Have you always dreamed about being able to write creatively and have your work be recognized? Have you ever thought about what it would be like to follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest storytellers of all time? If you answered ‘yes’ to either of these questions, then you have come to the right place! We will let you in on the secrets of how to become a creative writer so that you can start building your portfolio and begin gaining experience. Below we will discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing a college degree in creative writing, so that you can better understand which path to follow.
Advantages
There are many advantages to obtaining a higher degree in creative writing. Not only will you be able to call yourself a ‘writer’, but you will also be able to land yourself a prestigious job in the field. With more and more individuals turning to digital writing platforms, being able to draft concise, professional narratives has become far more important than ever before. Having a degree in creative writing will put you ahead of the competition, regardless of whether you decide to pursue a career in publishing or screenwriting.
If you are an aspiring novelist, being able to write a book that draws in and keeps the reader interested is the key to achieving your goal. Whether you decide to self-publish or seek out a traditional publishing house, having a degree in creative writing will give you the edge you need to succeed. If you decide that the world of digital marketing is the direction you wish to take your career, being able to write concise, engaging narratives for digital platforms such as blog posts or social media campaigns is an invaluable skill to possess.
The sky is the limit when it comes to the different jobs you can take on once you graduate. You may decide to seek out an agent who represents writers or work for a literary agency as a publicist. Or, if you have the talent and the right degree, you may decide to become a professional writer and work for a literary magazine or for a prominent blog. Whatever your end goal, having an artistic soul and a love for writing will take you far.
Disadvantages
There are several disadvantages to pursuing a degree in creative writing. While it is great to be able to call yourself a writer, being able to write creatively can still be quite the challenge. Whether you are seeking to become a professional writer or are simply looking to put your creative spin on your college blog, being able to write what you want without editing or worrying about grammar can be a real obstacle. Of course, if you do happen to be a perfectionist, then a degree in creative writing can be quite the challenge, especially when you consider that you will likely have to write an extensive application essay about yourself to even stand a chance of being accepted to college.
Another disadvantage is that there are simply not that many jobs out there for creative writers. Sure, you can always find work as a copywriter or editorial assistant if you are lucky enough to find a niche for yourself, but that does not mean there will always be work for you. You have a better chance of finding a job as a stockbroker than you do as a creative writer. Of course, the above-mentioned jobs may require a specific degree, so while you may not need a degree to be a stockbroker, you most certainly need a degree to become a successful one.
Should you decide that a traditional publishing route is not for you, then you will need to find alternative ways to get your work out into the world. If you have a substantial amount of freelance work, then you may consider pursuing an online journalism degree so that you can start building up your portfolio. Once you establish yourself as a competent writer, you can pitch your journalistic pieces to different publications or media houses.
Being a creative writer comes with many advantages. From the ability to put your creative spin on a book to the endless possibilities for jobs once you graduate. However, like most things in life, there are disadvantages to this as well. One of the biggest disadvantages is that the job market for creative writers is quite small. So, while you may be able to call yourself a writer, you will most definitely have to put in the effort to find your name in print. Good luck out there.