What Can You Do With a Creative Writing Degree?

Deciding to major in creative writing can be a daunting decision, as many start wondering, "What can you do with a creative writing degree?". While most think of becoming a writer, the career opportunities are endless. You don't need to be an expert in writing; passion is all it takes. During your studies, you will learn the skills that can turn your initial scramble into a professional masterpiece that many industries will want to have.

Come along as we discover what exactly a creative writing degree is and the careers you can pursue with this major. Knowing what opportunities await is crucial for making informed decisions about your future professional path!

What is a Creative Writing Degree?

A creative writing degree is designed to help you become better at writing and specialize in various areas, whether writing fiction, non-fiction, poetry, playwriting, screenwriting, or other forms of creative texts. Offered mostly at bachelor's and master's levels, this degree equips students with creativity and writing skills while also fostering an understanding of what makes a text appealing to the eye of the reader. In addition, students pursuing a creative writing degree learn how to keep their writing clear, concise, and to the point.

The MA/MFA in Creative Writing at OLLU combines a rich tapestry of literature courses and creative writing workshops. Some of the courses offered include:

• Literature and Discourse
• Scholarship/Bibliography and Research Methods
• The Writer and the Writer's Work
• Literary Translation
• Teaching Composition, Literature, and Creative Writing

What Can You Do With a Creative Writing Degree

As a graduate with a creative writing major, you can explore various potential careers. Though the nature of jobs can vary, the skills gained during your studies will help you thrive in whichever career you pursue. From becoming a journalist to a copywriter or editor, a degree in creative writing will secure your spot in the job market, offering competitive salaries and a spiritually fulfilling journey. 

1. Literary agent

One potential career you can pursue is that of a literary agent. These professionals act as mediators between authors and publishing houses. They ensure the work presented by the author meets the required standard to make a sale. A creative writing degree will equip you with an understanding of the writing craft, creative insight, editorial skills, and industry knowledge to ensure better outcomes. 

2. Journalist

A creative writing degree can also lead to a career in journalism, equipping graduates with a unique set of skills necessary in the field. As a journalist, you need to have a point of view, conduct thorough research, be relevant, and be able to tell a story. A creative writing major fosters a versatile writing style, skills for in-depth investigation, and an understanding of narrative techniques, all of which will help you stand out in this highly competitive field. 

3. Marketing coordinator

Marketing coordinators are responsible for creating marketing content for social media and campaigns. Proficiency in creative writing enables them to craft captivating stories to promote brands. Hence, a degree in creative writing is particularly useful in creating different ads and messages that capture people's attention and motivate them to purchase a product or service. Furthermore, with the ability to write engagingly, they can establish direct and authentic connections with customers, thereby increasing the effectiveness of ads and ultimately helping sell more products or services.

4. Librarian

Librarians are in charge of all the materials in a library. They manage all content, including books, magazines, and computers available for those interested. A creative writing degree can uniquely contribute to a career as a librarian, specifically through the enhancement of communication and storytelling abilities. As a result, librarians can engage more deeply with their communities, promote library services more effectively, and foster a richer cultural environment within their library.

5. Copywriter

Copywriting is an exciting career that involves writing content for advertising to promote products in the marketing industry. Those who work in this field have the opportunity to work with different clients and help them create remarkable ads that achieve their vision. A creative writing degree can benefit this career, as it fosters imaginative thinking and storytelling skills. In addition, copywriters must possess persuasive, creative, and original writing skills, all of which can be developed through this major.

6. Editor

With a creative writing degree, you can easily take the role of an editor, reviewing and enhancing written work. The primary purpose of an editor is to ensure that the written content is clear, engaging, and error-free. They check the grammar and sentence structure and ensure that the writing style and purpose are appropriate. A background in creative writing allows editors to use words creatively, tell compelling stories, and connect with readers. 

7. Web content manager

A web content manager is a marketing expert who oversees all the content published on a specific brand or company's website. This includes infographics, blogs, and videos. They are responsible for ensuring the website's content is engaging, creative, and optimized for search engine optimization (SEO) to reach a wider audience. The skills acquired through a creative writing major are essential for managing web content, as they help in creating compelling materials that attract readers while also meeting SEO standards.

