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How do you choose which path to take after finishing your B.A.?
I'm currently in my senior year of a Bachelor's degree in Performing Arts (creative writing minor). I've always wanted to do lots of different jobs and I'm still not sure about what I want to do after graduating! I'm thinking of becoming a writer (screenwriter, poet, songwriter). Maybe I should pursue my studies with a Master's degree but to be honest, I'm getting bored of theoretical courses. I'm still young for my grade (19) and I find it stressful to make decisions that will affect my future. I'm afraid I'll regret them later.
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Updated
Candace’s Answer
Michelle's answer provided lots of information and referrals for further studies. I want to add that practicing writing is something you can do now and should do regularly. If you want to pursue screenwriting you'll benefit from having a portfolio of screenplays you've written that demonstrate your storytelling ability and command of the screenwriting format and structure. Three scripts are a good start with more added regularly so that you have five or six, more is better. Each script you will improve and learn from so the first couple of scripts will eventually be replaced. You also will benefit from participating in a writers' group. Start or join one now while you are in college so you have like-minded people who will brainstorm and give you feedback. As you gain more experience seek groups with more experienced writers. Being in a writers' group is part of being a professional writer. Even OSCAR-winning screenwriters continue participating in writers' groups because they need feedback on their work before it goes on to be shopped to a producer or studio.
I also recommend that before you're done with college connect with filmmaking students and seek opportunities for you to write short films that they produce. Your college friends are the foundation for your future screenwriting opportunities. As your peers move up the ladder in filmmaking they will be great resources for support and opportunities for you.
Given the prevalence of Zoom opportunities, I also suggest you not limit yourself to Atlanta or even Georgia. There are screenwriting groups, conferences, courses, consultations and workshops that are virtual. For example, I run a writers' group that that has someone in Washington D.C., another in San Fransisco, one in Los Angeles and one in my hometown. I'm in another writers' group where several are from London and one is in Dubai. My writing partner is in the UK. The more writers you connect with around the world, the greater your opportunities for creative collaborations and opportunities.
Here's my list of writing resources:
-Roadmap Writers
-Stage 32
-Willamette Writers
-Pilar Alessandra
-Raindance
I also recommend that before you're done with college connect with filmmaking students and seek opportunities for you to write short films that they produce. Your college friends are the foundation for your future screenwriting opportunities. As your peers move up the ladder in filmmaking they will be great resources for support and opportunities for you.
Given the prevalence of Zoom opportunities, I also suggest you not limit yourself to Atlanta or even Georgia. There are screenwriting groups, conferences, courses, consultations and workshops that are virtual. For example, I run a writers' group that that has someone in Washington D.C., another in San Fransisco, one in Los Angeles and one in my hometown. I'm in another writers' group where several are from London and one is in Dubai. My writing partner is in the UK. The more writers you connect with around the world, the greater your opportunities for creative collaborations and opportunities.
Here's my list of writing resources:
-Roadmap Writers
-Stage 32
-Willamette Writers
-Pilar Alessandra
-Raindance
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Leane !
You have already embarked upon such an exciting study and I am happy to share some advice with you !
Since you are currently undecided as to what you want to do next, perhaps your thought about going for a Masters Degree would be a fine idea. I wouldn't worry about your future since you are already on the right path and college brings you in close contact with connections in the field you'd like to work in. You can start now, even before graduation, with writing (more) screenplays, poetry, songs. I bet you have had to do projects in college and already have a body of work. It's never too early to start submitting your writing to markets.
Obtain a subscription to Writer Magazine. This will show you which markets are accepting screenplays, poetry and any other types of writing. Check out the website Atlanta Film Society to submit screenplays, too. Facebook also has a page for Atlanta Screenwriters as well. I have left a link for these below to get you started. Sounds very exciting !
If you go for your Masters Degree, I would suggest that you consider going to a different college from where you receive your Bachelors degree. You will have new professors that have a fresh outlook on you and your work. Masters in Creative Writing are offered at Georgia State University, College of the Arts. Also at Georgia College and State University College of Arts and Sciences and Reinhardt University. Go to their websites and read the different majors and programs and choose which one you like the best. Go for orientations at the schools, also.
We have all been in the position to wonder about our futures. It's only natural. We want the best for ourselves. But I advise not to worry too much because worry only serves to hold us back, creating barriers and stoppages that never help us move forward. I can reassure you that writing is such a wonderfully versatile profession, with many markets and you bring your own unique style and creativity to your work with your own special message for the world to hear. Be determined. The trip there is always a sporadic and surprising one and the journey is a process that I hope you will enjoy and forget about worrying. Any of the creative fields must be approached with confidence, intent and tenacity and I think you have that.
For publishing your music, I have left a link below for a list of music publishers in Atlanta. My advice is never pay a publisher to publish or produce your music. Become familiar with your genre's music community and familiarize yourself with the local market, network and obtain contacts. Consult with your college's music department about this also.
Most of all, never ever give up. You have already built a strong foundation so you are taking the right steps. Always reach out for advice and stick with your plans. You will touch many people with your performance writing and I wish you all the very best ! You are on your way to a most satisfying career !
WRITER MAGAZINE https://www.writermag.com/
ATLANTA FILM SOCIETY https://www.atlantafilmsociety.org/page-to-stage
ATLANTA SCREENWRITERS GROUP ON FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/groups/atlsg/
MUSIC PUBLISHERS IN ATLANTA GEORGIA https://www.superpages.com/atlanta-ga/music-publishers-distribution
You have already embarked upon such an exciting study and I am happy to share some advice with you !
Since you are currently undecided as to what you want to do next, perhaps your thought about going for a Masters Degree would be a fine idea. I wouldn't worry about your future since you are already on the right path and college brings you in close contact with connections in the field you'd like to work in. You can start now, even before graduation, with writing (more) screenplays, poetry, songs. I bet you have had to do projects in college and already have a body of work. It's never too early to start submitting your writing to markets.
Obtain a subscription to Writer Magazine. This will show you which markets are accepting screenplays, poetry and any other types of writing. Check out the website Atlanta Film Society to submit screenplays, too. Facebook also has a page for Atlanta Screenwriters as well. I have left a link for these below to get you started. Sounds very exciting !
If you go for your Masters Degree, I would suggest that you consider going to a different college from where you receive your Bachelors degree. You will have new professors that have a fresh outlook on you and your work. Masters in Creative Writing are offered at Georgia State University, College of the Arts. Also at Georgia College and State University College of Arts and Sciences and Reinhardt University. Go to their websites and read the different majors and programs and choose which one you like the best. Go for orientations at the schools, also.
We have all been in the position to wonder about our futures. It's only natural. We want the best for ourselves. But I advise not to worry too much because worry only serves to hold us back, creating barriers and stoppages that never help us move forward. I can reassure you that writing is such a wonderfully versatile profession, with many markets and you bring your own unique style and creativity to your work with your own special message for the world to hear. Be determined. The trip there is always a sporadic and surprising one and the journey is a process that I hope you will enjoy and forget about worrying. Any of the creative fields must be approached with confidence, intent and tenacity and I think you have that.
For publishing your music, I have left a link below for a list of music publishers in Atlanta. My advice is never pay a publisher to publish or produce your music. Become familiar with your genre's music community and familiarize yourself with the local market, network and obtain contacts. Consult with your college's music department about this also.
Most of all, never ever give up. You have already built a strong foundation so you are taking the right steps. Always reach out for advice and stick with your plans. You will touch many people with your performance writing and I wish you all the very best ! You are on your way to a most satisfying career !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Kayla’s Answer
Hi Leane! Congratulations on finishing with your degree, that is a big accomplishment. I graduated in May 2023 and definitely felt uncertain, it feels scary choosing just 1 path and feeling like you need to stick to it. My best piece of advice would be to try and apply for something that offers a rotational aspect, or a job where you would be working across different areas in the company. Doing something that will give you a lot of experience allows you to see what fits best, what you hate, what you like, and everything in-between. If you cannot find something like this, try going for a job that allows movement. You can ask in the interview "when was the last time someone in this position was promoted or moved", "what areas would I be working in", "how does this role tie into the greater company", or things like that to really get a sense of what you would be doing and if it gives you the opportunity to experience everything. Pursuing a passion project on the side is a good way to figure out what you are passionate about and what you can eventually work towards once you have your feet under you. Good luck, you got this!
Kim Bauerlein
Talent Acquisition - Candidate Sourcing/Identification
12
Answers
Updated
Kim’s Answer
It's completely normal to feel uncertain about your career path, especially as you near graduation. Pursuing a career in writing is a great option with your background in creative writing. It's important to remember that there are many different paths you can take as a writer, such as screenwriting, poetry, and songwriting.
If you're feeling burnt out from theoretical courses, you may want to consider taking a break from academia and exploring other options. You can always come back to pursue a Master's degree later on if you feel it's necessary for your career goals.
In the meantime, consider taking on freelance writing projects or internships to gain experience and build your portfolio. Networking with other writers and professionals in the industry can also be helpful in finding job opportunities.
It's understandable to feel stressed about making decisions that will affect your future, but remember that it's okay to change your mind and try different things. Your career journey is not set in stone and you have the power to make changes along the way. Trust yourself and your abilities, and don't be afraid to take risks and pursue your passions.
If you're feeling burnt out from theoretical courses, you may want to consider taking a break from academia and exploring other options. You can always come back to pursue a Master's degree later on if you feel it's necessary for your career goals.
In the meantime, consider taking on freelance writing projects or internships to gain experience and build your portfolio. Networking with other writers and professionals in the industry can also be helpful in finding job opportunities.
It's understandable to feel stressed about making decisions that will affect your future, but remember that it's okay to change your mind and try different things. Your career journey is not set in stone and you have the power to make changes along the way. Trust yourself and your abilities, and don't be afraid to take risks and pursue your passions.
Updated
Ariana’s Answer
After I graduated from Uni, I realized I didn't really know what I wanted to do either. I'd like to point out that as a graduate, it is very different to get an internship or some kind of job in the industry. Internships are for university students so make sure to get one while you still can. It also depends on what you want to do after, will you be staying in America or going back to France?
