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way to pay the big bills, but is something you can always do to bring in extra money and build a portfolio. Plus, you get to write about things that interest you and market your own voice.

9)Tutoring- A decent way to make money on the side without actually being a teacher. Have to be patient and care about the subject matter and generally want to help people learn.

10)P.R.- Doing public relations requires writing press releases, knowing a lot about the organization you represent, and liking people. English majors who are also people persons with a flair for the dramatic might be well suited here.

What I didn't know when I graduated college, or even grad school, was that the key to getting these jobs I wanted was experience and a portfolio. But how to get experience if no one would give me a job with it? The answer has been to do the work anywayfor literary magazines, for nonprofits, to find ways to get the experience now, even if it's nonpaying. Just keep taking steps forward. If you love to write, write. If you love to read, read. If you love to talk about ideas, talk about ideas.

And, like I say in my Web 2.0 philosophy, the best way to move forward is to start creating the things you want to see, to do, to be a part of. Look for ways to join the world and be open. And if you truly love literature, or writing, or both, trust that love and what is means about your potential value to the world. This world needs those who love literature and language in more ways than it knows.

Learn more about this author, Nina Alvarez.
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