Ty Collins

Author: Ty Collins

Grad school degree options for artists of all types

For those interested in the Visual & Performing Arts, graduate school may be something to consider. Whether you are pursuing studio art, film, theater or music there are two main degree programs you can think about considering; The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and the Master of Arts (MA). Whereas with music, one often pursues a Master of Music (MM). Each degree can be further categorized depending on your area of interest. For example, if you’re pursuing Film you can pursue an MFA or MA in Filmmaking, Visual Arts can receive a MFA or MA in Visual Arts, Music Education can receive an MM in Music Education, etc. However, what are the big differences between these degree programs? 

Let’s start with the Master of Fine Arts. The MFA is often more rigorous than the MA program since it offers much more hands-on course work. This is because the MFA program is often thought of as terminal, or as the last degree someone earns for their career. The MFA often takes 2-3 years to complete. 

The Master of Arts on the other hand is a little less rigorous when it comes to hands-on course work. The degree program can be completed in 2 years, and often features more seminars and is much more academic in design. Unlike the MFA, the MA is often not terminal. This means it is used as a stepping-stone to achieve high degrees, such as a Doctorate.  

The Master of Music is the main Masters degree for those studying Music Education, Performance, Composition etc. There are of course MA programs for those interested in pursuing music as well, but it is often designed to have a broad overlook of the topic of music rather than specializing in just one area like the MM programs. 

Want to know more about an MFA, MA, of MM in your career path? Check out these sources below:  

By Marissa Lake ’22. I am a sophomore Vocal Performance major. I am also the curator for the #ECE and #VPA Career Communities. I love performing as well as music education, and I hope to one day become an established vocalist.

Future Leaders in Public Service Internship Program

Did you know that less than 7% of the full-time federal workforce is under 30? The government is looking to change that. They’re prioritizing paid internships that last 10-12 weeks. These internships are a great way to gain work experience, expand your professional network, and understand the impact of public service.

The program is managed by the Partnership for Public Service and it’s a fantastic opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in school to real-world situations. It’s also a chance to bring diverse young talent into the government. So, whether you’re an undergrad, grad student, or professional student, and no matter what your major is, you’re welcome to apply.

You can choose two career tracks that best align with your interests and skills:

  • Public Administration
  • Science, Mathematics, and Engineering
  • Government Contracting and Acquisition
  • Liberal Arts
  • Public Interest Technology

For more information, visit gogovernment.org/fellowship/future-leaders-in-public-service-internship-program/

Don’t miss this chance to make a difference!

The Denver Publishing Institute

By Lauren A. James-Spielman

Entering the publishing world is no easy feat, especially without experience. To stand out, additional education beyond Lawrence may be necessary.  Rather than attend a two-year graduate program, a much shorter training program exists to help you learn the relevant skills, create influential connections, and understand the ins and outs of the industry. The Denver Publishing Institute (DPI) is an option to turn your passion for books into a profession. 

Every summer, the Denver Publishing Institute enrolls 95 students in their four-week graduate-level publishing program that has launched the careers of over 4,000 participants across the country since 1976. Graduates can be found at work in every aspect of the publishing business–trade and textbooks, children’s and scholarly books. They have gone on to become designers and production specialists, sales reps and literary agents, editors, marketers, and publishers.

According to their handbook, “the program includes multiple workshops focusing on important processes within the publishing field. In the Editing Workshop, you will work on actual manuscripts to engage with the various stages of editing and will have the opportunity to practice editorial skills such as the preparation of a reader’s report, developmental manuscript editing, copyediting, and proofreading. In the Marketing Workshop, you will gain practical experience writing a publicity release for an actual manuscript, learn to identify target audiences and develop a complete marketing plan.”

In addition to hands-on workshops, prominent publishing executives from every area of the business will share their expertise on a broad range of publishing issues. You will also have many opportunities to gain general career knowledge, including tips on résumés, cover letters, interviews, and making job connections.

To learn more about the DPI, including costs and application requirements, visit their website here. Priority application deadlines are at the end of March, although applications are still accepted through early May.

What is Grant Writing?

By Lauren A. James-Spielman

Have you ever wondered how nonprofits and charities get the funds they need to complete their projects? Grants are given to these organizations by donors to support their missions of activism and social change. Grant Writers, therefore, play a vital role in the nonprofit and local community realm, using clear and specific language to persuade the reader of a grant application to provide the funds needed for potentially life-changing projects to come to fruition. Because of the wide range of programs, those who decide to pursue the path of grant writing can work in fields that are meaningful to them, including immigration, housing, food inequity, social justice, and more.

Grant writing is no easy task, but it does typically follow the same format. Those providing the grant (Grantmakers) will have specific rules that may differ from one another, but they will always want to see the following:

  • A short summary of your proposal that lays out the problem you are solving
  • The plan for the work you intend to carry out
  • A broad outline of the budget, distinguishing direct and indirect costs
  • The qualifications and experience of those carrying out this project

Despite the job title, there’s more to grant writing than just writing. In order to begin the process of developing a grant, extensive research is necessary to make your proposal as comprehensive as possible. This includes researching the impact of your project, the projects of adjacent organizations, related grants that have been accepted in recent years, and that only scratches the surface. It doesn’t just end with the grant itself, either. Tracking the progress and success of a grant makes it possible for other grants to be made for both your own organization and for others in the field who hope to also receive funding.

If you’re interested in becoming a grant writer, you’re already off to a great start if you’re enrolled here at Lawrence! Most positions require a bachelor’ degree, and majoring in a relevant field like English, creative writing, or any major that helps develop your writing skills can lay a strong foundation. However, the best way to begin grant writing is to get experience. Many organizations are looking for volunteers to help with their grant writing, so researching your local nonprofits can help you begin your journey and develop valuable connections.

Works Cited:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/professional_technical_writing/grant_writing/index.html

https://www.gcu.edu/blog/language-communication/what-grant-writer

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grant_writing

How to make your Law School application stand out

You are approaching the end of your junior year at Lawrence. You have already carefully chosen your major, taken rigorous, relevant courses, and earned a strong GPA. You have also completed several pieces of research, become an excellent writer, and accomplished a great deal in an internship, specific extracurricular activity, or on-campus job. Now you are ready to start seriously thinking about your law school applications. How will you stand out from all the other applicants?

To stand out in a competitive pool requires a multi-pronged approach. Here are some specific actions you can take:

Maximize your LSAT score: This often carries the most weight. While aiming for a top score is ideal, consider retaking the test if you think you can improve significantly.

Tell your unique story: The personal statement is an especially important part of your application. Do not just list achievements. Instead, highlight your motivations, experiences, and how they shaped your passion for law.

Highlight specific skills and qualities: Use your personal statement and CV to demonstrate strengths like analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and leadership through anecdotes and examples.

Highlight relevant work experience and education: Your CV should also be used to highlight your academic achievements and any legal internships, or paralegal jobs you may have held. Unrelated jobs can also be included if they demonstrate responsibility, time management, and transferable skills.

Proofread meticulously: Eliminate typos and grammatical errors.

Get someone to review your material: Have someone with expertise in this area review your application material. Career Center staff and faculty members are extremely helpful in this regard.

Tailor your application to each school: Highlight features that align with their specific interests and programs.

Provide strong letters of recommendation: Choose faculty recommenders who know you well and can speak to your academic strengths and potential.

Consider optional essays: If offered, use them to address potential weaknesses or provide further context to your story.

Be genuine and authentic: Let your personality shine through, showing the admissions committee who you are beyond numbers and scores.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. However, by focusing on academic excellence, crafting compelling narratives, highlighting diverse experiences, and presenting a well-polished application, you can increase your chances of standing out in the competitive law school application pool.

Content Creators

By Lauren James-Spielman

Depending on who you ask, content creation can equate to entirely different things, from a seasoned journalist to a bombastic YouTuber. Many of us wish we could make a living through live streaming and uploading videos, and while most won’t, it is completely possible to apply those same skills to a more traditional job. As long as you are producing and sharing information or media content for specific audiences, you are a content creator!

With this in mind, let’s explore some of the various content creation opportunities in the workplace:

Social Media Managers: Keeping up to date on the latest trends and applying them to a company’s social media pages is an essential part of branding and exposure. Social Media Managers create content that is creative with fun and innovative posts that encourage audiences to engage with your content.

Content Writers: Every company needs writers to clearly explain their products, persona, and values. Blog posts, articles, and newsletters are often the most informative ways a company communicates with their audience.

Graphic Designers: Logos, illustrations, and photographs all capture the image of a company when you think about them in your mind. Developing a balance of creativity and professionalism is the key to maintaining a company’s reputation, which is why graphic designers are so vital.

Audio Content Creators: The audio aspect of content creation has a wide range of options, including podcasting, music creation, and voice acting. Being the literal voice of a company makes it vital to curate your tone and energy accordingly.

If you’re worried about the amount of experience you have, creating content for yourself or others through gig work is one of the easiest ways to add to your portfolio! Don’t be afraid to explore and try new things in Photoshop, Canva, or various image, audio, and video editing programs to create your own content on topics that interest you.

One of the best places to complete quick jobs is UpWork, a gig-based job seeking site with new opportunities being posted every week! Browsing through their various openings may also give you ideas as to what kind of content you want to make.

Works Cited:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Content_creation
https://www.upwork.com/freelance-jobs/content-creation/
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm