My research to discover a suitable entry-level position was based on a clear description of my major in English and a job located in any part of Georgia. Another focus for this assignment was to select jobs that interested me and grabbed my attention. Since I would not be looking nationally or globally it helped me narrow my opportunities and I made sure to google jobs that are entry-level for English majors, however, when I wrote the specifics of being bilingual, it made the search engine only catch onto the keywords of ‘English major.’ With that being said, the keywords availed my job searching significantly and I was able to find various jobs. Opportunities that I found were AI Content Writer, Legal Assistant/Paralegal, Editorial Assistant, Research Associate, and Proposal Writer I. The websites I used were Indeed, Handshake, and Monster. The website where I found the most jobs was Indeed, but I did spend my time focusing on other job sites to ensure a picture of my opportunities.

Based on the jobs I listed, the qualifications required having a bachelor’s degree in English or just a bachelor’s degree without the specific requirement of an English degree. Other prominent qualifications for most jobs involved strong writing skills, grammar skills, computer proficiency, and previous job experience. Analyzing the qualifications demonstrates the significance of being accountable which includes being able to balance a heavy workload and having a constant ability to develop efficiently. In other words, being prepared is essential to take on the qualifications. Additionally, more qualifications that I saw were being able to type, having previous experience as an editor, and having a GPA of 3.3 or better, which is preferred for the Legal assistant/Paralegal. The qualifications are reasonable because, with an English degree, they align with the work we develop during our undergraduate years. 

A few more qualifications were: 

• Fluent in English (AI Content Writer)
• Strong research and fact-checking skills to ensure accuracy (Research Associate)
• Consistently meet deadlines (Proposal Writer I)
• 1-2 years of experience (Editorial Assistant)
• Multitask and prioritize multiple concurrent work requirements (Proposal Writer I)

The responsibilities were the most thought-provoking factor that I discovered since they allowed me to visualize the specific roles I would undertake. For the AI content writer, the responsibilities were to come up with diverse conversations over a range of topics and research and fact-check AI responses. AI has become a controversy for the potential negative impact it can create but it was surprising to see how engrossing the responsibilities are. Other responsibilities I noticed were proofreading legal documents for the Legal assistant position, updating Primary Care websites on Medscape for the Editorial position, editing peers’ work as necessary for the Research Associate, and the Proposal Writer 1 required gathering information for writing deliverables. The variety of roles that I can take on with my degree is notable to mention as it demonstrates continuous learning.

Most of the positions require proficiency in several software expectations, including Microsoft Word Proficiency, use of spreadsheets/Excel, prior Macintosh computer experience, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications, and familiarity with generative artificial intelligence tools. The generative artificial intelligence use is to be utilized as a tool to develop content ideas. Most software expectations align with my anticipated requirements and are not an issue to continue learning about since they are essential to succeed in many professions. Furthermore, a few other software expectations include proficiency in Google Suite, which involves Google Mail, Google Docs, and Google Drive. A common software expectation is being experienced with Microsoft Word and proficiency in keyboarding.

Employers for the jobs include:

• AI Content Writer: DataAnnotation
• Legal Assistant/Paralegal: Marci R Rosenberg, P.C.
• Editorial Assistant: WebMD
• Research Associate: Glass Lewis
• Proposal Writer 1: VSolvit LLC

The specific abilities that these employers are looking for are copy editing for the AI content writer, strong interpersonal skills and writing skills for the Legal Assistant position, and being detail-oriented for the Editorial Assistant. Strong communication skills are what most jobs are looking for when hiring. The editorial assistant additionally focuses on enthusiasm for new projects, the ability to work collaboratively with a variety of people, and project management aptitude. The Research Associate position involved a longer list of specific abilities, including quickly synthesizing new information and applying it to unique sceneries, working effectively under tight and overlapping deadlines, and having strong analytical skills. The Proposal Writer I prefer a strong ability to learn IT professional services nomenclature and a positive attitude with a strong desire for professional growth.

I currently work at a library, where the majority part of my work involves assisting patrons with computer issues, specifically with Microsoft Word and Excel. My experience with multiple software expectations is present which will be in my resume. I plan on using references from my workplace to add to my list of documents and a CV, which will provide more details about the courses I have taken. Courses that will be included are Grant and Proposal Writing, Business Writing, and Interdisciplinary Seminar, which will demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively, writing, and strong analytical abilities. In addition to these courses, I will also show the work I have done for the classes which include the collaborative grant project I worked on with my group and papers that demonstrate analytical skills based on academic research. Balancing work and school has allowed me to develop multiple skills that align with the multifarious requirements of most jobs.

Regarding years of experience, I will continue to work on building my resume and making connections to create more opportunities. One thing I can work on is a Microsoft certification and aiming to familiarize myself more with Google Suite. Another thing is working on a paralegal internship which will help me get hands-on experience with skills that include strong interpersonal skills. Additionally, I need to organize the documents that I want to demonstrate and plan on gaining experience as a freelance writer. One thing that freelance writers do is write blogs which is an area I can work on to improve my writing and software expectations. To strengthen my profile, I need to create multimedia presentations that will showcase my skills and demonstrate professional experience.

When it came to searching for entry-level jobs, it provided a realistic view of what positions are available for recent graduates. I learned the importance of preparing documents for employers and building more work experience. Without experience, it will be difficult to show employers your character which is why I will be working on my CV and improving my soft skills. Unsurprisingly, the fact that most jobs are pursuing those with multiple software experiences is realistic. Doing this research was intriguing and I believe that it helped me tremendously to identify what I need to work on. I learned the importance of doing more to build my resume and what I need to prepare. What I want to do next is pursue a paralegal work field by becoming certified and stepping out of my comfort zone. Additionally, I want to improve my typing skills, as I’m currently at an average level, and improve my proficiency in Spanish, where I also consider myself average. I am feeling relieved that I did research on multiple entry-level jobs and that I was familiar with various topics. In the beginning, it did feel overwhelming to see that most jobs are looking for people with experience. My lack of experience can be a disadvantage which is why I am motivated to continue learning skills or concepts I have never heard of or done

Sources: 

1. AI Content Writer  (Indeed took off the job)

2. Legal Assistant/Paralegal

3. editorial assistant

4. Research associate

5. Proposal writer i.