longer limited to dusty old books or classroom lectures. Today, whether you binge-watch a hit series on Netflix, scroll through a powerful social-media video, or read a gripping blog post on your phone — you’re witnessing a new kind of storytelling or the modern storytelling. In this transformed world, graduates of English degrees are rising as the quiet architects behind many of the stories that move us.
People like George Kay — the mind behind Netflix shows such as Lupin and Criminal — show how strong writing and storytelling skills can shape global hits. Similarly, creators with deep roots in writing and narrative structure are turning novels, social themes, and even everyday experiences into stories that reach millions around the world.
This shift gives a fresh new significance to a BA (Hons) English or MA English degree today. What once might have been viewed as a path for ‘book lovers and academics’ is now opening doors to media houses, OTT platforms, digital content studios, and creative writing domains.
With that context in mind — let’s explore how English grads are turning their studies into storytelling superpowers.
Why an English Degree Matters for Modern Storytelling
At the heart of every compelling story is a person, a conflict, an arc — and someone skilled enough to shape it. An English honours or MA in English degree doesn’t just teach you literature, it trains you to read between the lines, spot narrative patterns, analyse character motivations, structure arguments and edit for clarity. Those skills map directly to today’s storytelling jobs.
Whether it’s scripting a 10-episode series, crafting a brand campaign or writing user-friendly dialogue for a product, the ability to think in story, shape language and edit ruthlessly gives English grads an edge. That’s why a bachelor’s degree in English (and then perhaps an MA opens doors far beyond classrooms and dissertations.
Modern Storytelling Careers for English Graduates
Here are some of the most exciting paths English graduates are taking:
- Scriptwriter / OTT writer: With binge-worthy series dominating entertainment, there’s real demand for writers who understand story structure and character arcs.
- Content & Copywriter: Brands need storytellers to craft persuasive and memorable messages. English grads excel in voice, tone and clarity.
- UX / Product Writer: Every app button, error message and onboarding flow is part of a story. English graduates make that story human and user-friendly.
- Editor / Proofreader / Sub-editor: Before a story reaches an audience, someone must shape it. English grads bring the polish.
- Journalist / Features Writer: Longer non-fiction storytelling still matters — explaining issues, telling human stories, weaving narratives.
- Publishing / Literary Agent / Rights & Acquisitions: For those who love books, there’s a place curating, selecting and selling stories.
- Content Strategist / Story Architect: Stories no longer live in one format. They span video, social, podcasts — English graduates help stitch them together.
- Teacher/Researcher: Teaching English or literature, or conducting research in narrative culture, remains a meaningful path.
What Employers Want
If you want to succeed in these roles, here’s what to focus on:
- A strong sense of narrative (what happens, who cares and why).
- Sharp editing skills and an eye for brevity.
- Familiarity with formats: screenplay structure for film/OTT; micro-copy for apps; SEO-driven content for digital.
- Ability to work with cross-functional teams (writers’ rooms, product teams, marketing).
- Research and cultural literacy (stories in India are not the same as stories elsewhere).
- Comfort with digital tools (content management, version control, analytics).
Real-World Examples: English Grads in Action
- In the OTT world, writers often start with short stories or essays, then adapt their narrative skills to episodic scripts. What’s required is the same skill set: characters, conflict, and pacing.
- In product and UX teams, English grads take complex flows and turn them into human-friendly language, reducing user frustration and increasing engagement.
- In content strategy roles, they go beyond writing to map a story across video, blog, social, podcast — making sure the brand voice stays consistent.
- In publishing, they curate stories, handle acquisitions, adapt classics, and bring in new voices that speak to modern audiences.
Education Routes & How to Upskill
Here is the path associated with modern storytelling that you can follow:
- Start with a BA (Hons) English. At Shoolini University, the Chitrakoot School of Liberal Arts offers an interdisciplinary learning environment where English naturally blends with subjects such as film, media, psychology, philosophy, and communication. This helps students build strong narrative skills and an understanding of various creative formats.
- Progress to an MA in English, or a specialist diploma in film scriptwriting, UX writing or digital storytelling.
- Build a portfolio: write a short script, a blog post, a micro-copy set for an app. Show you can adapt.
- Take short courses: screenplay format, UX writing, content strategy.
- Network: Join writers’ rooms, freelance for small teams, collaborate on indie films, and contribute to blogs.
Salary & Market Snapshot
Storytelling roles come with wide variation. Entry-level content or copywriter roles might pay modestly, but digital, UX and OTT roles can scale quickly as you gain experience and build a niche. The key is getting that first solid portfolio piece and making the jump from general writing to a specific storytelling niche.
Study at Shoolini University
Shoolini University is one of the best Liberal Arts colleges in India, located in the beautiful Himalayan region. The campus offers a vibrant learning space where students receive quality education and build strong career opportunities.
Ranked No. 1 Private University in India by QS World University Rankings, Shoolini provides a modern curriculum designed to prepare students for the future. The Chitrakoot School of Liberal Arts takes a holistic approach. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs in subjects such as English, Psychology, History, Political Science, and Yoga.
Future-Ready Curriculum
Today’s employers value creativity, critical thinking, and communication. The Bachelor of Liberal Arts program at Shoolini helps students build these essential skills. The university follows the NEP (New Education Policy), allowing students to choose subjects outside their main discipline. This flexibility helps them explore different interests and receive a well-rounded education.
Shoolini Literature Festival: From Ruskin Bond to Imtiaz Ali
A major highlight of the Liberal Arts program is the annual Shoolini Literature Festival, which started as a virtual event during the pandemic. The festival brings together well-known writers, filmmakers and artists from around the world. Past guests include filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, folk icon Ila Arun, lyricist Irshad Kamil, actors Rajit Kapur, Kanwaljit Singh, Shruti Seth, Shernaz Patel, and beloved author Ruskin Bond.
Expert Faculty and Global Exposure
Shoolini has highly qualified faculty from top institutions like Oxford, Delhi University, Panjab University, and ISB. Students also get opportunities for international exchange programs, visiting countries such as China, South Korea, Taiwan and Italy, often on scholarships. This global exposure helps them understand different cultures and gain a wider perspective.
Industry Interaction and Celebrity Sessions
Students regularly learn from industry leaders, authors and well-known personalities through events and guest sessions. Programs like ‘Ideas that Matter’ and the ‘Yogananda Guru Series’ bring inspiring speakers to campus and offer valuable insights.
Final Thoughts
If you studied English, you already hold a powerful tool: the ability to craft stories, shape words and connect with people. Modern storytelling is everywhere — apps, screens, brands, classrooms — and the demand for skilled narrators is only growing. So if you’re ready to move beyond the page, join Shoolini and build a lucrative career as an English graduate now.
Sources:
