Do MFA Programs Really Benefit Aspiring Writers?

TL;DR

MFA programs can provide valuable connections and experiences, but most graduates do not become professional writers, raising ethical concerns about their effectiveness. The speaker suggests that early-career writers often want an audience more than formal education, questioning whether investing in such programs is the right choice for everyone.

Transcript

you know I'm very torn about them I you know I have to confess I did get an MFA from Columbia University and I can't say that I regret it exactly I didn't have a bad time I had some interesting teachers I'm still in touch with one of them and I you know we've become friends uh I I am still friends with some of the students that I met at Columbia um... Read More

Key Insights

• 💦 MFA programs have both positive and negative aspects, offering a platform for writers to share their work but not guaranteeing a successful writing career.
• 🔇 The speaker realizes that their personal experience may not be representative of all MFA programs, and they struggle with their conflicting perspectives on the topic.
• ❓ There may be a societal pressure for aspiring writers to pursue MFA programs, but their actual career prospects may not align with their aspirations.
• 😀 The limitations of MFA programs extend beyond writing; other artistic disciplines face similar challenges in terms of career opportunities.
• 🥋 The speaker's husband's experience as a jazz drummer mirrors the concerns about teaching in a field that offers more career prospects compared to actually practicing the art form.
• 🥰 The speaker's discomfort reveals a deeper issue within the arts industry, where the pursuit of education and career fulfillment may not always align.
• 🙈 MFA programs can be seen as a middle-class indulgence, primarily benefiting those who already have financial stability.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the speaker feel about their own MFA experience?

The speaker admits to having mixed feelings about their MFA experience at Columbia University. While they do not regret it and have fond memories of it, they also question its overall value.

Q: Why does the speaker think they should have pursued a different field of study?

The speaker believes that in their early 20s, they needed an audience more than formal education. Looking back, they think a more substantive subject like history would have provided a stronger foundation for their writing career.

Q: What prevents the speaker from publishing their work?

The speaker admits that they are still working towards getting their short stories published in renowned publications like the New Yorker. They haven't achieved that milestone yet, highlighting the challenges of becoming a successful writer.

Q: Why does the speaker feel guilty when teaching creative writing?

The speaker feels guilty teaching creative writing because they believe that most students pursuing MFA programs won't become professional writers. They question the purpose of encouraging aspiring writers if they are unlikely to succeed.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker acknowledges their mixed feelings about MFA programs, having personally benefited from their own MFA experience at Columbia University.

• They believe that in their early 20s, they needed an audience more than a formal education, but now question if they should have pursued a more substantive subject like history.

• While acknowledging the value of MFA programs for those seeking an audience, the speaker acknowledges that most MFA graduates do not become professional writers, which raises ethical concerns when teaching creative writing.