What can you do with a Creative Writing degree?

First, some facts. Of the Creative Writing graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:

These are estimates based on AI analysis of 699 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 48%, Creative Writing graduates have a much lower likelihood (-19%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

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Also, after graduating, only 30% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Creative Writing graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

• What jobs can you get with a Creative Writing degree?
• What do Creative Writing graduates do 1, 5 or 10 years out?
• How hard is a Creative Writing degree? How long does it take?
• How much money can you make with a Creative Writing degree?
• What are the best colleges for Creative Writing?

View a random Creative Writing graduate and our analysis:

Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree. DEGREE INFO Graduated in 2023 from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Creative Writing. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION Editorial Intern DZANC BOOKS INC Sep 2023 - Nov 2023 As an Editorial Intern at DZANC BOOKS INC, the position directly utilizes creative writing skills and knowledge obtained through the Bachelor's degree, requiring specific qualifications in writing and editing on a daily basis. ABOUT As a skilled writer, I am passionate about crafting compelling stories and engaging content. As a budding writer with experience in the industry, I have honed my skills in creative and feature writing, and have a proven track record of delivering high-quality work on time and well-researched. My work has been published in Northern Michigan University's Northern Today, The Mining Journal, and Health & Happiness U.P. Magazine. I am dedicated to improving my craft and techniques in the field, and am always looking for new ways to improve. Whether it's writing articles, editorial work, or creative fiction, I am committed to delivering content that resonates with my audience and achieves the desired results. If you are looking for a talented writer who can bring your ideas to life, please feel free to connect with me.

What jobs can you get with a Creative Writing degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:

• Intern
• English Teacher
• Freelance Writer
• Writer
• Copywriter
• Administrative Assistant
• Editor
• Substitute Teacher
• Customer Service Representative
• Content Writer

The analysis of job results for individuals with degrees in Creative Writing, spread across numerous universities, reveals two notable trends: a majority of these graduates find themselves in roles that do not utilize their specialized skills, and a smaller yet significant number do manage to secure positions directly related to creative writing. The data is intriguing and illuminates the diverse paths one can take after completing such a degree.

On one side of the spectrum, a significant portion of these graduates entered roles unrelated to writing. For instance, a considerable number held positions in customer service (like baristas or sales associates), teaching (particularly as English teachers, which is relevant but leans more on general educational skills than creative writing per se), or in entirely different fields like IT support or logistics, where creative writing skills hold little to no importance. This disparity indicates that many Creative Writing degree holders find themselves needing to pivot, taking on jobs that do not align with their academic focus, whether due to necessity, availability of work, or a broader desire to explore different career avenues. Furthermore, many graduates report feeling underutilized as they transition to roles that require communication skills but not necessarily that nuanced creativity tied to writing narratives or developing characters.

However, the individuals who do align their careers with their background in Creative Writing often do so in exciting and fulfilling roles. Positions such as editors, content writers, and freelancers dominate this category. At the same time, roles involving teaching or even marketing also appear relevant as they often reach for storytelling and creative communication. Yet even within these fields, there is a notable trend – marketing and commercial writing roles, while creatively engaging, often shift the focus towards persuasive, promotional writing rather than the type of creative writing developed in a typical degree program. For those who do engage in the creative aspects of writing, having titles such as 'Writer', 'Editor', or 'Content Creator' reflects a direct application of their training, implying that engagement with the creative writing process remains vital to their sense of professional satisfaction.

In conclusion, while many Creative Writing graduates find their talents and skills underutilized in their post-college careers, there remains a respected sub-group that successfully integrates their degree into production, editing, and educational roles. This analysis highlights a crucial conversation in higher education about the applicability of creative writing skills and the need for adaptations that support a diverse spectrum of career interests. As industries continue to evolve and the job market shifts, fostering connections between individualized kind of writing education and relevant career paths can ensure that Creative Writing graduates find their place and voice in the workforce effectively.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Creative Writing graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Creative Writing graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

So, you’re looking into what career paths folks with a degree in Creative Writing tend to take after graduating. Based on the extensive array of job titles and experiences I've seen from various LinkedIn profiles, it's pretty clear that the trajectories can vary quite a bit. For many graduates, the first jobs post- graduation often involve roles that lean heavily on writing, editing, or some form of content creation. However, it doesn't take long to see that a significant number of Creative Writing graduates end up in positions that aren't directly tied to their degree. Some might start with internships or editorial roles, like editing or writing for small magazines, while others might jump straight into customer service or unrelated fields.

Fast-forward five or ten years after these graduates leave school, and it gets even more mixed. On one hand, you find a notable number making strides in writing-related careers, like working as editors, content managers, or even in literary agencies. These roles often harness their writing skills and storytelling abilities, showcasing the value of their education. On the other hand, there are many who have shifted gears entirely, taking up positions in marketing, teaching, or even administrative roles. It’s almost surprising how many end up in jobs that feel worlds apart from creative writing. For instance, several profiles indicate transitions into fields like marketing, customer service, or education, where their writing background may serve as an incidental asset rather than the primary focus.

Overall, while some Creative Writing grads find rewarding careers in fields closely aligned with their training, there's also a notable trend of taking on roles that might seem unrelated to writing at all. For prospective students, it’s both a cautionary tale and an inspiration: your degree might open doors to your passion, but it could also lead you to unexpected places. So, if you're passionate about writing, the journey could take several twists and turns before landing you right where you want to be, or perhaps somewhere totally different but fulfilling in its own right.

How hard is a Creative Writing degree?

A Bachelor degree in Creative Writing can be a pretty mixed bag when it comes to difficulty. On one hand, if you love writing and storytelling, it can feel more enjoyable than hard; you're diving into subjects like poetry, fiction, and memoir and getting inspired by cool authors. But on the flip side, it requires a lot of self-discipline, creativity, and the ability to take criticism—your peers and professors will be reading your work and giving feedback, which can be tough. So, while it might not be as hard as something like engineering, it definitely has its challenges and will push you to grow as a writer. Overall, it’s not the easiest degree out there, but if you’re passionate about writing, the journey can be worth it!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Creative Writing.

Do Creative Writing graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at the LinkedIn profiles of these Creative Writing graduates, it’s clear that their career paths vary quite a bit when it comes to income potential. Some have ended up in roles that seem to be more financially rewarding, like Managing Editors, Content Managers, or in various marketing-related positions, which generally pay well. On the other hand, several have taken on positions like library aides, tutoring jobs, or teaching roles, which traditionally don’t pay as high. That said, it really depends on the specific industries they’re in; for example, working in publishing or tech can lead to better salaries compared to academia or the nonprofit sector.

In summary, while some folks might be doing pretty well for themselves, others likely aren't raking in much dough. It’s all about finding the right fit and the willingness to hustle—whether that means pursuing freelance gigs, bouncing between jobs, or even starting their own ventures. So if you’re considering a similar path, keep in mind that your earnings can quite literally be as varied as what you choose to do with your degree!

What buzzwords do Creative Writing graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Creative Writing. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Creative Writing?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Creative Writing (ordered by the average relevance score of their Creative Writing graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College	Score	Count
University of Central Florida	58	17
Florida State University	56	15
Columbia College Chicago	54	10
University of Washington	53	11
University of California, Riverside	45	10
Southern New Hampshire University	44	26
Western Washington University	44	10
Full Sail University	21	31