One thing I like to do is to make a career bucket list. Write down everything you are interested in pursuing and one by one knock them off your list. It can be as little as volunteer in that department to realize if you want to pursue it or not. Volunteering comes in handy because not only do you learn if you want to pursue something but you learn skills, make connections, and it's not an actual job where if you realize you don't like it, you won't be stuck in it. And in volunteering you don't need to actually have experience in that field, you can just learn as you go along.
As for the masters, it also depends on what you want to pursue. For me, I thought getting a masters wasn't for me because I think the theoretical, history classes were pointless. I'm going to school for something I won't even remember which wasn't interesting but then I found this masters program for television that only has classes on writing for television. It's in Glasgow Caledonian University. The masters program is Television Fiction Writing. I don't know if you'll be interested in that one but that's an option. You can also search for masters programs around the world and try to find one you like.
Anyway, good luck on your endeavors!!! 19 is still young! so don't worry about it. Everything that is meant for you, will find its way to you. Just don't give, and keep believing in yourself. Practice your craft. :D
One thing I like to do is to make a career bucket list. Write down everything you are interested in pursuing and one by one knock them off your list. It can be as little as volunteer in that department to realize if you want to pursue it or not. Volunteering comes in handy because not only do you learn if you want to pursue something but you learn skills, make connections, and it's not an actual job where if you realize you don't like it, you won't be stuck in it. And in volunteering you don't need to actually have experience in that field, you can just learn as you go along.
As for the masters, it also depends on what you want to pursue. For me, I thought getting a masters wasn't for me because I think the theoretical, history classes were pointless. I'm going to school for something I won't even remember which wasn't interesting but then I found this masters program for television that only has classes on writing for television. It's in Glasgow Caledonian University. The masters program is Television Fiction Writing. I don't know if you'll be interested in that one but that's an option. You can also search for masters programs around the world and try to find one you like.
Anyway, good luck on your endeavors!!! 19 is still young! so don't worry about it. Everything that is meant for you, will find its way to you. Just don't give, and keep believing in yourself. Practice your craft. :D
Larry Siegel
Government Liaison, Non-profit fundraising, Non-profit operation
30
Answers
Updated
Larry’s Answer
Leane -- just about any direction you take once you graduate is a good direction. You will gain experience in life and in life's decisions while you are young. The obvious fact is that you need an income or the financial means to pursue further studies. Many successful writers have attended graduate programs at universities which specialize in writing skills, such as the Iowa Writer's Workshop at the University of Iowa.
Success with your writing may come quickly if you are fortunate and talented. More likely it will be a years-long effort of trial and error before you gain some level of recognition. This is why you must find a source of income such as a service or office job that will sustain you while you are seeking writing success.
Self-publishing and self-promotion thorough YouTube and Instagram are a growing means for gaining a following for your writing. This is not an easy route, but neither is the process of gaining acceptance from publishers and publications.
I wish you every success as you embark on your new life.
Success with your writing may come quickly if you are fortunate and talented. More likely it will be a years-long effort of trial and error before you gain some level of recognition. This is why you must find a source of income such as a service or office job that will sustain you while you are seeking writing success.
Self-publishing and self-promotion thorough YouTube and Instagram are a growing means for gaining a following for your writing. This is not an easy route, but neither is the process of gaining acceptance from publishers and publications.
I wish you every success as you embark on your new life.
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
A Masters Degree can be costly. If you are getting one to further a plan/goal, it can be beneficial. If you are aiming to get one simply in hopes you can find a job with it, you might be in for a tough time.
Find a few people that do the work you think you want to do and ask them to chat. Buy them coffee and seek to learn as much as you can. You might find a Masters Degree is necessary or you might find that networking is far more important (who you know vs what you know).
Find a few people that do the work you think you want to do and ask them to chat. Buy them coffee and seek to learn as much as you can. You might find a Masters Degree is necessary or you might find that networking is far more important (who you know vs what you know).
Updated
Nat’s Answer
Not one but you can should decide WHAT you want to do. Otherwise you will go down a misguided path.
Don’t “think” anymore. WRITE. Write a screenplay and another and another and you will be a screenwriter. A job does not “validate” you as a screenwriter - that is something else. Write Poetry and another and another and you will be a Poet! A job does not “validate” you as a poet - that is something else. Write songs and more songs and you will be a songwriter! A job does not “validate” you as a songwriter - that is something else. Okay, I think you get it. You’re on this rock for so many years. What do you want to do? YOU answer that. Good luck.
Don’t “think” anymore. WRITE. Write a screenplay and another and another and you will be a screenwriter. A job does not “validate” you as a screenwriter - that is something else. Write Poetry and another and another and you will be a Poet! A job does not “validate” you as a poet - that is something else. Write songs and more songs and you will be a songwriter! A job does not “validate” you as a songwriter - that is something else. Okay, I think you get it. You’re on this rock for so many years. What do you want to do? YOU answer that. Good luck.
Hi Nat, I agree that making art qualifies one as an artist, but the learner's question is not answered. Can you give some guidance on how Leana can find the path?
Sharyn Grose, Admin
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