7 answers
Mhiz Benny
Student
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
2
Questions
Updated
381 views
I would love to explore writing on my own digitally but am feeling the need to go to college and get a degree,would that make a difference?
#Spring24
Login to comment
7 answers
Jennifer Jackson
Film Director
72
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Mhiz Benny,
It's great to hear that you have a passion for writing and are considering furthering your education in this field.
In regards to your question about whether or not you need a degree to pursue writing, the answer really depends on what type of writing you want to do. While a degree in creative writing can certainly provide you with valuable skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities, it is not always a requirement for a successful writing career.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in journalism, technical writing, or content creation, a degree in creative writing or a related field may not be necessary. However, if you are looking to become a novelist, poet, or screenwriter, a degree in creative writing can be beneficial in honing your craft and connecting with other writers and industry professionals.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue a degree in creative writing is a personal one and depends on your career goals and aspirations. I would recommend researching different programs, speaking with current students and alumni, and considering your long-term career objectives before making a decision.
If you have any further questions or would like more information, please feel free to reach out. I am here to help in any way that I can.
Best of luck in your decision-making process and future endeavors.
Warm regards,
Jennifer
It's great to hear that you have a passion for writing and are considering furthering your education in this field.
In regards to your question about whether or not you need a degree to pursue writing, the answer really depends on what type of writing you want to do. While a degree in creative writing can certainly provide you with valuable skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities, it is not always a requirement for a successful writing career.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in journalism, technical writing, or content creation, a degree in creative writing or a related field may not be necessary. However, if you are looking to become a novelist, poet, or screenwriter, a degree in creative writing can be beneficial in honing your craft and connecting with other writers and industry professionals.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue a degree in creative writing is a personal one and depends on your career goals and aspirations. I would recommend researching different programs, speaking with current students and alumni, and considering your long-term career objectives before making a decision.
If you have any further questions or would like more information, please feel free to reach out. I am here to help in any way that I can.
Best of luck in your decision-making process and future endeavors.
Warm regards,
Jennifer
I appreciate your support, Jennifer
Mhiz Benny
Noted! Thanks for the advice , I look forward to reaching out. Thanks again with a grateful heart
Mhiz Benny
No problem
Jennifer Jackson
Lori Wayfair
Author, Teacher, Artist
8
Answers
Central Lake, Michigan
Updated
Lori’s Answer
Deciding whether to pursue a college degree in writing depends on your personal goals and preferences. While a degree can provide structure, experienced instructors, and networking opportunities, there are also many alternative paths to learning and improving your writing skills.
Online classes, tutorials, and writing groups can offer flexibility, affordability, and valuable feedback from fellow writers.
Khan Academy is a great resource and free for academic subjects, but there are also numerous writing-specific platforms and courses available online.
Most importantly, start writing and keep at it. Set goals, make time for writing each day, and seek out the resources that work best for you.
Remember that writing is a skill that can be developed and improved with practice and dedication, regardless of whether you choose to pursue a degree or learn through alternative means.
If you're ready to write, write !!
I am an author. If you'd like to talk more or have any questions feel free to contact me.
Happy writing !
♡ - Lori
Online classes, tutorials, and writing groups can offer flexibility, affordability, and valuable feedback from fellow writers.
Khan Academy is a great resource and free for academic subjects, but there are also numerous writing-specific platforms and courses available online.
Most importantly, start writing and keep at it. Set goals, make time for writing each day, and seek out the resources that work best for you.
Remember that writing is a skill that can be developed and improved with practice and dedication, regardless of whether you choose to pursue a degree or learn through alternative means.
If you're ready to write, write !!
I am an author. If you'd like to talk more or have any questions feel free to contact me.
Happy writing !
♡ - Lori
I'm really grateful you took the time to answer this question,can't wait to put this advice into action cause I have a lot of questions to ask you and
am glad your willing to help.
Mhiz Benny
iLĖktRa BαmpiCHa-NίNou
Undergrad Student
3
Answers
Athens, Greece
Updated
iLĖktRa’s Answer
even if you are absolutely certain that you want to be a writer, as long as you can go to college, even to study Literary Arts or something similar to writing, do it. remember that you will be surrounded by people who are passionate about totally different interests than you (and you might be like hold on, i kind of enjoy this too!) and professors who specialize in an insanely niche (in a good way) field that you also might find intriguing.
going to college doesn't mean you are giving up on your dream; if anything, it gives you more content to write about. gather as many experiences as possible and let your passion lead you to what you really want to do.
trust.
going to college doesn't mean you are giving up on your dream; if anything, it gives you more content to write about. gather as many experiences as possible and let your passion lead you to what you really want to do.
trust.
