English & Creative Writing Career Insight by LJMUCareers

English & Creative Writing CAREER INSIGHT

LJMU CAREERS TEAM 0151 231 2048/3719 ❚ careers@ljmu.ac.uk

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Career Insight: English and Creative Writing

Introduction: English The skills you gain through studying an English degree are marketable across a range of careers including: journalism, teaching, publishing, marketing and advertising. The ability to communicate effectively through the written and spoken word is a core graduate skill developed along with the ability to absorb and critically analyse text and to share ideas. Planning for your career and gaining experience throughout your course will benefit you when you graduate. Take advantage of work experience opportunities and networking events to develop your skills and help you decide what area you want to move into. Try and make links with people through your course and get involved with the wealth of creative activities in Liverpool and beyond to broaden your skillset and open up opportunities. You should also consider setting up a LinkedIn profile and follow relevant organisations through Twitter to keep up to date with opportunities and developments in the creative industries. Many employers use social media to post work experience opportunities so take advantage of using the sites to help you make links and find out more about what opportunities are out there.

Options with your degree: Teacher To qualify as a teacher at primary or secondary level you will need to complete a further period of training after your undergraduate degree. There are a number of training routes available and it is important to research them all as teaching is a popular career choice and entry is competitive. The number of places available through the traditional university led PGCE route are diminishing so do consider other routes such as Schools Direct, School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT), or Teach First. The emphasis is more on school based training and all routes lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) It is vital that you have recent work experience at the level you want to teach at before applying. It is recommended to gain at least 10-15 days recent experience working in a school but it is preferable to have more than the minimum requirement especially as competition for training places is fierce. Some course providers stipulate the minimum amount of work experience they require so always check with individual providers. Different course providers and schools set their own entry requirements so always check that you meet them before applying. Generally you will need at least a 2:2 or above and GCSE English and Maths at grades C or above for secondary teaching and Maths, English and Science grade C or above if you want to teach at primary level. Many institutions expect applicants to have at least a 2:1 degree or above. Entry requirements for Teach First are slightly higher possibly reflecting the fact that Teach First candidates are expected to assume leadership roles early in their career path. ď&#x201A;ˇ 2:1 degree or above plus 300 UCAS points (or equivalent, excluding General Studies)

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Career Insight: English and Creative Writing

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A degree or A levels that satisfy the teaching subject requirements. More information on these can be found on the Teach First website: http://graduates.teachfirst.org.uk/recruitment/requirements/index.html. Grade C (or equivalent) in GCSE Maths and English Flexibility to work anywhere within Teach First's seven regions Commitment for the duration of the two-year Leadership Development Programme

Applications for PGCE, School Direct and SCITT programmes are made via UCAS , Teach First has its own on line application procedure. English graduates are often attracted to teaching more mature young people and adults in a Further or Higher Education setting or working overseas teaching English as a Foreign Language.   

Further Education: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/further_education_lecturer_job_description.htm English as a foreign language teacher: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/english_as_a_foreign_language_teacher_job_description.htm Higher Education: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/higher_education_lecturer_job_description.htm

Media and Publishing: Editorial assistant: This is a popular entry level role for graduates. Publishing is an attractive career option for English graduates as it is an opportunity to put their subject to direct use. It is a highly competitive career, therefore it is vital to gain experience throughout university and to network at every opportunity. http://www.prospects.ac.uk/editorial_assistant_job_description.htm Magazine Journalist: Work related experience is essential. It is worth considering the type of magazine you would like to work for and target them for practical experience and/or advice. Consider setting up blog and an on-line portfolio of features you have written. http://www.prospects.ac.uk/magazine_journalist_job_description.htm Newspaper journalist: As already mentioned, work experience is crucial as you need to provide practical evidence of your ability to write concisely and to engage the readers. Consider training courses endorsed by the NCTJ such as the course available at Liverpool Community College. http://www.liv-coll.ac.uk/NCTJ-Diploma-in-Journalism-c96.html http://www.prospects.ac.uk/newspaper_journalist_job_description.htm Broadcast Journalism: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/broadcast_journalist_job_description.htm

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© 2017. Liverpool John Moores University. The content of this document is copyright material of Liverpool John Moores University. No part of this document may be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission of the copyright owner.

Career Insight: English and Creative Writing

You may also like to explore the following job roles: Academic librarian: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/academic_librarian_job_description.htm Advertising account executive: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/advertising_account_executive_job_description.htm Arts administrator: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/arts_administrator_job_description.htm Records manager: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/records_manager_job_description.htm Roles in marketing and PR: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs_advertising_marketing_pr.htm http://www.getin2marketing.com/ http://www.cipr.co.uk/ http://www.prospects.ac.uk/public_relations_officer_job_description.htm Freelance Writer Writers are involved in the creation and development of works of fiction and non-fiction. This covers a number of wide and varied forms including poetry, prose, life writing, and material for the theatre, screen and radio. Most writers work freelance and are selfemployed. Many writers break into the profession by winning local or national writing competitions. These include fiction, poetry, screen /playwriting and usually can be found by a simple web search of 'creative writing competitions,' or 'screen writing competitions. Finally, some publishers run competitions to find new talent. For example, the children's fiction publishers Chicken House , in conjunction with The Times , run an annual children's fiction competition. ď&#x201A;ˇ

You can find further information regarding this job role here http://prospects.ac.uk/writer_job_description.htm

The suggestions listed are by no means exhaustive so we would encourage you to consider other relevant options, e.g. based on previous work or voluntary experience, skills and interests. To explore job options by sector, check http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs.htm. You can also use career planning tools like http://www.prospects.ac.uk/myprospects_planner_login.htm and http://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-report to generate initial career ideas. Ensure you check entry requirements for each area, e.g. will you need a degree in a specific subject? Is a 2:1 degree classification essential? Will you need to complete a postgraduate degree? Is any specific work experience required? Bear in mind that approximately 70% of graduate job roles are open to graduates of any degree subject discipline.

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Career Insight: English and Creative Writing

Destinations of English graduates from previous years show entry to a range of private and public sector careers, for example, recruitment, sales and marketing, librarianship, education support roles, finance and Civil Service Executive Officer level entry. We also recommend that you download a copy of our “Planning your Career” guide from the Careers website at https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/123871.htm. This includes a list of useful questions to help you explore your career options and introduces you to the DOTS model to help you with your career planning.

Main employers All occupational profiles listed on http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs.htm include a section on typical employers and vacancy sources, so use these as a starting point to research potential employers within the career areas that interest you. Useful links/websites

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Arts Hub: www.artshub.co.uk listing arts and creative jobs including internships and work experience.

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Ideas Tap www.ideastap.com sign up to receive email updates on competitions, jobs and creative sector articles and insights.

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Prolific North www.prolificnorth.co.uk P.R and Media industry news and articles, job opportunities.

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The Writers Guild of Great Britain: http://www.writersguild.org.uk/

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The Reader Organisation: http://www.thereader.org.uk/

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News From Nowhere: local radical book store, http://www.newsfromnowhere.org.uk/

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The Windows Project: poetry education charity - been in existence for over 30 years http://www.windowsproject.net/index.htm

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Writing on the Wall: Liverpool Literary Festival runs annually http://www.writingonthewall.org.uk/

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Careers Service Media Links: www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesmedia.htm Publishing, Journalism, Media and Music links.

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Creative Choices: www.creative-choices.co.uk information, advice and resources to help you build skills and find opportunities in the creative industries.

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Career Insight: English and Creative Writing

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Media UK www.mediauk.com Listings of all newspapers, magazines, online journals, radio and television stations. Useful resource for finding work experience opportunities. Online Directory of postgraduate courses in the UK: www.prospects.ac.uk/student/pgdir Skillset: www.skillset.org profiles on a range of different media career areas.

General: 

LJMU Vacancy System – MyJobsandPlacements http://ljmu.prospects.ac.uk/

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Prospects – Careers information and graduate jobs – www.prospects.ac.uk

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TARGETjobs - Careers information and graduate jobs – www.targetjobs.co.uk

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Milkround – graduate jobs, placements & internships - http://www.milkround.com/

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Get into Teaching: http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching

Follow relevant companies/websites through Twitter: 

@LJMUCareers

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@TheWritersGuild

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@getintoteaching

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@TeachFirst

Introduction Creative Writing A degree in creative writing is a possible route for careers in newspapers and magazines, and to non-fiction work such as education books and biographies. The advertising, PR and marketing industries provide employment opportunities for writers, and creative writing and editing skills are essential for web editors. Other options include screen-writing for feature films, TV comedy, drama and children’s programmes. Community arts workers help plan and organise arts activities including creative writing.

To succeed as a writer, you will need:

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literary skills;

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imagination;

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Career Insight: English and Creative Writing

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a clear, entertaining style;

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the ability to work to tight deadlines, while also maintaining attention to detail;

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excellent research skills, both literary and business-related;

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self-discipline and time management skills;

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the ability to work alone for long periods of time;

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networking skills and the ability to develop media contacts;

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marketing skills and an understanding of new media as a tool for self-promotion;

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IT, web, typing and editing skills;

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the necessary financial skills to manage yourself in the employment market;

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the ability to understand and accept criticism as objectively as possible;

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determination and enthusiasm.

Below are some tips for creative Writers 

DO SOME SHORT EXERCISES TO STRETCH YOUR WRITING MUSCLES – if you’re short of ideas, read the Daily Writing Tips article on “Writing Bursts”. Many new creative writers find that doing the washing up or weeding the garden suddenly looks appealing, compared to the effort of sitting down and putting words onto the page. Force yourself to get through these early doubts, and it really will get easier. Try to get into the habit of writing every day, even if it’s just for ten minutes.

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IF YOU’RE STUCK FOR IDEAS, CARRY A NOTEBOOK EVERYWHERE AND WRITE DOWN YOUR OBSERVATIONS. You’ll get some great lines of dialogue by keeping your ears open on the bus or in cafes, and an unusual phrase may be prompted by something you see or smell

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WORK OUT THE TIME OF DAY WHEN YOU’RE AT YOUR MOST CREATIVE. For many writers, this is first thing in the morning – before all the demands of the day jostle for attention. Others write well late at night, after the rest of the family have gone to bed. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

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DON’T AGONIZE OVER GETTING IT RIGHT. All writers have to revise and edit their work – it’s rare that a story, scene or even a sentence comes out perfectly the first time. Once you’ve completed the initial draft, leave the piece for a few days – then come back to it fresh, with a red pen in hand. If you know there are problems with your story but can’t pinpoint them, ask a fellow writer to read through it and give feedback.

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HAVE FUN! Sometimes, writers can end up feeling that our writing is a chore, something that “must” be done, or something to procrastinate over for as long as possible. If your plot seems wildly far-fetched, your characters bore you to tears and you’re convinced that a fiveyear old with a crayon could write better prose … take a break. Start a completely new project, something which is purely for fun. Write a poem or a 60-word “mini saga”. Just

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Career Insight: English and Creative Writing

completing a small finished piece can help if you’re bogged down in a longer story.

The Creative Writing Career List Here’s a list of 20 creative writing jobs that you can consider for your career path. I’m not making any promises. You have to go out and find them yourself, but these are jobs that exist. You just have to look for them and then land them. 

Greeting Card Author

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Comic Book Writer

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Novelist

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Creativity Coach

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Writing Coach

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Advertising (Creative)

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Screenwriter

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Songwriter (Lyricist)

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Freelance Short Fiction Writer

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Creative Writing Instructor

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Legacy Writer (write people’s bios and family histories)

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Ghostwriter

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Travel Writer (if you travel)

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Article Writer (write, submit, repeat)

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Columnist

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Video Game Writer (includes storytelling/fiction!)

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Personal Poet (write personalized poems for weddings, funerals, childbirths, etc.)

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Playwright

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Blogger (don’t tell me you don’t have a blog yet!)

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Creative Writing Consultant

Planning for your career and gaining experience throughout your course will benefit you when you graduate. Take advantage of work experience opportunities and networking events to develop your skills and help you decide what area you want to move into. Try and make links with people through your course and get involved with the wealth of creative activities in Liverpool and beyond to broaden your skillset and open up opportunities. You could also consider setting up a LinkedIn profile and follow relevant organisations through Twitter to keep up to date with opportunities and developments in the creative

www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

Career Insight: English and Creative Writing

industries. Many employers use social media to post work experience opportunities so take advantage of using the sites to help you make links and find out more about what opportunities are out there. Because writing is largely a freelance occupation, very few vacancies are advertised and most opportunities are found by making speculative approaches or by answering calls for submissions. It is very important that you make speculative approaches in the style that is appropriate to the opening. Many writers break into the professional by winning local or national writing competitions. These include fiction, poetry, screen /playwriting and usually can be found by a simple web search of 'creative writing competitions,' or 'screen writing competitions.' Finally, some publishers run competitions to find new talent. For example, the children's fiction publishers Chicken House, in conjunction with The Times, run an annual children's fiction competition. There is also the Desmond Elliot prize and the international Dylan Thomas Prize, Monash prize and The Rosie Project which could provide a route forward for students of creative writing.

Options with your degree include: 

Writing copy for websites

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Maintaining a company blog

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Digital Copywriter

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Copy-editor

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Editorial Assistant

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Indexer

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Lexicographer

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Press Officer

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Primary School Teacher http://www.prospects.ac.uk/secondary_school_teacher_job_description.htm

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Secondary School Teacher http://www.prospects.ac.uk/secondary_school_teacher_job_description.htm

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Publisher http://prospects.ac.uk/publishing_copy_editor_proofreader_job_description.htm

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Broadcast Journalist http://prospects.ac.uk/broadcast_journalist_job_description.htm

Roles in marketing and PR:

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http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs_advertising_marketing_pr.htm

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http://www.getin2marketing.com/

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http://www.cipr.co.uk/

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Career Insight: English and Creative Writing

Roles in human resources management: 

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs_human_resources.htm

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http://www.cipd.co.uk/

The suggestions listed here are by no means exhaustive so we would encourage you to consider other relevant options, e.g. based on previous work or voluntary experience, skills and interests. To explore job options by sector, check http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs.htm. You can also use career planning tools like http://www.prospects.ac.uk/myprospects_planner_login.htm and http://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-report to generate initial career ideas. You can gain an insight into careers in the creative industries here: http://www.creativechoices.co.uk/industry-insight Ensure you check entry requirements for each area, e.g. will you need a degree in a specific subject? Is a 2:1 degree classification essential? Will you need to complete a postgraduate degree? Is any specific work experience required? We also recommend that you download a copy of our “Planning your Career” guide from the Careers website at https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/123871.htm. This includes a list of useful questions to help you explore your career options and introduces you to the DOTS model to help you with your career planning.

Useful links/websites Arts Hub: www.artshub.co.uk listing arts and creative jobs including internships and work experience. The Writers Guild of Great Britain: http://www.writersguild.org.uk/ Indeed.co.uk: www.indeed.co.uk, search for creative jobs and location The Reader Organisation: http://www.thereader.org.uk/

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Career Insight: English and Creative Writing

News From Nowhere: local radical book store http://www.newsfromnowhere.org.uk/ The Windows Project: poetry education charity - been in existence for over 30 years http://www.windowsproject.net/index.htm Writing on the Wall: Liverpool Literary Festival runs annually http://www.writingonthewall.org.uk/ Broadcast Now (radio and television): www.broadcastnow.co.uk Careers Service Media Links: www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesmedia.htm Publishing, Journalism, Media and Music links. Creative Choices: www.creative-choices.co.uk information, advice and resources to help you build skills and find opportunities in the creative industries. Grapevine Jobs: www.grapevinejobs.com for jobs in broadcast, film and music. Mandy.com: http://www.mandy.com/ film and media database and jobs search. Online Directory of postgraduate courses in the UK: www.prospects.ac.uk/student/pgdir Regional Arts Boards of the Arts Council: www.artscouncil.org.uk/ Novel Writing Monthly: www.nanowrimo.org Daily Writing Tips: www.dailywritingtips.com Writing: www.writing.com Skillset: www.skillset.org profiles on a range of different media career areas.

Purple Revolver: www.purplerevolver.vom Seven Streets: www.sevenstreets.com The Artifice: http://the-artifice.com/write The Skinny: www.theskinny.co.uk

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Career Insight: English and Creative Writing

Toxteth TV: www.toxteth.tv Your Move: www.yourmove.com Bay TV: www.baytvliverpool.com Brouhaha: http://www.brouhaha.uk.com/ Concept Cupboard: www.conceptcupboard.com FACT: http://www.fact.co.uk/get-involved/opportunities/ Lifestyle Monthly: http://www.lifestylemonthly.co.uk/ Lime Pictures: www.limepictures.com Writing Forward: http://www.writingforward.com/creative-writing/20-creative-writing-careers Artshub: http://www.artshub.co.uk/news-article/features/writing-and-publishing/how-to-win-a-writing-prize243298 Songwriting Opportunities: http://www.songwritingopportunities.com/freelance_writing_opportunities_main.html

General:

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LJMU Vacancy System http://ljmu.prospects.ac.uk/

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Prospects – Careers information and graduate jobs – www.prospects.ac.uk

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TargetJobs - Careers information and graduate jobs – www.targetjobs.co.uk

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Milkround – graduate jobs, placements & internships http://www.milkround.com/

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Get into Teaching http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching

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Career Insight: English and Creative Writing

Follow relevant companies/websites through Twitter: 

@LJMUCareers

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@TheWritersGuild



@CreativeChoices

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@mediavolt

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@getintoteaching

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@TeachFirst

Sources of work experience Gaining experience, whether it is through writing or in other areas of the creative industries, is really important. Networking is crucial and many contracts are filled through contacts and links with people who have worked together before. Download our mini-guide on “Making yourself employable whilst at University” from https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/123871.htm for an overview of the different types of work experience available and some general suggestions about finding work experience opportunities. LJMU has been managing a summer internship programme for Level 5 students in recent years, so keep an eye on your LJMU inbox for details of any opportunities.

Potential Work Experience Contacts list: Humanities and Social Sciences Students are sometimes unsure as to how to go about sourcing work experience opportunities. The Careers Team have put together a list of potential work experience contacts mainly in the Merseyside area to offer students a starting point. The focus is on writing and journalism contacts and voluntary organisations offering community and social science experience and the list is by no means exhaustive. Please contact Liz Harrison or Gary Douglas for further details.

Liverpool Media Organisations A list of possible companies to approach for work based learning opportunities in Merseyside based production companies. The list should be viewed as a starting point and is not exhaustive. Please contact Liz Harrison or Gary Douglas for further details Contacting media companies, schools, publishers etc. directly at networking events, via email or through LinkedIn may lead to work experience. It is important that you demonstrate that you are interested in the company and have spent some time finding out

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Career Insight: English and Creative Writing

what they do. Even when applying to secure work experience for the first time in this industry, show the employer what you have to offer. Briefly outline the relevancy of your course. Look at the skills outlined above and try to discuss these in your CV, drawing on examples from your course and other work experience or extra-curricular activities to demonstrate these skills. Useful websites to research a range of voluntary opportunities include http://www.doit.org.uk/ and https://www.liverpoolguild.org/main-menu/volunteer. You could also contact LJMU Volunteering Manager Chris Prescott on 0151 904 6356 or c.j.prescott@ljmu.ac.uk to enquire about current opportunities. It is also worth researching relevant organisations/charities and contacting them directly to find out about voluntary roles on offer.

Recruitment schedules Creative writing positions come up as and when required. It is important that you network and engage with employers and utilise the websites and Twitter feeds above to find out about opportunities. Many other roles within the creative industries will be through small or medium sized enterprises/businesses (SMEs). These types of SMEs will recruit ‘as required’. They may use their own application form but most applications will be by CV and covering letter. These positions will be advertised on company websites, relevant recruitment websites and national and local newspapers. The ‘creative’ or ‘speculative’ approach to job hunting is also important when looking for graduate roles. Making contacts and approaching organisations speculatively to look for work is a common route into employment. For more information about the speculative approach to job hunting, download a copy of our guide to ‘The Hidden Jobs Market’ from https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/123871.htm. Roles within public sector organisations, such as schools or museums, or creative organisations such as galleries, also recruit as required. However, it is more common to apply using an application form. A comprehensive person specification is usually included in the advertisement. Each point in this has to be addressed within the personal statement section within the application form. If you decide to take a different path outside the creative industries you can look at graduate training schemes, many of which are open to graduates from any discipline. If you are interested in these roles you will need to be aware of the graduate recruitment cycle. Many recruiters begin the graduate recruitment process during the autumn term for final year students. Most closing dates are in November and December but some are earlier so it is important to start researching companies that you want to apply to early on. The application process usually involves completing an online application form, which may require you to answer ‘competency based questions’. Psychometric tests, a telephone interview and an assessment centre will usually follow. You may also need to submit your CV. Always carefully read through the information in the

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Career Insight: English and Creative Writing

‘careers’ or ‘graduates’ section of the employer’s website. For more information about graduate schemes, download the ‘Graduate Schemes’ guide from https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/123871.htm. You can get advice about the recruitment process by booking a one-to-one appointment with a careers or employability adviser at your nearest Careers Zone or you can attend workshops or webinars arranged by the Careers Team.

Key events and networking 

Liverpool Careers Fair: usually held in the autumn and spring of each year, see fairs website http://www.liverpoolfairs.org.uk/ for additional events

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Manchester Careers Fairs: open to students and graduates from any university; check http://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/students/events/ for details

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Careers and Employability events at LJMU: Keep an eye on our events pages at https://careers.ljmu.ac.uk for details of upcoming employability workshops, networking sessions and employer talks.

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LiverpoolSU Clubs and Societies: http://ljmu.unioncloud.org/groups#club-society

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LinkedIn: You could also consider setting up a LinkedIn account (http://www.linkedin.com/) to network online with professionals and organisations in your chosen industry

Other information Centre for Entrepreneurship - support for LJMU students and graduates interested in starting up their own business https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/startup/.

Careers Zones Campus-based Careers Zones provide easy access to careers support in convenient locations at Byrom Street, Aldham Robarts Library and at IM Marsh, staffed by the Careers Team. Support available includes CV and application form reviews, Careers Adviser appointments, drop-in quick queries, practice interviews and access to careers resources and information. The Zones also host regular employer visits during term time where you can meet and network with employers and discuss job and placement opportunities. For the latest updates and details of locations and opening times, try our Twitter and Facebook pages.

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www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers LJMU CAREERS WORLD OF WORK CAREERSTEAM CENTRE 0151 231 2048/3719 ❚ careers@ljmu.ac.uk || worldofwork@ljmu.ac.uk 0151 231 2048/3719

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