What jobs besides fiction author could I use an English degree with specialization in creative writing for?
I've always had narrow interest revolving around fictional/fantasy ideas but I know that it's rather difficult to become successful in that area though I will try. I want to have some sort of back up plan if things don't work out for me that has at least some of my interest involved. #english #writer #creative-writing #future-careers #fiction-writing
5 answers
Lana’s Answer
My degree is in English with a minor in creative writing. I chose this based on my passions and always envisioned myself as an English professor and writing. . .what I have found to be interesting, in my career path, is that my life dictated I take a different career path. I have found that in everything I've done, from sales, to management, to event management/planning, operations.....effective and creative communication - which is my passion, the use of language, how it makes people feel, what different results I can achieve by simply altering my language...I've been able to apply that to everything I've done as a career or "just a job". I think what is important is to be conscious of your other talents and interests so that you can explore those in alternative, immediate money making, jobs/activities so that you can be fueling your passions and talents and get the satisfaction to fuel your passion of writing. As a result, by exploring other experiences, you will find topics, characters, experiences for your writing. I think the hardest thing has been, continuing to make time for writing, when I'm working my Plan B...keep the writing muscle exercised and flexible. Make sure to connect within your community with other writers and creative individuals. You CAN have both...a book while you work another career. . .you don't have to be a starving artist! :)
Scott David’s Answer
writing workshops, teaching, journalism, freelance writing, and basically anything you can imagine. The important thing is not to think of doing one thing with the degree, because life is long, and you may want to work at more than one place, but building skills that you can take to any creative job.
Todd’s Answer
If you like to write (and can write creatively), there are many lucrative employment opportunities in the following fields:
- Drafting government proposals (large or small government contractors)
- Drafting enterprise or business proposal responses (for local, national or multi-national corporations)
- Technical writing for software (high tech companies)
- Non-profit agencies (drafting proposals for grants)
Many people these days lack the ability or desire to obtain a job that requires a lot of writing (versus creating PowerPoint decks). Individuals that really like to write can apply their knowledge and expertise to proposal and/or technical writing and make a great deal of money doing this type of work.
Gloria’s Answer
Oh you do have a wonderful dream. I would say that you must absolutely give it your best shot if you are really passionate about it. And you can start now. I would say that writing is a skill that needs to be used every day. You should journal as much as a possible for your own pleasure. There are websites like https://nanowrimo.org/ where writers come together to work with and learn from each other. Like anyone trying to get started in something, you should find mentors and build a network around your skill, in this case, writing. When you do research on authors or journalists of note, you find that they found support in a community at some point early in their careers. And those communities can offer you more insight on where to take your writing to earn a living.
As to some careers where writing is important, you may want to consider jobs like English teacher, Instructional Designer (which is what I do), Marketing, Journalist, Lawyer. Each of these careers will still require for you to understand what you are passionate about. I have done my job (Instructional Design) to help people learn how to do their jobs. I have created training for the following industries: Banking, Travel and Hospitality, Technology, and others. Creating training for real world jobs can be very creative. In my job, I write scripts for videos and animation sequences. I write all of my own training courses, which are often a story in their way.
Good luck on your writing journey, wherever it may lead you.
Gloria
Mark’s Answer
Hi Carolyn,
Teaching English 101 could be possible at a local high school or JC. Also, copywriting is constantly being recommended online. That's advertising. Job Opening and Linked In will provide employment online. Best wishes.