Introduction
The importance of higher education for employment and career success has been thoroughly researched for decades. The view that higher education is unnecessary for numerous career paths still perseveres in the public perception as the younger populace gets inspired by stories of hyper-successful college dropouts. Although degrees are not necessary to build careers in various fields, the factual reality still positively associates college education and employment rates (Ali and Jalal 81). College courses, particularly English classes, help students learn to formulate thoughts properly, think critically, and succeed in academic and artistic writing. These skills are particularly vital in such fields of expertise as, for example, creative literature. As I seek to turn my fascination with creative writing into future practice, higher education and English classes, in particular, are necessary steps for me to undertake.
Studying English for Creative Writing
It is reasonable to assume that studying the basics of writing is vital for any aspiring author. English courses equip students with knowledge of text composition, literary styles, formatting, and grammar. Such subjects as Written Composition teach students to create articulate, structurally coherent texts. In these classes, students are exposed to various types of writing with specifics defined by the instructor’s needs and experience. Critical, Argumentative, and Creative writing students learn stylistic differences of respective literary areas and advance their productive abilities to adhere to various standards. Skills taught in diverse writing courses are necessary assets for any aspiring author.
In addition to courses that develop crucial professional skills directly, writers also benefit immensely from studying literature. Practical writing and literature are corresponding fields of study; as such, they deserve to be taught in tandem. Studying literary and linguistic styles is virtually impossible without looking at literature. Various genres of literature equip students with knowledge of common literary and structural patterns, tropes, and crucial elements. Exposure to different types of literature imbues readers with a diverse lexicon, enabling them to be fluent in a variety of writing tasks. Lastly, literature inspires the spiral of creation and fuels remediation.
English, Creative Writing: Education and Occupation
I believe that higher education will help my future career path tremendously. As indicated by Ali and Jalal, a majority of present and former college students strongly associate high education with successful employment (85). As a matter of fact, “higher education tends to be a source of high-paid jobs and positively related to the employment factor” (Ali and Jalal 87). Conversely, only 18 percent of the study participants think undergraduate training is not for employment but for self-improvement (Ali and Jalal 85). This data accurately reflects my own perception of the value of education. As creative writing is commonly perceived as a field that constrains career path decisions, it is in my best interest to obtain a recognized qualification.
Curricular Requirements for Creative Writing Qualification
LBCC’s program overview provides an extensive list of course requirements for a qualification in creative writing. In order to obtain a degree in creative writing, students are mandated to complete numerous associated classes, including but not limited to Introduction to Composition, Poetry, Critical, Argumentative, Fiction, and Novel Writing (English, Creative Writing – Associate in Arts). Additionally, students are expected to take various literature courses, such as Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Mythology, World Literature, and others (English, Creative Writing – Associate in Arts). These courses train students’ proficiency in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and novel production. Possible career opportunities linked to the program are not limited to creative writing only, as they foster skills that translate into such practices as copywriting, technical, and business writing.
Career Opportunities for Writing Majors
As per career opportunities, creative writing students enjoy a wide range of occupations to choose from. According to the LBCC’s website, writing graduates can choose professions directly connected to their field of study. These jobs include Ghostwriting, Screenwriting, Poetry, Fiction, and Non-fiction Editing (English, Creative Writing – Associate in Arts). Other occupations creative writing translates into include Filmmaking, Technical Writing, Communication Management, Public Relations, and College Education (English, Creative Writing – Associate in Arts). In short, students with a degree in writing can apply themselves in various occupations, be they indirectly associated with the field of study or not.
Prior Experience for Job Opportunities
Most aforementioned occupations are vastly represented as entry-level positions, which implies they do not require any prior working experience. However, employees often prefer applicants with academic degrees and previous employment history in a related field. For instance, writing jobs offered in online occupation networks prioritize candidates with degrees in Journalism, Communication, or English Studies. On the other hand, certain ghostwriting opportunities do not require formal education and only require pre-employment testing and training. Considering this, I might need to focus on education and additional writing practice in the form of freelance work or internship.
Conclusion
To review, English studies and higher education acquisition have merit for self-actualization as a writer. College-level English courses develop a wide range of literary abilities, such as text composition, grammar, formatting, and vocabulary density. Additionally, studying literature inspires authors to create new art, thus serving as a vehicle for remediation. Career-wise, a college education provides a widely acknowledged list of benefits, encompassing higher employment and salary rates. Higher education at LBCC provides a thorough curriculum for writing jobs, which will be a massive advantage in future job applications.
Works Cited
Ali, Muhammad Shabbir, and Hina Jalal. “Higher Education as a Predictor of Employment: The World of Work Perspective.” Bulletin of Education and Research 40.2 (2018): 79-90.
“English, Creative Writing – Associate in Arts.” LBCC, Web.