What can you do with a English: Creative Writing degree?

First, some facts. Of the English: 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 56 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Bad. Overall, with an average relevance score of 46%, English: Creative Writing graduates have a substantially lower likelihood (-21%) 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.

×

Also, after graduating, 43% 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 you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a English: Creative Writing graduate.

See the details:

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

View a random English: Creative Writing graduate and our analysis:

Relevance score: 85% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree. DEGREE INFO Graduated in 2012 from University of Kansas with a Bachelors Degree in English; Creative Writing. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION Content Writer Red Nova Labs 2012 - 2013 As a Content Writer, this position directly utilizes writing skills central to the Bachelor's degree in English; Creative Writing, requiring substantial application of knowledge from the degree. Research Assistant Global Recruiters Network (GRN) 2013 - 2014 The role of Research Assistant may involve some writing and communication skills, but it is more focused on research methodologies which are not core qualifications of the English degree. Server Merchants Pub & Plate Sep 2013 - Jun 2015 Working as a Server does not involve the use of writing or literary skills from the Bachelor's degree, focusing instead on customer service and food service tasks. Writer; Communications Intern Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO) Jan 2015 - Jun 2015 As a Writer and Communications Intern, this position requires significant writing skills and knowledge relevant to the English degree, making it highly applicable. Content Manager Big 6 Media Jun 2015 - Oct 2015 The position of Content Manager involves overseeing content creation, utilizing writing and literary skills derived from the Bachelor's in English, making it entirely relevant. Writer; Contributing Editor Equality Underground Apr 2015 - Dec 2015 As a Writer and Contributing Editor, this job relies heavily on writing and editing skills, which are direct applications of knowledge gained from the English degree. Communications Specialist Kansas Center for Economic Growth Nov 2015 - Sep 2017 The role of Communications Specialist requires strong writing and communication skills, applying the core qualifications of the English degree on a daily basis. Project Manager Kansas Center for Economic Growth Dec 2016 - Oct 2017 Project Management at the Kansas Center for Economic Growth might involve communication strategies, but it is not specifically focused on writing or literature, yielding a moderate relevance. Communications Manager The Homecomers with Sarah Smarsh May 2019 - Oct 2019 As a Communications Manager, this position entails significant writing and narrative skills, directly relevant to the knowledge acquired in the English degree. Advisory Committee Member Our Story - The Hub for American Narratives Feb 2020 - Sep 2020 Being an Advisory Committee Member may involve some communication skills, but does not significantly utilize the specific knowledge from the English degree. Editorial Strategy Manager Roosevelt Institute Aug 2017 - Jun 2018 The role of Editorial Strategy Manager requires extensive writing and strategic communication skills, reflecting a clear application of the English degree. Deputy Director of Editorial and Digital Strategy Roosevelt Institute Jun 2018 - Mar 2019 As Deputy Director of Editorial and Digital Strategy, the position necessitates strong writing and editorial skills which are closely tied to the English degree qualifications. Director of Communications Roosevelt Institute Mar 2019 - Feb 2020 The job as Director of Communications entails a robust use of writing and communication strategies, integrating the specific knowledge from the English degree. Managing Director of Communications Roosevelt Institute Feb 2020 - Sep 2020 As Managing Director of Communications, this role heavily emphasizes writing and communication skills that are direct applications of the English degree. Co-Chair of the Black Women Best Working Group Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls (CCBWG) Dec 2021 - May 2022 Co-Chair of the Black Women Best Working Group involves some communication skills, but does not center around the core qualifications of writing or literature from the degree. Communications Consultant Liberation in a Generation Oct 2020 - Apr 2021 As a Communications Consultant, writing and strategic communication are essential elements of the job, closely aligning with the skills developed in the English degree. Communications Director Liberation in a Generation Apr 2021 - Sep 2022 In the role of Communications Director, writing and communications are core requirements, applying the skills and knowledge from the English degree extensively. #HeedUs4Justice Series Editor Next City May 2021 - Sep 2022 The position of Series Editor requires strong editing and writing competencies, directly connected to the skills obtained from the degree in English. Contributing Writer Kansas Reflector Nov 2023 - Jun 2024 As a Contributing Writer, this position heavily utilizes writing skills and literary knowledge, making it entirely relevant to the English degree. Founder KBComms Oct 2020 - Present Founding KBComms involves writing and strategic communication, which are core skills honed through the English degree, establishing strong relevance. Founder BLUF Editorial Co. Aug 2022 - Present As Founder of BLUF Editorial Co., this role requires high-level writing and editorial skills, directly reflecting the individuals Bachelors degree in English. Director of Narrative and Communications Strategy Justice Speaks Strategies Jun 2024 - Present The role of Director of Narrative and Communications Strategy encompasses extensive writing and storytelling skills, making it highly relevant to the English degree. ABOUT As an editor and writer, I offer communications support, narrative strategy development, and editorial services through my consultation company, BLUF Editorial Co. My work is rooted in frameworks that center Black women and philosophies that honor the bodymind. I co-lead on #BlackWomenBest, and you can follow me on Twitter at @kendrabozarth.

