Skills you’ll develop
While studying Creative Writing, you’ll learn the craft and process of writing through workshops led by experienced, working writers that make up the faculty. You’ll develop important skills while writing in multiple genres.
These skills may include:
- Creating original works such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, plays, screenplays, lyric and graphic forms, and translations
- Using effective planning, time management, problem solving, and leadership skills on various creative projects
- Working knowledge and application of the professional standards and expectations for your chosen genres
- Researching, understanding, and assessing various types of creative works
- Analyzing artistic works clearly and concisely
- Adapting content to a variety of forms or mediums
- Providing and receiving constructive feedback on opinions and works
- Crafting and telling compelling and creative stories
Explore career possibilities
Career opportunities vary across a range of fields including publishing, communications, marketing, public relations, social media, non-profit, government, tourism, education, and others.
There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas.
Visit the Job Bank Canada website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field. Some career options may require further education or training.
- Arts administrator
- Author
- Book publishing manager
- Communications manager
- Communications policy researcher
- Community centre coordinator
- Community organizer
- Copywriter
- Editor
- Festival or Event planner
- Fiction or Non-fiction writer
- Film or TV editor
- Fundraiser or Grant writer
- Human resources specialist
- Journalist
- Librarian
- Literacy program coordinator
- Literary agent
- Literary editor
- Literary translator
- Magazine editor
- Market researcher
- Marketing specialist
- Media relations coordinator
- News analyst
- Non-profit administrator
- Project manager
- Public relations specialist
- Recreation programs manager
- Screenwriter
- Social media community manager
- Social policy advisor or analyst
- Special education assistant
- Speech writer
- Teacher or Professor
- Technical writer
- Tourism development officer
- Travel writer
- Web communications manager
Make the most of your program
Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities, develop your skillset, and help you clarify your values and interests.
- BC Alliance for Arts + Culture job board
Search for part-time and full-time opportunities in BC across a variety of fields in the arts. - Brave New Play Rites Festival
Attend the festival in Term 2 or collaborate with theatre students for an opportunity to produce your short play. - Creative Writing BFA group
Join fellow creative writers for various events and make new friends. - Creative Writing co-op success stories
Learn about the experiences of past and present co-op students from your program and others. - Departmental research opportunities
Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions. - Preparation for a Career in Writing
Check out UBC courses on how to build a career in writing, such as CRWR 430 or CRWR 530. - PRISM international
Inquire about volunteer opportunities to support an online magazine focused on modern and contemporary literature. - Resources for writers
Find local writing groups, contests, festivals and other resources for writers. - The Garden Statuary
Showcase your essays, poetry, photographs, and other work in UBC’s English Undergraduate Journal. - The Ubyssey
Volunteer to write articles for this weekly student paper. No previous experience required. - The Whole Cloth
Join this experiment in deep listening where a poet reads an entire book of poems from start to finish. - UBC Creative Writing Program events
Meet other students at readings, info sessions, and other programs. - Vancouver Writers Fest
Check out the works of local and international writers or volunteer at a literary event. - Writers’ Exchange
Volunteer to support literacy programs for kids in Vancouver. - Scripted Media Career Accelerator
Subscribe to their mailing list to access curated career insights from a creative writing lens. - Young Adulting
Read or contribute your own analyses of books for young readers.
Build your network
Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.
The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.
- Access Copyright
- Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia
- Association of Canadian Publishers
- Canadian Authors
- Canada Council for the Arts
- Canadian Association of Broadcasters
- Canadian Association of Journalists
- Canadian Association for Post-Colonial Studies
- Canadian Communication Association
- Canadian Freelance Guild
- Canadian Media Producers Association
- Canadian Public Relations Society
- Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators, and Performers
- Children’s Writers and Illustrators of BC Society
- Crime Writers of Canada
- Editors Canada
- Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
- Federation of BC Writers
- First Peoples’ Cultural Council
- League of Canadian Poets
- Magazines Canada
- Modern Language Association
- Playwrights Guild of Canada
- Society for Technical Communication
- Speculative Fiction Canada
- WorkInCulture
- Writers Guild of Canada
- Writers’ Union of Canada
Connect with alumni
Learn about possible career paths by browsing alumni stories or viewing the profiles of UBC Creative Writing graduates on LinkedIn.
As you read, take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore. If a particular story or profile aligns with your goals, consider reaching out for an informational interview.
More information
Throughout your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.