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

Woogee Bae is a poet and editor with Snail Trail Press, co-founder of Gamut: A Literary Series, a project-based events organizer with Wave Books, and a Donor Relations Associate with Seattle Arts & Lectures.
Learn about Woogee

Stephanie Segura

Stephanie Segura is a Spanish teacher at Rainier Valley Leadership Academy and a 2020-21 Hugo Fellow working on her multi-media poetry manuscript, Open Door Behind You.
Learn about Stephanie

Travis Sharp

Travis Sharp is a poet, editor, book artist, teacher, and PhD candidate in English at the University at Buffalo (SUNY). His book, Yes, I am a corpse flower, 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 UW Bothell School of Educational Studies and the UW Department of English.

Career Resources

The MFA in Creative Writing and Poetics program and the University of Washington Bothell offer multiple resources for your career development.

As a student enrolled in the program, you enjoy membership in the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP), 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 Writer’s Chronicle, 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.

UW 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: