I have an associate’s in liberal arts and a BA in English/Creative Writing. Despite freelancing, I’m struggling to secure interviews and feel discouraged. I was told an English degree would open doors, but I’m unsure where to pivot. I’ve been advised to explore project management or data analytics, though I’m hesitant. I want stable, paid work but feel stuck and uncertain about next steps or certifications. Any advice?

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Maybe consider portfolio school or some kind of portfolio-building program (more money, I know 🥲). I started as an English major, then discovered advertising. My school had a killer ad program so I was able to start building my copywriting book as a junior and I’m so grateful. Your portfolio matters so much more than your degree, and many creative roles don’t require a degree at all anymore. Your work speaks for itself, but you need solid pieces that don’t just show clever writing but integrated campaign work, ideally awards, and any additional skills you can showcase (design, video, illustration, etc). Right now there are so many creatives out of work, and with AI ramping up, the competition has never been tougher. But rooting for you!

likesmart

No such thing as stable, paid work as a creative.

Take any opportunity that comes your way. For all you know, maybe you take a change on analytics and fall in love with it.

Buddy of mine has a degree in electrical engineering. Got burnt out, took a temp gig for analytics, loved it so much he kept at it. He's a senior analyst for Booze Allen and loves his job so damn much.

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A BA in English/Creative Writing? Maybe get a teaching credential and teach. Otherwise, good luck with that education, you're going to need it.

likehelpful

I have the same degree. I had to build a portfolio of written work, in various specialties, and try my luck to get my foot in the door at the start. I picked a niche specialty where I seemed to have better luck, paired it with analytics, and honed it while working any and all gigs that came my way.

Writing degrees come in handy in very complex sectors where specialists are great at doing their thing, but are not so great at explaining it to other people/end users.

likehelpful

That sounds like a practical move. Thank you for sharing your experience

Hey! I also have a BA in English/Creative Writing and the road has been windy and long, but it’s been working out-ish. Happy to chat about my path and help you strategize yours. Just dm me.

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Hi! I would love to hear more about your experience. Unfortunately, I'm not able to dm people on Glassdoor

likesmart

I been a copywriter for the past 13 years and honestly, now is not a good time to get into it. Unless you’re well connected or want to grind away for a 50K entry salary ….

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English degree here as well. Went that way because pre-med was melting my brain and was told this degree was good if you want to become a lawyer. Ended up not liking law firm life, went to ad portfolio school instead and became a copywriter.

As others said it’s harder now to break into creative writing fields, but if that’s your goal keep at it, just maybe try other jobs to pay the bills in the meantime

I was a legal analyst/ paralegal for a while and had offers for technical writing jobs. Wasn’t high pay but they didn’t require a lot of experience only an English degree or similar

Went through a staffing firm as I remember

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Thank you for sharing your experience. A mix of paralegal and technical work sounds like it served you well. What was the name of the staffing firm you went through?

My major is same but that was 20 years ago and i fell into copywriting by luck (and alot of hard work). Sadly these days my education wouldn't cut it if I were starting out. Try comms jobs or do like others suggested and work on a portfolio. But in reality, the future is uncertain. For grads, its good in a way I think because you can build whatever career you want and avoid a crumbling industry. 😪

Indeed, the future is uncertain. Thank you for taking the time to reply

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