If you’re reading this, I assume you’re either considering an MFA in creative writing or have one already.
It’s a common question: what should I do after getting an MFA in creative writing?
And the answer is: it depends on you.
Some people choose to teach. Some people choose to write. Some people choose to both. And it’s perfectly valid to do whatever you want.
This article isn’t intended to be a comprehensive guide to what you should or shouldn’t do after getting an MFA in creative writing. Instead, it’s more of a starting point for your own research.
Teaching
If you’re interested in teaching, you shouldn’t have any problems finding a job right away. Colleges and universities typically see an increase in applicants every year, and the demand for creative writing teachers is growing.
The thing to keep in mind though is that the demand for teachers only increases while the supply stays the same. This means that you’ll most likely have to go through a process of applying for several different teaching positions before you find one that fits you.
Writing
If you’re interested in writing, you’ll most likely have a few different options available to you. You can do either traditional or digital publishing. If you’re looking for a more traditional publishing route, you might want to consider looking into an MFA in technical writing or editing. You could also try your hand at fiction or non-fiction writing. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, you could combine all of these elements into one novel!
The important thing to keep in mind though is that regardless of which route you choose, you’ll most likely have to dedicate at least a year of your life to just learning how to write. So don’t expect to just jump into the deep end and start churning out literary masterpieces.
Teaching and writing
If you’re interested in both teaching and writing, you might want to consider an MPhil. An MPhil is a joint degree between a university and a teaching institution that is designed to give you the best of both worlds. While you’ll gain the knowledge and understanding you need to be an effective teacher, you’ll also get the opportunity to continue your studies and develop your craft.
As with any other field, jobs in creative writing are going to vary, depending on what kind of work you want to do. But if you want to write for publication, you should consider looking into publishing houses that offer developmental editing or proofreading. If you want to become a teacher, you could try for a TEFL certificate or an MFA in education. And if you want to be a literary agent, you’ll need to get an MBA and a license.[/fusion_column][/fusion_runner]
So, which option sounds best to you?