Gaining a good command of the English language can benefit students in the future. There are many positions today that require sound written and spoken language ability as an essential skill. In school, we learn many of these skills in language arts or English classes. For students, it is important to invest the study time in these courses as they can pay off with rewarding careers in writing, media and publishing.

News Analyst

News analysts read and interpret the facts as received, and present their own stories to the public. To work in this field, you usually need a degree in journalism. Sometimes, an employer will consider English or other liberal arts degrees. You need to possess excellent speech and language skills to work as a news analyst, and you must know how to speak in front of a television camera. Students often acquire speaking skills in language arts lessons through reciting texts and speeches in class. Mastering these skills in school can help with a future career as a news analyst. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for 2010-2011, jobs in this sector are becoming increasingly competitive.

Librarian

Working as a librarian will use many skills taught in language arts classes. One of the key elements of a librarian’s job is organization. Librarians need to know how to arrange materials so the public can locate needed sources. They help people search out facts and answers to questions, and generally know where to look for needed information. Language arts lessons can help students develop organizational skills through report writing, which requires gathering of information, locating sources and organizing material into a cohesive report. These are useful skills for a librarian. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects librarian positions to increase from 2008-2018 due to retirement.

Writers

Writers rely heavily on many of the skills learned in their language arts classes. Professional writers must have a good command of grammar, spelling and punctuation. Fiction writers must know how to create stories that will hold the interest of their readers. A good vocabulary and the ability to create and organize a story are essential. Non-fiction writers must also have good grammar skills. They must also know how to take information and create an article or story that their readers will understand and enjoy.

Secretary

Secretaries rely on good language skills for their jobs. Among these are spelling, punctuation and grammar. Many secretaries write letters on behalf of their superiors or even their company. Their letter-writing skills need to be of an excellent quality because what they send out is a reflection on their employer. Some secretaries also take dictation and compose text based on spoken words. Good listening and interpretive skills are essential for this part of the job.