I’ve crossed paths with a ton of degree snobs. They’re the kind of people who go on and on about the multiple college degrees they hold. And while they might think this makes them seem smart, they often rub others the wrong way and can seem obnoxious, condescending, and at times be dense as hell (particularly in the area of common sense) once you really get to know them. These types insult others, brag about what they have and what they’ve studied, and openly share why they’re so much smarter than everyone else. Which is silly behavior, I know, but there really are people out here living like that. Another thing I’ve noticed with these types is that many of them aren’t even actively seeking opportunities or working or volunteering in the fields they went to school for. They’re just announcing and telling everyone about their degrees and doing nothing with them. Weird. My thing is if you’re going to spend thousands of dollars on your education and go into debt for it, put it to work. While earning a degree (or multiple ones) is cool and can open up many opportunities for you, it doesn’t define you or make you more superior than others. Always remember to stay humble. No matter what. When I completed my B.A. in English, I considered grad school and thought about it for a while but was interested in gaining more writing experience first. I knew I’d need it to be more marketable for full-time writing positions. I did internships, job shadowing at local magazines and businesses, started a blog, did guest writing for different blogs, and ended up landing an opportunity as a Content Contributor with Thought Catalog. And this summer, I was featured in an online article with Cosmopolitan Magazine! I’ve been a long-time supporter and reader of Cosmo since my twenties, so being featured on their platform was an exciting moment 😊. In a lot of ways, writing is my grad school. And I’m always learning from it.
My day job is not my dream job. I’m grateful for it, and I’m learning a lot from it too, but I know the work I’ve been putting into growing my writing portfolio will open up different doors and opportunities as well. Writing will get me where I want to go and grow professionally. Therefore, I don’t need a master’s degree. Don’t get me wrong, I believe having an education is important. Certain degrees are preferred and required for different industries, along with a combination of work experiences, however, you have to do what works best for you for the kind of career you’re interested in. I write every single day. I study my craft. I practice it. I also read books and articles about writing, listen to podcasts for writers, and sign up and attend writing classes. I do these things so that I’m sharp, ready, and on top of my game. How are you preparing for the career you want to have? Network, ask for help, hold the door open for others following in your path, and most importantly, keep learning as much as you can.