So you’re thinking about getting a degree in creative writing? Or maybe you’ve been considering it for a while and are finally ready to make the leap? If so, congratulations! You’re about to embark on an incredible journey that will change the way you see the world—and the possibilities that are right around the corner for you.
Here’s a look at what a degree in creative writing could actually do for you.
More Than Meets The Eye
This is the most important thing you need to know about getting a degree in creative writing—it won’t make you just a better writer, it will make you a better person. You’ll learn so much more than you would in a traditional classroom setting, and it will continue to give you the tools to explore new ideas, concepts, and communities. Learning to write well is only the beginning; graduate studies in creative writing will arm you with the skills to interact with a diverse range of people and situations that you might encounter in your everyday life.
For example, if you’re looking for a way to become a better listener, consider pursuing a degree in creative writing. Your studies will equip you with the tools to explore human nature from a unique perspective, and you’ll come away with a far greater understanding of what makes us tick. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “A man’s education finally ends when he stops learning and starts believing.” A greater understanding of human nature can only lead to greater compassion, and greater compassion often results in great art.
Pursue Your Passions
Another important factor to consider about getting a degree in creative writing is that it will give you the freedom to pursue your passions. It’s no secret that teaching assistant jobs don’t exactly come with a bucket load of money, so consider what you might do if you didn’t have to worry about your finances. Why should you be limited to one subject matter area or to teaching only children? Why not take a degree in creative writing and then go on to become a full-time fashion writer, an in-demand non-fiction author, or even a novelist? All of these things are possible, and more, with a degree in creative writing under your belt.
The opportunities are endless, and the best thing is that you don’t have to limit yourself to one genre or style. If you have a specific style that you feel most comfortable writing in, such as the “literary fiction” that many of your professors may be asking you to explore, then by all means, go for it! Just make sure that you inform your choice of subject matter with your professors or tutors as soon as possible, so that they can be sure to have a range of materials available to stimulate your creative mind.
More Than Meets The Eye 2
Even if you aren’t particularly interested in being a writer, or if you’ve never written a word before, getting a degree in creative writing will still change your life for the better. What many people don’t realize is that studying literature and linguistics at a university can actually open up a whole new world of opportunities for you. Many of the jobs that you’re likely to encounter will require you to regularly write papers, give presentations, and perhaps even to teach as well. So, even if you initially pursue a career in journalism or media, you’ll soon find that your studies will equip you with the required skills and make you a far more attractive proposition to many different industries.
An Education To Fit Your Needs
An important factor to consider about getting a degree in creative writing is that it can be tailored to fit your needs. This is extremely important, especially if you’re looking for a career change or a way to make a living. With the increasing number of unemployed graduates, it is becoming more and more difficult to find a job that you believe will suit you. As we’ve established, a degree in creative writing can only lead to so many possibilities; in some cases, you may decide that a second degree or a post-graduate diploma is necessary to give you the best chance of securing employment. In other cases, you may decide that a first degree is sufficient to land you the job you want, and that no further education is necessary.
A Chance To Self-expression
Not only will getting a degree in creative writing allow you to explore a range of topics and gain valuable job skills, it will give you a chance to be creative and self-expressive. Everyone needs a creative outlet, and with so much pressure to succeed in today’s world, it can be difficult to find the time to be creative. A degree in creative writing can provide you with the opportunity to explore your creative side and see what emerges. Remember: you aren’t only creating for an audience of 1 or 2, you’re also creating for yourself, so the pressure is a little different—more like a creative self-doubt that you must overcome. Don’t be afraid to experiment and fail, in fact, try and fail frequently, it’s how you learn best! Failing is part of the process, you can’t learn anything if you don’t allow yourself to be challenged. The more you put yourself out there, the greater the possibility of making something valuable.
More Than Meets The Eye 3
There is so much more that we could tell you about how a degree in creative writing can change your life for the better, but this article is already becoming rather lengthy, so we’ll leave it there for now. Suffice it to say that we hope this article will convince you to pursue a degree in creative writing. Why? Because we believe that it’s an incredibly underutilized degree with many valuable applications, some of which we’ve discussed here, and because we want to see more people stand on the shoulders of giants and achieve great things.