🌷🍃 What can you do with a degree in English Philology and English Studies?

🌷🌿 This interview is made possible thanks to the kindness and generosity of Marija Petravičiūtė, who graciously agreed to share her story and experiences with our community.

🌷🌿 As a lovely reminder of where every journey begins to take shape, Marija’s BA thesis was titled “A Passion for the North: Art and Memory in Jane Urquhart’s The Underpainter,” and her MA thesis was titled “The Art of Mourning: Verbal Pentimento in Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch.”

🌷🌿We hope Marija’s story gives reassurance that unexpected opportunities can lead somewhere valuable to those preparing to graduate next year, those just beginning to think about their future, and those considering joining our community.

🌿 Welcome—and enjoy the interview! 🌿

🌷🌿1. What did your path look like from graduation to your current job? How many different jobs have you held along the way?

Since obtaining my bachelor’s and master’s degrees and before entering the Lithuanian job market, I decided to travel for a while. This decision eventually and quite unexpectedly led to me living in Mexico City, Mexico, for almost five years. As I did not speak Spanish at the time, my options were somewhat limited. Nevertheless, I managed to secure my first job there at a financial institution, which was quite a significant departure from my background in philology. Eventually, much to my own surprise—and one of many surprises since moving to Mexico—I found myself working at a branch of a Lithuanian company specialising in the IoT sector. I later requested a transfer back to my home country and now continue to work here in Lithuania.

🌷🌿2. Which specific competencies gained during your studies are most useful in your current work?

I would probably have to say analytical thinking and communication skills. While studying English Philology and English Studies, I specialised in literature. However, among the many things I learned as a student was that the two fields—literature and linguistics—are, of course, closely interconnected. Both have equipped me with skills that enable me to approach tasks at work with a high level of attention to detail. Using language as a powerful tool, I try to navigate professional relationships and explain complex concepts in my daily tasks.

🌷🌿3. What skills are most valued in today’s job market? What should graduates have “in their backpack” when entering the workforce?

I would say curiosity and the ability to learn and adapt quickly. Today’s world is changing rapidly, particularly with the growing influence of AI. One has to be able to learn, adapt, and make effective use of modern tools while maintaining a strong work ethic and a sense of integrity—qualities that I believe a “machine” cannot replace. One must, of course, get the job done, but adding a human touch has, in my experience, always been a significant advantage.

🌷🌿4. Did you need to learn new things after graduation to adapt to the demands of the job market?

Certainly. While working in different fields, such as finance and IoT, I had to learn new concepts and processes, which could be challenging at times. I believe what helped me most was understanding that everything has its own “language”. Once you grasp this idea and get to the core of what you are learning, things become much easier with time.

🌷🌿5. What has been your biggest professional challenge so far, and how did you overcome it?

I do not believe I have overcome this challenge yet. I value and appreciate everything I have learned and accomplished along the way; however, I often catch myself wondering: what else is out there? What else could I learn and where could I be most valuable in today’s job market? Routine is an inseparable part of life, but I am glad that I have always remained curious and willing to learn, as I never know what opportunities might come my way.

🌷🌿6. Do you have any advice for current students who are just starting to think about their career paths?

One of the most important things I have learned is that life can surprise you in many ways—and that is the beauty of it. I would suggest that, regardless of the field you specialise in, you should not approach it or your potential future with a narrow mindset. One of the great things about the Department of English Philology is that, alongside teaching you highly specialised subjects, it also encourages you to remain open to knowledge and to the world around you. The education we receive is not limited to our chosen field. The skills we develop along the way can be applied to a wide range of areas, so never close yourself off to new possibilities and always take the time to consider what else might be out there.

🌷🌿7. In your opinion, what are some of the “invisible” benefits of studying English Philology that only become clear once you start working?

Critical thinking, critical thinking, and once again, critical thinking! I obviously appreciated the encouragement to think critically while studying, but I believe I truly understood its value once I entered the workforce and, more importantly, as I grew older. It is important to stay curious, question the world around you, and look for answers. Some questions may never be fully answered, but isn’t the search for those answers the best part of it all?

🌷🌿Thank you, Marija, for sharing your story! 🌿🌷