Hiring a creative writing degree candidate can be a great way to gain access to a diverse pool of talent, while also offering a unique insight into the world of literature. However, beyond simply providing you with fresh new talent, a creative writing degree can also do many other things for you, your career, and society. This post will discuss four such things, ranging from boosting your employability to improving your writing to inspiring future generations.
1. Better Job Prospects
A creative writing degree can greatly improve your job prospects. The fact that you are trained to approach a problem from a new angle will prove to be invaluable in today’s job market. Even if you decide not to pursue a career in writing, your degree will still provide you with transferable skills, such as critical thinking and leadership, that you can use in other aspects of life. There are many different industries in which a creative writing degree can help you land a job, including advertising, marketing, public relations, and more.
A creative writing degree can also help you become more marketable as a job applicant. While a Bachelor of Arts in English obviously provides you with a foundation in literary study, a Master of Arts in Creative Writing can further enhance your profile, especially in a field that is notoriously tough to break into, such as advertising. According to data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 80% of people who have a Bachelor’s degree in a creative writing-related field are now working in a related field, as compared to only 20% of people who did not have a Bachelor’s degree in a creative writing-related field. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the jobs that these graduates are pursuing generally require at least a Bachelor’s degree, with the exception of advertising sales representative, teacher, and public relations specialist. In these cases, having a Master’s degree has proven to be a significant advantage.
2. Better Career Choices
A creative writing degree can open up many new possibilities for your future career. While a Bachelor of Arts in English may provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to pursue a career in literature, a Master of Arts in Creative Writing can enhance your skills and further your education. Whether you decide to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing or you decide to continue on to a PhD, your degree will still provide you with a wide range of careers, many of which can be found within the field of literature.
According to data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, people who have a Bachelor’s degree in a creative writing-related field are more likely to be employed in a related field as compared to people who did not have a Bachelor’s degree in a creative writing-related field. Around 68% of those with a Bachelor’s degree in a creative writing-related field are now working in a related field as compared to only 24% of people who did not have a Bachelor’s degree in a creative writing-related field. However, having a Master’s degree in a creative writing-related field does not guarantee you will find a job in your chosen field; there are many other factors that must be taken into consideration. For instance, in order to work in public relations, you will need to have relevant experience, as well as a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in public relations. In order to find a job in advertising, you will need to have a Bachelor’s degree in advertising, as well as relevant experience. A creative writing degree can certainly open up many new opportunities for your future career, but it will not solve all your problems. It’s still up to you to pursue your studies and build your resume, so that you can shine in the job market.
3. Improved Critical Thinking
One of the most valuable things that a creative writing degree can provide you is increased critical thinking. Many people who have a degree in creative writing demonstrate an improved ability to analyze different perspectives, identify flaws in logic and reasoning, and come up with alternative solutions. This is a vital skill, especially in a world full of problems. You will undoubtedly encounter many issues throughout your life, and it’s important that you are able to think through these problems, objectively, and come up with a rational solution. You will be tested on your analytical skills during your studies, and it will be up to you to show that you can think critically, and rely on evidence rather than preconceived notions, when solving problems.
4. Inspiration
Finally, a creative writing degree can provide you with inspiration. Everyone needs inspiration, especially in today’s world, where so much is expected of us. Whether you decide to pursue a career in writing or not, your degree will still provide you with many opportunities to inspire others with your stories. When you read a book or poem that moves you, makes you think, or lifts you up, it’s important that you remember where you read it. It may inspire you to wish that you could write such wonderful literature, or it may simply inspire you to do your best, to achieve your goals, and be the best that you can be.
More and more people are discovering the great benefits of a creative writing degree, which is not surprising, considering the value of the above four points.