Loved reading this, thanks!
Mhiz Benny
Tulip Chowdhury
Writer/author
1
Answer
Johns Creek, Georgia
Updated
Tulip’s Answer
While we need to study our subject materials independently, it's a good idea to learn the ABCs of technology. Digital tools and the art of writing go hand in hand with creativity and the need to "know-how" out to the world. By exploring these fields, we learn a lot about the Internet, AI, and the digital world as a whole. Making sure of the safety tools, we should be brave to browse in the fields we are interested in.
It is important to remember that there is much positive and negative information, as well as fake and genuine ones. Fact-checking is important before accepting or rejecting what we learn while exploring the subjects of our interest.
Most of all, it is important to keep reading and writing, like the rivers that flow and join the sea. Keep moving forward, trusting that you can do it. Even a page a day can end up in a book.
The search engines like Google, YouTube and more are great tools to learn when on our own.
Hope that helps.
Happy writing.
It is important to remember that there is much positive and negative information, as well as fake and genuine ones. Fact-checking is important before accepting or rejecting what we learn while exploring the subjects of our interest.
Most of all, it is important to keep reading and writing, like the rivers that flow and join the sea. Keep moving forward, trusting that you can do it. Even a page a day can end up in a book.
The search engines like Google, YouTube and more are great tools to learn when on our own.
Hope that helps.
Happy writing.
Daren Sia
Technology
5
Answers
Elmwood Park, Illinois
Updated
Daren’s Answer
College can definitely enable you to explore writing further. Most colleges offer different courses and workshops to help you develop your skills, get feedback from experienced professors or other writers your age, and they can connect you with industry professionals, publishers, and other platforms that can help elevate your voice through internships, freelance work, or full-time opportunities. Also, having a degree can give you credibility in the eyes of readers and employers. That said, college is not a hard requirement. The most important thing is the quality of your work and being able to showcase that through a portfolio or getting published. Writers need to be dedicated, persistent, and always working on getting better and writing more and more. I do think college can help you with both of those components.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Mhiz Benny
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
4478
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Mhiz Benny,
Obtaining a college degree can significantly enhance one’s writing skills and provide numerous opportunities in various fields.
Writing is an essential skill in today’s world, and it is crucial to master it to communicate effectively. While self-learning is an option, attending college and earning a degree can offer several advantages that may help improve your writing abilities.
Firstly, colleges and universities provide students with a structured learning environment where they can learn the fundamentals of writing. They offer courses in English language and composition, which focus on improving students’ grammar, syntax, style, and voice. These courses often include workshops, seminars, and individualized feedback from instructors, allowing students to hone their craft under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Secondly, college education exposes students to diverse perspectives and ideas through classes in various disciplines. This exposure broadens their knowledge base and enhances their ability to write about complex topics with depth and nuance. Moreover, collaborating with peers on group projects or engaging in class discussions can help students develop critical thinking skills and refine their arguments.
Thirdly, obtaining a college degree opens up numerous career opportunities where strong writing skills are essential. For instance, industries such as publishing, marketing, public relations, journalism, law, education, and government require excellent communication skills. A degree can make candidates more competitive in the job market by providing them with a solid foundation in writing and other relevant skills.
Lastly, higher education institutions often have extensive resources available for students seeking to improve their writing abilities. These resources may include writing centers offering individualized feedback on student work or access to databases of academic articles for research purposes. Additionally, many colleges offer workshops or guest lectures featuring industry professionals who share insights into best practices for effective communication in various fields.
In conclusion, while self-learning is an option for improving writing skills, attending college and earning a degree offers several advantages that may help individuals enhance their abilities more effectively. The structured learning environment provided by colleges exposes students to diverse perspectives and ideas while offering opportunities for individualized feedback from experienced instructors. Furthermore, obtaining a college degree opens up numerous career opportunities where strong writing skills are essential.
