Question by Gypsi♥:
Side college degree opinion? ?
I’m currently fourteen years old, fifteen in the fall. My career choice doesn’t consist of having a college education–I want to be a entrepreneur! Um, yeah, I write novels and design clothes. I will soon start taking pre-college/high school fashion design/construction courses with Academy of Arts Online.
The thing is, if I ever wanted to get an actual job beside my own business–it would be nice to have a college degree. I was considering a BA in English since I write novels and it’s the subject I’m best in and have a passion for. Would this be a smart “side degree” as I call it Lol.
P.s Sorry for the long question… helpful answers only!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Well, if you are certain that you intend to write novels, English would be a great degree, because it would provide you with the tools and ability necessary. Furthermore, a business degree, such as one in Finance or Accounting, would definitely help you get a good a good idea of the workplace and succeed as an entrepreneur. However, if you want a degree so that you can get a job should novel-writing and entrepreneurship not work out, English would not be a good degree, because you can do very little with a bachelors in English alone. A degree in mathematics or accounting is very useful on its own, and I’m sure there are others I cannot think of right now.
Good luck! =D
Probably not. A BA in English is all about analyzing and interpreting other people’s writing and is really a degree in literature. What you’re looking for is a BA or BFA in Writing (which is really hard to find). That major is usually at the master’s degree level. By all means take some writing and grammar courses, but don’t think a BA in English will be about writing fiction – it’s not.
Many writers find that a major outside of their art is more useful in their writing. For example: if you write science fiction then a degree in physics can keep those high-tech fans from calling you on your science mistakes. If you write historical romance then a degree in history will help you keep the storyline historically accurate. Writing crime stories requires some knowledge of criminal justice/criminal behavior and writing spy stories requires a considerable understanding of politics and world geography. Major in what it is you write about.
If you’re going to really be an entrepreneur (in this case we call it a “freelancer”) then some study in business can make a huge difference. Accounting, marketing, finance, etc… are all a part of any business – even one you own. You could pay someone to do those things for you – but why give away your money so freely?
Take a few hours and browse some biographies of writers. Lean toward the modern writers – times were different in the past. You’ll notice that they have a very varied educational background.
Getting a minor in journalism or communication (tech writing) can help with that need to “work for a living” when you’re tight on income.