This question has come up more than once in my conversations with career seekers. I’m sure my answer confused them even further: “No…and yes.”
The truth is that you do not need a master’s degree to get your first job in publishing. Only a handful of people I know in the business have them. A random sampling of entry-level editorial jobs confirms this: Most specify a BA (usually in English) as the educational qualification. As further proof, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook also lists a bachelor’s degree as the required education for writers and editors.
However, in general, the minimum educational level for many jobs is creeping up. My parents didn’t have college degrees (until my mom went back recently and got hers). Now my generation considers a bachelor’s degree as the key to a professional career. But maybe for the millennial generation, a master’s will become de rigueur?
And here’s something else that will surprise you: If I got a master’s degree, it wouldn’t be in English. I never thought I’d hear myself say this, but an MBA would be more appropriate. Why? As you progress in your publishing career, you’ll become more aware of the bigger picture, which is this: Publishing is a business. To attain higher roles, you need to have a grasp of budgeting, forecasting, contract negotiation, sales, marketing, general economics, and other such skill areas.
And here’s a wonderful option for people in New York: NYU has a Master of Science in Publishing degree. The description of this program is very informative.
So, the bottom line? Go ahead and get your first job in publishing after you finish your BA (unless, of course, your parents are paying; in that case, go ahead and get the master’s degree). Then if you decide you want it, you can earn your master’s while you work. Some employers will even pay for it.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
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5 comments:
I have a Master's degree in Journalism and it hasn't helped me get a job one bit! I was working at Wiley while I took classes, and no one there seemed to care once I got it. My Master's hasn't helped me get any job in publishing, unfortunately. It's all about experience; at least that's what I've found.
The publishing business is changing rapidly. Some magazines are moving to an online only format - such as PC Magazine. Many newspapers are being bought and sold and are reducing their editorial staff. Some papers are not laying off their editorial staff, but are having major buyouts and early retirements for the more established reporters (such as at the Star-Ledger in NJ).
Really? This post might just have answered a question I've been struggling with for months--ever since I earned my BA in English and have been researching grad programs that focus on publishing and editing, like the one at NYU mentioned above.
In your opinion, am I better off going to work for a publisher NOW and working my way up through levels of experience than I would be if earned, say, an MA in Publishing and Writing at Emerson College in Boston?? I really appreciate any insider advice!
Hi! I would say, yes, you are better off getting the job in publishing first--IF you can get one. If not (since the job market is so tight now), continuing on for the MA is also an OK option. But I would still say actual publishing experience will trump a graduate degree.
@armywife19k
I earned my MA in Writing & Publishing at Emerson College and am now working at a children's book publisher in the sales/marketing department. The MA has certainly opened many doors for me than when I first graduated from college. I think the strength of the program are the numerous contacts you can make, whether with your fellow publishing students or your professors. It's also helped me get interviews with companies that never gave me the time of day. BUT the degree comes at a huge cost since the tuition is pretty high and the cost of living is not that great, especially with a publishing salary.
I do have to agree with Lori in trying to work in publishing before pursuing a masters in publishing. Since publishing is a field that relies on the apprenticeship process, the likelihood of your starting out in a position higher than an assistant in any department is fairly low. If possible, try to intern at a company where you want to work. I found my internships were far more useful, in future job interviews and experience-wise, than were the classes. I know I am contradicting myself a little....
One thing that I've been noticing that might give you an edge is if you have any experience with web design/social media/digital production. Since publishing is going through a huge transition, those are highly valuable skills/assets that not everyone has.
Hope this helped, and best of luck!
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