Authoritative References Used:
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). (2021). Digest of Education Statistics 2021 (NCES 2022-013), Chapter 3: Enrollment - Fall 2020: Student Age Distribution by Level of Institution Control and Selected Student Characteristics: Total Undergraduate Students: Fall 2020 (Table 303). Retrieved April 25, 2023 from https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d21/ch_3.asp?sectionid=6 [Accessed: April 25th 2023]
American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U). (n.d.). Value Rubrics & Benchmarks: Writing Outcomes & Assessment Resources - AAC&U’s LEAP Challenge Initiative - Liberal Education & America’s Promise - AAC&U - Association of American Colleges & Universities | AAC&U - Association of American Colleges & Universities . Retrieved April 25th 2023 from https://www.aacu.org/leap/writing-outcomes [Accessed: April 25th 2023]
National Writing Project (NWP). (n.d.). Research Base: Writing Instruction K-University | National Writing Project . Retrieved April 25th 2023 from https://www.nwp.org/our-work/research/research-base/writing-instruction-k–university [Accessed: April 25th 2023]
God Bless You, Richly. JC.
Obtaining a college degree can significantly enhance one’s writing skills and provide numerous opportunities in various fields.
Writing is an essential skill in today’s world, and it is crucial to master it to communicate effectively. While self-learning is an option, attending college and earning a degree can offer several advantages that may help improve your writing abilities.
Firstly, colleges and universities provide students with a structured learning environment where they can learn the fundamentals of writing. They offer courses in English language and composition, which focus on improving students’ grammar, syntax, style, and voice. These courses often include workshops, seminars, and individualized feedback from instructors, allowing students to hone their craft under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Secondly, college education exposes students to diverse perspectives and ideas through classes in various disciplines. This exposure broadens their knowledge base and enhances their ability to write about complex topics with depth and nuance. Moreover, collaborating with peers on group projects or engaging in class discussions can help students develop critical thinking skills and refine their arguments.
Thirdly, obtaining a college degree opens up numerous career opportunities where strong writing skills are essential. For instance, industries such as publishing, marketing, public relations, journalism, law, education, and government require excellent communication skills. A degree can make candidates more competitive in the job market by providing them with a solid foundation in writing and other relevant skills.
Lastly, higher education institutions often have extensive resources available for students seeking to improve their writing abilities. These resources may include writing centers offering individualized feedback on student work or access to databases of academic articles for research purposes. Additionally, many colleges offer workshops or guest lectures featuring industry professionals who share insights into best practices for effective communication in various fields.
In conclusion, while self-learning is an option for improving writing skills, attending college and earning a degree offers several advantages that may help individuals enhance their abilities more effectively. The structured learning environment provided by colleges exposes students to diverse perspectives and ideas while offering opportunities for individualized feedback from experienced instructors. Furthermore, obtaining a college degree opens up numerous career opportunities where strong writing skills are essential.
Authoritative References Used:
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). (2021). Digest of Education Statistics 2021 (NCES 2022-013), Chapter 3: Enrollment - Fall 2020: Student Age Distribution by Level of Institution Control and Selected Student Characteristics: Total Undergraduate Students: Fall 2020 (Table 303). Retrieved April 25, 2023 from https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d21/ch_3.asp?sectionid=6 [Accessed: April 25th 2023]
American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U). (n.d.). Value Rubrics & Benchmarks: Writing Outcomes & Assessment Resources - AAC&U’s LEAP Challenge Initiative - Liberal Education & America’s Promise - AAC&U - Association of American Colleges & Universities | AAC&U - Association of American Colleges & Universities . Retrieved April 25th 2023 from https://www.aacu.org/leap/writing-outcomes [Accessed: April 25th 2023]
National Writing Project (NWP). (n.d.). Research Base: Writing Instruction K-University | National Writing Project . Retrieved April 25th 2023 from https://www.nwp.org/our-work/research/research-base/writing-instruction-k–university [Accessed: April 25th 2023]
God Bless You, Richly. JC.
Tom Foster
Freelance Writer with a lot of life experience
37
Answers
Forest Grove, Oregon
Updated
Tom’s Answer
As someone who's gone to college and graduated with an MFA in Creative Writing, let me tell you this:
No, you don't need to go to college. Does it help? Sure. A degree looks great on a resume depending on the job you're going for. If you're passionate enough to learn more about writing and just do it, then a degree isn't necessary. At that point, college is more about review, refining your skill, and gaining the type of connections that might help your writing career. So yes, college is definitely worth it if you have a plan in mind, but otherwise it's not necessary.
Just write, that's how you start. Let everything else come as it will.
Just write.
No, you don't need to go to college. Does it help? Sure. A degree looks great on a resume depending on the job you're going for. If you're passionate enough to learn more about writing and just do it, then a degree isn't necessary. At that point, college is more about review, refining your skill, and gaining the type of connections that might help your writing career. So yes, college is definitely worth it if you have a plan in mind, but otherwise it's not necessary.
Just write, that's how you start. Let everything else come as it will.
Just write.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Mhiz Benny