What jobs can you get with a English: Creative Writing degree?

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

• English Teacher
• Barista
• Freelance Writer
• Marketing Coordinator
• Teaching Internship Field Experience
• Substitute Teacher
• Editor
• Team Member
• Content Writer
• Sr. Program Associate

When analyzing the career paths of individuals who graduated with a degree in English: Creative Writing, it's clear that the jobs they pursued vary significantly in relevance to their academic training. Many of these roles fall into two broad categories: those that directly apply writing and analytical skills and those that do not utilize the specific competencies learned during their studies. Among graduates, teaching positions—especially as English teachers—seem to be the most directly relevant. Many graduates took on roles as teachers or professors, where they could apply their understanding of literature, writing pedagogy, and creative expression effectively. For instance, roles such as English Teacher or Professor of English are quintessential examples where the skills obtained from their degree are put to use daily.

On the flip side, a good number of graduates ended up in jobs that strayed far from creative writing. Many found themselves working in customer service, administrative roles, or entirely unrelated fields, such as banking or animal care, where their degree had minimal to no impact. Positions like Warehouse Associate or Fulfillment Associate clearly do not leverage any creative writing skills. However, even within roles that seem irrelevant, some individuals still managed to utilize writing skills in ways that might not be overt—like content creation or editing, albeit in more commercial settings like marketing or technical writing. Yet, those jobs often don't harness the creativity that students honed at university. Ultimately, a significant portion of English: Creative Writing graduates wander into jobs that don't capitalize on their specialty, which raises questions about the applicability of their degree in the job market.

In summary, while a solid number of graduates find meaningful positions where they can express their creativity and writing skills, many others seem to drift into roles that offer little relationship to their degree, particularly in sectors like retail and operations. This suggests that while a degree in English: Creative Writing provides valuable skills, the job market may not always recognize or utilize those talents effectively. It would be beneficial for graduates to be aware of the varied outcomes and consider how they might leverage their skills in ways that align more closely with their academic training, whether through teaching, writing, or editorial roles that resonate with their core competencies.

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

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

So, let's take a closer look at what people with degrees in English: Creative Writing have been doing since they graduated. It’s a mixed bag, to be honest. Many of these graduates kick off their careers in positions that seem somewhat unrelated to what they studied or may not seem like the dream job they might have envisioned when they walked across the stage at graduation. For example, some graduates are taking on roles like warehouse associates, baristas, and office administrators. These kinds of jobs might not exactly scream “creative writing,” right? It seems that right after graduating, a decent number of people find it tough to land positions that directly relate to their degree, often settling for jobs that are more about making ends meet than pursuing their passion for writing or literature.

Fast forward five to ten years later, and things start to look a bit more promising. A good chunk of these graduates eventually find their way into roles that are much closer to their field of study. For example, we see folks transitioning into teaching jobs, editor roles, and other positions in the publishing or media industries. They might start off doing administrative tasks or freelance gigs before plugging into more significant roles in education or content creation. Some even end up teaching English or working as editors and writers, which aligns with their training and passion. However, it’s obvious there's a long road to walk before they get there, and not everyone ends up in a relevant role. The creative writing graduates' experiences suggest that while the path can definitely take some turns, many do find ways to leverage their writing skills down the line, but getting there often involves a lot of stepping stones along the way that aren’t always in the creative writing lane.

How hard is a English: Creative Writing degree?

Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in English: Creative Writing can be a mix of challenging and enjoyable, depending on your love for writing and storytelling. If you genuinely enjoy crafting stories, experimenting with different styles, and pouring your thoughts onto the page, it might feel easier than disciplines that are more heavy on exams or technical skills. However, don’t underestimate it; you’ll have to be open to constructive criticism, develop a thick skin, and constantly refine your craft through workshops and peer reviews. So, while it may not be as rigorous as some other degrees, it definitely requires dedication, creativity, and a willingness to improve, making it a unique experience in the academic landscape.

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 English: Creative Writing.

Do English: Creative Writing graduates tend to make good money?

When looking at the job paths of these Creative Writing graduates, it seems there's a mixed bag in terms of financial success. For some, like the one who graduated from Rider University, they climbed the ladder from editorial assistant to senior web and graphic designer, which likely hints at a decent paycheck, especially with their current role being a senior position. However, others, like the graduates from Utah Valley University and Providence College, have jobs that may not pay as competitively, such as being a warehouse associate or substitute teacher. These positions are usually not high earners, especially for someone with a college degree.

Overall, it really depends on the specific industry and role. Teaching jobs often come with lower salaries compared to more specialized positions in tech or management. So while some graduates might be doing reasonably well financially, others may be struggling to make ends meet, especially if they're stuck in entry-level or low-paying jobs. The creative writing degree can definitely lead to fulfilling career paths, but the financial rewards vary widely!

What buzzwords do English: 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 English: Creative Writing. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for English: Creative Writing?

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