5 answers
7
Updated 1051 views

What is the benefit of doing an MFA for grad school?

I'm currently at the tail end of my Bach in English. I'm set to graduate this Winter term. I have an AFA in Writing which felt like a lot more "fun" writing time than the English degree I'm currently in. I'm looking at continuing with an MFA in Writing. I feel like I have lost my creative edge with the English degree. I write more concise and precise now than I do with having wit and voice. I feel like I sound robotic. During the time of the English degree, I have completed a book of poems based on what I think poems are. It is self-published. For the MFA I'm wanting to do a CNF novel and learn how to formulate actual poems, because I haven't had an actual instructor teach writing poems because it has all been workshop. The purpose of the degree would be to continue writing more poems and to continue on to writing educational articles, like I have been doing with LinkedIn, and have them related to my current focus of massage, yoga, and nutrition with Ayurveda Sciences.

My question: Is it worth the debt to do an MFA? Is it worth the headache? Is it worth taking two years of my life to connect with people online that are in the same program as you to have contacts in this field? Is there anything I am missing that I should be considering?

career college english writing creative-writing graduateschool creativewriting englishmajor poetrywriting
Answer This
7

5 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Sara’s Answer

The answer depends on what your end goal is. If you want to work in Academe or pursue creative writing as a profession, the MFA degree can provide the creative inspiration you're looking for and a valuable network for future job opportunities. If you're looking to use your writing skills in a corporate setting, I've found that my MFA background doesn't apply as much as relevant job experience.
Thank you comment icon I will use this advice as I prepare for my career. Melissa
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Deborah’s Answer

This is my personal opinion - not based on facts or figures.
If you are going to go for and MFA in writing of any kind: do it in person. There is something that gets lost in the translation when you are on Zoom. Breathing the same air, having the vibes of the moment as you discuss the work, or ways to stimulate the work, or even be inspired by the work of others? That gets lost on line.
After considering that, review your goals and see what folks in the program you are looking into have gone on to do. Check out the alumni; research the teachers. Read some of what they've written. I hope that will give you a firmer idea of the inspiration and encouragement you might receive in each individual MFA program.

Best of luck!
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the help. Melissa
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Tom’s Answer

Hi Melissa. In my personal and professional opinion, you don't gain anything from the MFA, aside from some debt. You already recognize that the English degree took away your voice and made you sound mechanical. That's a good observation because that is exactly what it trains you to do.

When you write for a company for a living, they will typically have their own voice and brand standards. Keys in these cases are authenticity, believability, the proper tone for the company's audience, and more. That allows you to learn to adapt your writing style to fit others, and will go a long way toward regaining your own voice and wit.

Companies seeking copywriters often look for people with your education, so my advice is to put off the MFA, grab a paid writing job, and write for yourself on the side. I have written as part of my sales, marketing, and management roles forever. In those cases, I generally wrote in my employer's voice, but I also created voices for companies that did not have one already. This is much better experience than additional formal education, and if the company you work for provides educational assistance, you may be able to earn your MFA at a reduced cost.

In the meantime, write for yourself, create your poems, pursue self-publication and that combined with professional writing will make both types more effective.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice, Tom. Melissa
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Kaitlyn’s Answer

Hello! Besides what has been mentioned, there are many creative writing certificate programs and intensive sessions that offer valuable insights from other writers and networking chances. The New York State Writers Institute is one example, but there are many more that can help you learn about writing careers and what strategies have or haven't worked for others. These programs are a great way to explore writing further without committing to a full MFA. They can help you decide if pursuing a master's degree is right for you, and scholarships are often available for these opportunities.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate you taking the time to answer this. Melissa
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Johnson’s Answer

Deciding if an MFA is worth it depends on your goals. If you want mentorship, a community of writers, and time to write, it can be great. But consider the cost and potential debt.

You've already accomplished a lot with your poetry collection and educational content. An MFA could refine your skills and provide feedback, especially in poetry and creative nonfiction.

Before committing, research the program. Look into professors, alumni success, and the curriculum. Focus on "fully funded" programs and seek scholarships or assistantships to avoid debt.

Ask yourself if you need the degree or just the learning experience and community. Workshops, residencies, or local writing groups can offer similar benefits at a lower cost. However, if you enjoy the academic environment and want to develop your voice, it might be the right choice.

Good luck with your decision. Your dedication to writing is what truly counts.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to help. Melissa
0