If you’re reading this, I assume that you’re either interested in finding out more about a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing, or are currently in the process of applying for one. If you’re concerned about the future of work, read on.
The Covid-19 pandemic brought into sharp relief the precarious nature of work in the twenty-first century. Now more than ever, students are questioning whether going to graduate school for a creative writing degree is the right move for them. After all, the jobs available to them aren’t as stable as they used to be.
An MFA in Creative Writing provides you with the opportunity to delve into a creative field and apply your skills to something more stable and lucrative. That something is writing. But before we get into the nitty-gritty of what jobs you can get once you complete your program, it’s important to examine what jobs you can get with this degree in the first place.
Careers that Require No Experience
If you’re reading this, you’ve most likely considered pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing. The field is in high demand, and the jobs available to you don’t require any experience. In fact, many of the jobs that are currently available don’t even require a degree! It’s a smart move for anyone looking to change careers or simply looking for something new.
The creative writing industry isn’t going to disappear, and neither is the need for people with degrees in the field. In fact, many publishing houses have opened up their doors to employees who have a degree, and quite a few even stipulate that you must have an MFA in Creative Writing to be considered for a position.
If you’re worried about finding a job after you graduate, don’t. There are plenty of well-paying and stable jobs out there that require no previous experience. However, if you want to write professionally, you’ll need to look for jobs that offer you some experience, or at least give you the opportunity to gain some experience. Publishing houses love to hire freelancers or full-time staff who have some experience, so it’s in your best interest to look for the highest paying jobs that you can get your hands on. Once you start making some money, you can always apply for a writing position at a lower paying company or magazine.
Careers that Can Be Taught to Anyone
It’s important to note that not every job in the creative writing industry is created equal. Some are more suited for people with a specific background, while others can be taught to anyone with the right training. A Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing provides you with the tools to work in any of these fields, but it also means you’ll have to make the choice of which one you want to pursue after you graduate.
If you’re looking for a career where you can learn on the job as you go, an MFA in Creative Writing isn’t for you. While some industries, like publishing, can be very hands-on and you’ll gain a lot of experience even if you don’t end up working for a large media company, other industries, like fiction, require a lot of research and preparation. If you want to pursue a creative writing career, you need to make sure that you’re willing to put in the time and effort to learn the craft.
If you’re worried about finding a job after you graduate, don’t. There are plenty of well-paying and stable jobs out there that can be taught to anyone with the right training. However, if you want to write professionally, you’ll need to look for jobs that offer you some experience, or at least give you the opportunity to gain some experience. Once you start making some money, you can always apply for a writing position at a lower paying company or magazine.
Careers Available Only to Those Who Excel At Self-expression
If you’re looking for a job in the creative writing industry and you have a specific talent that can be expressed through writing, such as humor, creativity, or critical thinking, you have a much better chance of landing a job if you can show the world what you can do. Having an MFA in Creative Writing isn’t going to make or break your candidacy, but it certainly can’t hurt.
It’s always a good idea to attend reputable writing conferences, where you can showcase your work and meet with industry professionals who can evaluate your talent. Alternatively, you can also look for local writing competitions, where you can showcase your talent and earn some valuable experience. The only thing you need to remember is to be yourself, and don’t try to be someone you’re not. Being honest is the best policy, and being genuine will get you a long way to finding a successful career in creative writing.