College student speaking...need some advice - Page 2 - Writers Forum

mammamaia · 08-25-2005, 06:33 AM

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Don't know the exact parallels between Australian and American (I take it that's where you're from) but I am in my final year of my degree, Communications, and finished up my major in writing last year. All I can say is that from people I've talked to, having a major of writing on my resume won't win me any jobs.

...it sure can help, if the job you're after is in journalism or the publishing industry... there, having the degree will put you ahead of all in the queue who don't...

Tunkpirate · 08-25-2005, 11:24 AM

Speaking of journalism...Im thinking of minoring in documentary photo., do you think that will help or do they have seperate writers and photographers.

Dirkin · 08-28-2005, 06:02 PM

Anytime you can inprove your writing technique, you should take it.

mammamaia · 08-29-2005, 07:33 AM

"Speaking of journalism...Im thinking of minoring in documentary photo., do you think that will help or do they have seperate writers and photographers."

...yes, writers and photographers are usually two different people/jobs... but, photojournalism is also a respected profession enjoyed by many... if you want to get into documentary-making, that's a good course to take... and even documentaries need a script of sorts, so writing IS involved...

...if you apply for a job as a reporter, with a degree in journalism, as well as a minor in photography, you may be a more attractive applicant than others who are writers only...

Tunkpirate · 08-29-2005, 04:37 PM

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Look, I'm floating in the same boat as you...college costs a LOT of money...before you indulge in what pleases you, you have to pay your bills. Take writing courses for your electives or whatnot but honestly, pursue a more needed-in-the-world degree...you'll find yourself a lot happier

I don't disagree that college costs money, but since when is that the most important thing anyway. Do what you want, if you want to pursue a business or financial career then power to you, but being happy in a job is more important then what you get paid. Happiness doesn't have a pay scale, and just because a job pays well does not necessarily mean its great.

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Well, since colleges cost an arm and leg these days, I'd certainly hope you'd find something else that can please you and that you would develop your writing skills on your spare time

I must retort with the utmost tact by saying fuck off. Just because you find an English degree to be a "waste of time" doesn't mean you should bash it. I have to question your maturity...you are picking a major by the money it will provide. Big mistake man, if you love it fine, but if not you had better reevaluate.

silverwriter · 09-02-2005, 01:54 PM

What in the world am I supposed to do? Writing is pretty much the only thing that pleases me. Blah. Anyway, Google (or Yahoo, etc) "What can I do with a _______ degree?" (I used 'creative writing degree') You can find a whole bunch of things you can do with your degree.

http://www.poewar.com/archives/2005/...iting-careers/

CZ · 09-02-2005, 03:18 PM

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Originally Posted by Tunkpirate

Speaking of journalism...Im thinking of minoring in documentary photo., do you think that will help or do they have seperate writers and photographers.

They tend to be separate, but it's always useful to have some photo training if you're covering breaking news and a photographer can't get out there. If you work on a smaller publication, having both skills is useful because the staff list tends to be smaller and more versatility is needed to cover for that.

As for college, my opinion is that you should major in what you want, and what you'll do well in. If you're going to try for a journalism job and you're majoring in English (or another major), getting an internship is probably going to be very important.

Sometimes they have career or other advisers on campus that can help you out. Above all, try to enjoy yourself, and realize that college allows you the ability to tackle something and learn it a little bit more leisurely than a real life job will sometimes afford.

edit: Wow, I sound like an old fogie. I'd like to make clear that I'm in my senior year of college myself and went through a lot of similar questions around freshman/sophomore year.