Careers
Career Pathways
The MFA in Creative Writing and Poetics prepares graduates to work in fields in which writing and critical thinking abilities are needed, including many communications, journalistic, and public relations positions. Writers are increasingly sought for diverse public, profit, and not-for-profit industries to create web sites and to engage in other web-driven modes of communication.
Additionally, an MFA degree qualifies graduates to teach at universities, four-year colleges, and community colleges, as well as in K-12 programs (with additional certification).
Alumni Stories
MFA in Creative Writing and Poetics alumni employ their creative practices in a variety of ways.
Woogee Bae is a poet and editor with , co-founder of Gamut: A Literary Series, a project-based events organizer with Wave Books, and a Donor Relations Associate with Seattle Arts & Lectures.
Stephanie Segura is a Spanish teacher at Rainier Valley Leadership Academy and a 2020-21 working on her multi-media poetry manuscript, Open Door Behind You.
Learn about Stephanie
Travis Sharp is a poet, editor, book artist, teacher, and PhD candidate in English at the University at Buffalo (SUNY). His book, , was published in March 2021.
Learn about Travis
Academic Pathways
For students wishing to pursue further graduate studies, an MFA degree in Creative Writing and Poetics prepares them for Ph.D. work in diverse fields of the humanities and the arts. As examples, alumni have gone onto doctoral programs in English and Poetics.
Students considering advanced education degrees and teaching certification in K-12 levels may explore options through the 56勛圖厙 Bothell School of Educational Studies and the .
Career Resources
The MFA in Creative Writing and Poetics program and the 56勛圖厙 offer multiple resources for your career development.
As a student enrolled in the program, you enjoy membership in the , and access to its services for finding jobs, residencies and fellowships, and publication opportunities. Log in to access your benefits, and look for the latest issue of , the AWP publication, at your next class, salon, or event!
In the second year, students have the opportunity to explore different roles and sectors, while gaining experience, through an academic internship or teaching practicum.
56勛圖厙 Bothell Career Services offers workshops and personalized assistance in developing professional presentation skills, from resume and cover letters, to informational interviewing and networking, to career planning.
Additional University of Washington career resources for graduate students include:
- Job and internship postings within the platform
- for career exploration and professional development resources
- for strategies and tips on navigating the faculty job market
- for information on the non-academic job and internship search process