8. Professor

You may choose to bestow your skills in creative writing to others by becoming a professor. Creative writing professors are experienced professionals who teach classes and workshops to help students develop their passion for writing. They ensure that students learn, grow, and master the art of writing.

9. Creative director

A creative director leads and guides creative teams across various projects like advertisements, movies, or games. They need to have an exceptional creative flair to generate groundbreaking ideas, as well as strong leadership skills to help their team bring those ideas to life. Skills acquired through a creative writing program, such as the ability to craft unique narratives and collaborate effectively, are highly valuable for this role. 

10. Proofreader

Similar to an editor, a proofreader provides the finishing touches to a text. Their job involves meticulously examining written content to spot and correct grammatical and spelling errors while ensuring proper sentence structure. Their attention to detail and mastery of language, skills often refined through a creative writing degree, make them highly effective in their role.

Benefits of a Creative Writing Degree

Obtaining a creative writing degree comes with a range of advantages and positive outcomes, both professionally and personally. Here are several key benefits:

• Enhanced writing skills: You'll develop an understanding of narrative structure, storytelling, and genres, adapting your writing to various audiences.
• Digital literacy and multimedia skills: You'll delve into the captivating world of multimedia, becoming an expert in content creation.
• Improved communication skills: This degree will hone your abilities to express your ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Professional opportunities: You will become qualified for various careers in writing, editing, publishing, content creation, marketing, and more.
• Personal growth and fulfillment: With this degree, you embark on a journey of self-discovery, building skills like confidence, resilience, and discipline as you learn to accept constructive criticism and meet deadlines. 

Challenges and Other Considerations

While obtaining a creative writing degree offers numerous benefits, it also presents certain challenges. Firstly, securing a job directly in the writing field can prove challenging, and initial pay rates may be modest. Moreover, the process of receiving feedback and revising one's work can be demanding, requiring a resilient mindset. Additionally, the writing industry is highly competitive, necessitating extra effort to distinguish oneself. It's important to keep in mind that initially, you may need to explore non-writing roles to supplement your income as you gradually establish your writing career. Balancing financial stability with pursuing your writing passion can be a delicate yet rewarding endeavor.

Is a Creative Writing Degree Worth It?

You may wonder whether pursuing a creative writing degree is worthwhile. While it's true that securing writing jobs can be challenging and initially may not offer high salaries, the outlook for writers and authors is promising. Projections indicate a four percent increase in employment opportunities for writers and authors over the next decade, with median annual salaries reaching $73,150. Beyond financial considerations, pursuing this degree can offer profound personal fulfillment and growth, particularly for those passionate about writing. Additionally, it can open doors to various careers in writing, publishing, and other related fields as businesses actively seek talented writers. Ultimately, whether or not to pursue a creative writing degree depends on your personal values and career goals.

The Bottom Line

The value of majoring in creative writing is often underestimated. While it is commonly believed that a creative writing degree is only useful for producing excellent authors, there are many other opportunities to explore. Despite the challenges, a degree in creative writing provides numerous benefits and opportunities for success. Those with a passion for storytelling can pursue fulfilling careers as journalists, marketing coordinators, creative directors, copywriters, and editors, all of which offer a satisfying experience and financial stability.

Check out the MA/MFA in Creative Writing at OLLU for more insight into the creative writing degree and start your journey of self-expression and artistic growth!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is creative writing a good major?

Creative writing can be a fulfilling major for those passionate about storytelling and literature, offering diverse career paths.

Does creative writing pay well?

Salaries in creative writing vary widely; while some writers do well, others may find it challenging to secure high-paying roles initially.

Is creative writing a hard degree?

Creative writing degrees can be demanding, requiring a significant amount of personal creativity, discipline, and dedication to craft and critique.

What is the highest-paying writing career?

Writer producing is among the highest-paying writing careers, with experienced professionals often earning competitive salaries up to around $80,000 per year.