Your degree in Creative Writing

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:

Creation of original works such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, plays, screenplays, lyric and graphic forms, and translations
Effective planning, time management, problem solving, and leadership skills applied to various creative projects
Working knowledge and application of the professional standards and expectations for your chosen genres
Ability to research, understand, and assess various types of creative works
Written communication used to convey clear and concise analyses of artistic works
Adaptation of content to a variety of forms or mediums
Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback on opinions and works
Crafting and telling compelling and creative stories

Explore career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely 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. See the job titles below for ideas, but note that some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

Arts administrator

Book publishing manager

Communications manager

Communications policy researcher

Community centre coordinator

Community organizer

Copywriter

Editor

Festival/Event planner

Fiction/Non-fiction writer

Film/TV editor

Fundraiser/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

Screen writer

Social media community manager

Social policy advisor/analyst

Special education assistant

Speech writer

Teacher/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 and help clarify understanding of your values and interests.

UBC Creative Writing Program events
Meet other students at readings, info sessions, and other programs.

Creative Writing BFA group
Join fellow creative writers for various events and make new friends.

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 530.

Creative Writing co-op success stories
Learn about the experiences of past and present co-op students from your program and others.

Nineteen Questions online magazine
Read or contribute profiles about the career trajectories, challenges, and the writing lives of established writers.

PRISM international
Inquire about volunteer opportunities to support an online magazine focused on modern and contemporary literature.

Brave New Play Rites Festival
Attend the festival in Term 2 or collaborate with theatre students for an opportunity to produce your short play.

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 online student paper. No previous experience required.

Vancouver Writers Fest
Check out the works of local and international writers or volunteer at a literary event in Term 1.

Growing Room Festival
Celebrate diverse Canadian writers and artists in Term 2 at this feminist literary festival.

Writers’ Exchange
Volunteer to support literacy programs for kids in Vancouver.

Resources for writers
Discover local writing groups, contests, festivals and other resources for writers.

BC Alliance for Arts + Culture job board
Explore part-time and full-time opportunities in BC across a variety of fields in the arts.

Make connections

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 exploring job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

Connect with alumni on LinkedIn

Find UBC Creative Writing graduates on LinkedIn, see where they’re working, and explore their career and academic paths.

More information

From 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.