Radek, what jobs can you get with a Creative Writing Degree? I’m wondering, what can I do with a Creative Writing Degree?
Most people who major in creative writing do so because they want to work as full-time writers. And while some people can write for 12 hours a day, this practice doesn’t always pay the bills. So, many creative writing majors find jobs in other fields in order to support themselves, while continuing to write in their off time, in hopes that this writing will one day support them.
Many creative writing graduates find work in other types of writing, such as: journalism, technical writing, Internet writing, or copywriting. Others find work in editing and publishing. Many of these writers are self-employed (freelancers). And of course, there are a few creative writing majors who do go on to become rich and famous creative writers, and you could be one of them!
Some creative writing majors earn an income through freelance teaching. They hold writing workshops in schools, community centers, camps, adult education programs, assisted living facilities, and even correctional facilities. Some creative writing degree holders become high school English or ESL teachers, though this may require extra coursework and certification. You would need significant publications and/or a graduate degree in order to teach creative writing at the college level.
Some creative writing majors go into marketing or advertising. Creative writing majors are usually skilled communicators, and this helps them to be more employable. For more information, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
My major goal in pursuing a degree in Creative Writing was to better my craft as a poet. When considering a degree in Creative Writing, ask yourself what you want from such a degree and what your expectations are. Do you have funding to enter such a program if your goal is solely to better your writing? Do you want to edit? Publish your work? Teach others how to write? All these things are possible; some may require further study. Ask other Creative Writing graduates how realistic your expectations are. Then follow your dream with all the resources you can muster.
—Cynthia Brackett-Vincent, Publisher/Editor, the Aurorean
Careers you can get with a degree in creative writing include:
- Copyeditor
- Copywriter
- Creative Writer (author, novelist, poet, playwright, etc.)
- Editor
- Internet Writer
- Journalist
- Literary Agent
- Publisher
- Reporter
- Songwriter
- Teacher
- Technical Writer
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