If you’re looking for career opportunities, you might be wondering what you can do with a creative writing degree. You might be surprised by what options are available to you. Many people think that being creative is only useful in writing novels or short stories. They believe that you can’t apply your creative writing skills in a real-world setting. As it turns out, they are wrong. There are numerous careers that you can pursue with this type of degree. Here are just a few examples of what you can do with a creative writing degree:
Journalism
One of the most popular career choices for students who are pursing a creative writing degree is journalism. If you’re interested in being a journalist, you can put your creative writing skills to work right away. You’ll be reporting on events or writing about issues that you feel passionate about. At the same time, you’ll be developing your journalistic skills and gaining experience. You’ll even have the opportunity to pitch your articles to companies or publications for extra credit. You can even start a blog and teach people about the issues that you are covering. Be sure to check out the new journalism curriculum that was launched this year by the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) and the American Advertising Federation (AAF). The curriculum explores topics such as news gathering, analysis, and presentation. It also focuses on tools and technologies that journalists should know how to use, such as Photoshop, video editing software, and online research.
Advertising
Another exciting career option that you can pursue with a creative writing degree is advertising. You’ll be working with brands and marketing campaigns to develop creative adverts, web content, and social media campaigns. It’s a great opportunity for creative writers to showcase their talents and use their skills to help businesses achieve their marketing goals. You’ll need to be confident speaking with customers and also know how to write compelling copy for ads. There is a lot of variety in the advertising department, so you’ll definitely be able to find a job that suits your skills. Be sure to explore the different specialties that the department offers, as well as the different degrees that you can pursue.
Non-Profit Management
If you’re interested in a career that uses your creative writing skills in a not-for-profit setting, you can take the non-profit management route. You’ll be working with a non-profit organization to develop grant proposals and also fundraise. Your writing skills will be put to good use, as you’ll be drafting reports and documentation for the board of directors. You’ll also be meeting with members of the public, writing event invitations, and attending events. Be sure to check out the not-for-profit management degree programs that your university offers, as well as the various internships that you can take part in. This type of job can be a great option if you want to use your creative writing skills, but don’t want to work in an agency setting.
Museum Curator
Another option that you can pursue with a creative writing degree is museum curator. You’ll be working with artifacts and displays from history. You’ll need to be experienced in handling cultural and historical objects. You’ll also need to be able to write a report about your findings. A lot of cultural institutions are looking for people with expertise in this area. Jobs are available in London, Paris, and New York City, with further positions expected to open up in 2021.
Marketing
If you’re interested in a marketing role, you can use your creative writing skills to become a great email marketer or social media marketer. You’ll be creating marketing plans and materials, and coordinating advertising campaigns on various platforms. You’ll be analyzing social media platforms, search engine optimization, and email marketing. Basically, you’ll be using your writing skills to help businesses gain customers.
Being creative doesn’t mean that you’ll only be able to utilize your skills in one industry. There are numerous examples of creative writers who’ve used their skills to land jobs in fields that they had no previous experience in. For example, playwright Luiz Bunuel studied graphic design, and went on to found the design firm, Luiz Bunuel and Associates. Since then, he’s worked with brands such as Armani and Ralph Lauren.
Film Production
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in film production, you can use your creative writing skills to become a script reader, production manager, or director. Your duties will include reading scripts, tracking down resources, and advising the writer or director on the script. You’ll also need to have good communication skills in order to work effectively with a team. If you’re looking to break into film production, now is the perfect time to do so, as there are numerous job opportunities available. However, you might need to gain some experience first. Start by taking a summer internship in a film production department, or study cinematography at a film school. Most importantly, make sure that you’re willing to learn and grow.
Public Relations
If you’re interested in public relations, you can use your creative writing skills to draft press releases, conduct interviews, and create social media content. You’ll be working with companies and brands, defending their reputation and representing their interests in various forms of media. Your PR duties will include preparing press releases and responding to media queries. You’ll need to be able to write short-to-medium-length articles, as well as create compelling pitches for major newspaper and magazine brands.
Publishing
If you’re interested in a career in publishing, you can use your creative writing skills to become an editorial assistant, website content creator, or digital strategist. Your duties will include taking raw material (such as news articles), developing it into compelling content, and promoting relevant products.
There are numerous other options that you can explore. If you have a creative writing degree and are looking for a job, be sure to take a look at the various options that your university offers. You might be surprised by what career opportunities you can pursue with this type of degree. It might not be the perfect fit for everyone, but it can open up a whole new world of possibilities.