A creative writing degree can open many doors for you. You will be able to pursue a career in journalism, advertising, or even literature. Many of the jobs that you will qualify for will require you to have a solid foundation in creative writing, but you will also have the opportunity to develop your skills further through any of the specializations available. In this article, we will discuss the various career pathways that a creative writing degree may open up for you.
Journalism
If you have a genuine love for words and you feel that you have an excellent writing style, then you may be a good candidate for a career in journalism. You will be required to learn basic news editing and producing, but you will also have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as documentary journalism, cultural news, or web journalism. A common entry point for journalists is either online degree programs through a content strategy institution like the Chicago Booth School of Business or a combined Bachelors in Journalism and creative writing from a prestigious university.
The good thing about a career in journalism is that you will be able to use your words to expose the wrongdoing of powerful individuals and organizations. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to travel the world and gain experience by working for national news publications. Being a journalist is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a creative writing degree, as you will have the ability to express yourself through both your written and spoken words.
Advertising
Advertising is another highly regarded career path that can be opened up to you with a creative writing degree. You will be required to learn basic copywriting and editing, but you will also have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as digital marketing, graphic design, or radio advertising. A common entry point for those who are pursuing a career in advertising is either the Bachelors in Advertising or the Bachelors in Journalism with a concentration in advertising. In terms of the latter, you will gain valuable experience that will prepare you for a career in the former.
If you have a knack for marketing and you feel that you have a good understanding of how to promote products and services, then you may be a good fit for a role in an advertising agency. In these agencies, you will usually be assigned to work on a team of copywriters and designers to produce advertisements for various companies and organizations. You will get to handle a variety of pitches and you will have the opportunity to gain experience in areas such as media buying or planning, production, and evaluation. One of the great things about being a copywriter is that you will get to creatively come up with content that will be engaging and will ultimately appeal to the consumer.
Literature
If you are a published author, then you may also be able to use your skills to land a job in literature. You will be required to learn how to write a novel or magazine article, but you will also have the opportunity to develop specialized expertise in areas such as editing, reviewing, or marketing. Many literature-related jobs require at least a bachelors degree, but some of the more prestigious roles in literature will only be open to those with a PhD. A common entry point for those pursuing a career in literature is either an MFA in creative writing or a PhD in English.
Regardless of whether you decide to go the traditional route and attend a four-year university to get your PhD or you opt for an online degree through a content strategy institution, you will have the opportunity to pursue a career in literature. You will get to develop your skills in areas such as research and critical thinking, and you will also have the chance to interact with world-class scholars and teachers. Being a literary agent is another great option, as you will get to represent authors and publishers in the negotiation of book deals and the distribution of royalties. Many large agencies have branch offices in London, so if you are looking for a career in literature, then you may want to consider applying for an internship or casual job there.
Creative Writing
Those with a creative writing degree can use their skills to write for a variety of publications. You will be required to learn various literary forms, but you will also have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as creative non-fiction, narrative non-fiction, screenplay writing, or magazine article writing. If you want to pursue a career in creative writing, then the best route is through either a Bachelors in English with a concentration in creative writing or an MFA in creative writing. In either case, you will be required to complete a significant amount of coursework in your area of specialization, but you will also have the opportunity to develop your skills further through additional specialization or by participating in creative writing workshops and reading groups. It is a very competitive field, as there are many individuals and agencies seeking talented writers who can pitch ideas and concepts to clients.
A good place to start is by looking for entry-level positions at daily newspapers, weekly magazines, or online magazines. Alternatively, you can also use various platforms like LinkedIn to find opportunities that are appropriate for your skillset.