In this Guide
Learn the many ways you can extend your classroom experience to the real world.
- Take English courses to learn key concepts associated with literary analysis and interpretation, while also developing academic and research skills, and exploring other programs of interest.
- Learn about co-op - apply at the end of your first year.
- Explore the option to combine your degree with a diploma in Writing for Film, Television and Games at the Vancouver Film School.
- Review undergraduate program requirements and program roadmaps for more information on English courses.
- Attend the Fall Meet the Profs event and get to know your professors.
- Attend the Undergraduate English and Film Symposium.
- Live in the Film & Media Residence Learning Community to extend opportunities for learning and development beyond the classroom.
- Enhance your academic experience at Laurier through professional one-on-one, online and peer-to-peer resources available through Academic Advising and Support.
- Explore a variety of critical approaches by taking varied courses and ensure you are meeting your category requirements.
- Take courses in writing, literary theory, British literary tradition, contemporary American, Canadian Literature and world literatures, and genres, special topics or authors as you refine your conceptual, reading and writing skills.
- Take classes in creative writing taught by award-winning writers of fiction and poetry and consider the Creative Writing concentration.
- Engage with visiting writers-in-residence.
- Consider registering in a course with a community service-learning component to apply your learning outside of the classroom.
- If you’re thinking about applying to graduate school, talk with your professors and visit the Career Centre.
- Complete seminar courses in specialized topics to build reading, analytical, writing, research, presentation and communication skills.
- Learn about Research and Instructional Assistantship opportunities in English.
- Consider a special invitation for high-achieving students to complete one course in the English master’s program.
- If you’re applying to graduate school, sign up for a scholarship proposal writing workshop and book a further education application appointment.
As an English student, you can:
- Apply to work as a student tutor with Writing Services.
- Join student clubs such as the English Students’ Association (ESA), Arts Undergraduate Society or Laurier Creative Writing Society and build leadership skills through joining an executive team.
- Join Laurier Students for Literacy and make a positive impact in the community.
- Get involved with the English & Film student groups.
- Participate in the English and Film Studies Symposium.
- Become an editor or other staff member for the Laurier Undergraduate Journal of the Arts (LUJA).
- Get involved with WLU Student Publications writer for The Cord or the yearbook.
- Take advantage of the Edna Staebler Writer-in-Residence Program and refine your writing skills through events, lectures, workshops and one-on-one meetings with established authors.
- Consider a student representative position on the department or faculty committee or with the Library Council.
Outside of your program, there are many co-curricular opportunities for you to participate in.
- Check out the Experience Catalogue for a full list of co-curricular experiences that are currently offered across campus.
- Volunteer with the Students’ Union (e.g., Laurier Orientation, Hawk Walk, EcoHawks, Food Bank, Emergency Response Team, Shinerama).
- Volunteer on campus with the Accessible Learning, Global Engagement, Sustainability Office, Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, WLU Student Publications and more.
- Get involved in the local community by volunteering off campus.
- Apply for on-campus jobs:
- Check Navigator frequently for job postings or contact individual departments directly.
- Search for job opportunities on the Students’ Union website.
- If you meet eligibility criteria, apply for the Laurier Work Study Program or International Student Work Experience Program.
- Attend Job Fairs to network with employers.
- Explore ways to get involved in research.
- Look into StartUp Lab opportunities for support in launching a new venture.
Job/Volunteer Search Tips
- While on-campus opportunities are posted year-round, recruitment often starts early! Start looking in the winter term for opportunities in the following academic year.
- Have your resumé and LinkedIn profile reviewed by Career Centre staff for both on and off-campus opportunities.
- Laurier offers a variety of co-curricular certificates that you can complete during your studies. Earn certificates in topics including academic development, professional development, wellness, leadership and career development.
- Participate in workshops, programming and events offered by the Career Centre, Gendered and Sexual Violence Prevention and Support, Laurier Library, the Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and more.
- Engage in the First-Year Leadership Program including Campus Councils and House Council and the Leadership Certificate.
- Connect with Global Engagement to learn about international options available to you including opportunities abroad and language and culture sharing programs.
Design Your Degree
These are a few popular academic opportunities which allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge. See undergraduate options, minors and courses for more information.
Develop Your Knowledge and Skills
As a Laurier student, you will develop the following competencies through your curricular and co-curricular experiences.
Competency Framework
Competencies are categories of transferrable skills that appear on your online Experience Record to help you reflect on what you've learned from your experiences. The competencies include:
- Adaptability and Resiliency
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Communication
- Creativity and Innovation
- Critical Thinking
- Digital Literacy
- Diversity and Intercultural Understanding
- Functional Knowledge
- Leadership
- Problem Solving
- Professional Attributes
- Self-Awareness
Functional Knowledge
The functional knowledge you will develop in your program will help you:
- Analyze, interpret, structure and edit written materials and information in print and digital formats and develop your critical thinking, reading, and writing skills in preparation for working in a globally connected world.
- Learn the practice of effective communication and other keys to professional success in careers as diverse as education, law, politics, and public relations.
- Understand social, cultural, and political perspectives on literature and the act of writing in a range of genres and historical periods by a wide selection of authors.
- Achieve a more advanced understanding of texts by both canonical and non-canonical authors, and their wider cultural and historical contexts, contribute to class discussions, and work with instructors to develop your writing and research skills.
Discover Career Options
All your experiences at Laurier can help you prepare for your future. Attend Career Centre events and workshops or book a career consulting appointment to explore career and further education options.
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Pursuing Further Education
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Employed
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Other
30 English (Waterloo) respondents from the 2024 Laurier Graduate Survey conducted by the Career Centre. Graduates were surveyed within 12 months of graduation. Other includes those travelling, volunteering or out of the workforce.
Alumni Careers and Pathways
Sample Further Education Programs Within the First Year After Graduation
- Master’s Degree – English and Film Studies, Child Study and Education
- Bachelor’s Degree – Education
- College Program – Human Resources, Paralegal, Public Relations
Sample Jobs Within the First Year After Graduation
- archival assistant
- bookstore owner
- business analyst
- executive assistant
- insurance broker
- marketing coordinator
- project coordinator
- writing services coordinator
Careers Of Alumni Two to Five Years After Graduation
- college instructor
- copywriter
- director of marketing communications
- education coordinator
- information officer
- senior policy advisor
- teacher
- web content specialist
Career Options and Resources
Need some guidance on what you can do with your degree? Discover some career options and find resources to help guide you.
Career and Industry Options
- advertising/marketing
- business/corporate communications
- counselling/social work
- digital media/social media
- education/teaching
- entertainment/film
- event planning
- government
- human resources
- journalism/media
- law/legal field
- library/archives/museum
- non-profit/advocacy
- public relations
- technology
- writing/publishing
Your Experiences Tell Your Story
Share your story through your Laurier Experience Record. An interactive, shareable and official record of your hands-on experiences and learning opportunities at Laurier – the first of its kind in Canada!
Share Your Feedback
We'd love to hear from you. Complete the Laurier Experience Guide Feedback Survey to share your thoughts.