Your degree in Creative Writing

Skills you’ll developAnchor link

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 possibilitiesAnchor link

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. 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.

Make the most of your programAnchor link

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help you understand 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 CRWR 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 student paper. No previous experience required.
• Vancouver Writers Fest
  Check out the works of local and international writers or volunteer at a literary event.
• 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
  Find local writing groups, contests, festivals and other resources for writers.
• 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.

Build your networkAnchor link

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
• Canada Council for the Arts
• Canadian Association for Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies
• Canadian Association of Broadcasters
• Canadian Association of Journalists
• Canadian Communication Association
• 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
• Canadian Freelance Guild
• Society for Technical Communication
• Speculative Fiction Canada
• WorkInCulture
• Writers Guild of Canada
• Writers’ Union of Canada

Connect with alumni on LinkedInAnchor link

Find UBC Creative Writing graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.

More informationAnchor link

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.