<p><span class="p-body">As professional writers take their place as leaders in the media world, there's no better place to hone their craft than the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-professional-writing.html" target="_blank">MS in Professional Writing</a> program at NYU SPS. Offered entirely online, this program is designed for busy professionals near and far, opening the door for many students who require flexibility, like current student Joretta Morris. We were excited to hear from Morris and pick her brain about her experience in the program so far. </span></p>
Meet Joretta Morris
<p><span class="p-body">Morris has always had a passion for storytelling. Growing up, her love for writing began with the pages of her favorite books, where she found her earliest inspirations. This early affinity for words set the stage for a lifelong career in writing. Raised in an environment where stories and narratives were her playground, Morris developed a deep connection with the art of writing that has carried her through her academic and professional pursuits. "It seems I've been writing one thing or another since I picked up my first <i>The Baby-Sitters Club</i> novel," she reflects. Today, she continues to weave narratives, but with a more focused purpose—preparing for a career in copywriting and media strategy.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Her decision to pursue an MS in Professional Writing at NYU SPS came during a time when she was ready to transform her writing passion into a career. Morris always dreamed of living in New York City, and this program provided her the perfect opportunity to earn a degree aligned with her career interests. "I saw this program as the perfect chance to make that dream a reality while also adding another degree to my collection, and this time one that would serve me in the career areas that I'm actually interested in."</span></p>
Building Her Portfolio & Beyond
<p><span class="p-body">Morris's experience as a student at NYU SPS has been unique, largely because of the flexible and hands-on nature of the program. For someone who thrives on practical application rather than traditional lectures, the asynchronous format of her classes has been ideal. "It's been really cool," she notes. <span class="p-body"></span><br>
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I love being asynchronous so I can attend classes at my leisure theoretically from anywhere in the world (though obviously, I chose NYC) and I love having so many hands-on assignments as I learn by doing work rather than it being taught to me."
<p><span class="p-body">This style of learning has allowed her to stay engaged with her coursework and develop skills in a way that feels natural to her.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">The hands-on approach of her program also extends to her internship experiences. Over the summer, she worked closely with a showrunner to develop an indie pilot from the ground up, gaining practical experience that has been invaluable in shaping her understanding of the writing industry. "Most of my classes come with copious hands-on experience," she shares. This experience, along with the practical assignments from her courses, has given Morris a robust portfolio of work that will undoubtedly serve her well as she prepares to enter the job market.</span></p>
Transforming Perspectives
<p><span class="p-body">Morris's time at NYU SPS has not only provided her with a solid foundation in professional writing but also instilled in her the confidence to pursue her career goals with determination. She reflects on how the program has transformed her perspective on her career path: "It has made me ready to begin working, and that's something I didn't have before NYU SPS as I once considered myself the lifelong student choosing to get degree after degree instead of actually joining the workforce in a meaningful way. That's changed." With newfound clarity and readiness, she is eager to begin her career as a copywriter and media strategist, areas she feels well-prepared to thrive in thanks to her studies.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Staying ahead in the ever-evolving field of professional writing requires continuous learning and adaptability, something Morris has embraced during her time at NYU SPS. She values the up-to-date information and diverse perspectives the program has exposed her to, even in areas outside her immediate interest. "It's given me the latest information on my field of interest and has even shown me things that I'm not interested in but still find helpful to know about," she says, noting the relevance of staying informed on topics like artificial intelligence.</span></p>
Passing the Inspiration Torch
<p><span class="p-body">Nowadays, Morris's inspiration for her writing comes from all around her. She finds creative fuel in the world she interacts with daily—from the sights and sounds of the subway to conversations at the local coffee shop and trends on social media. She also draws from the wisdom of others who are on a similar path. "I always gravitate towards the people who have come before me and the people who are currently where I am so that we can learn from each other and then help the next group coming behind us."</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Looking ahead, Morris's is excited to put her degree to good use. Her goal is to start a career in copywriting and media strategy, roles that she feels her experiences at NYU SPS have prepared her well for. Her advice to incoming NYU SPS students is to be open to exploring different learning avenues, take risks with creative ideas, and most importantly, have fun. "You got this!" she encourages.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">With her solid grounding in professional writing, her hands-on experiences, and her passion for storytelling, Morris is well on her way to making her mark in the world of media and communications. As she steps out into the next chapter of her career, she carries with her a wealth of knowledge, a network of supportive peers and mentors, and an unyielding drive to succeed.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Start shaping the future of media and let your creativity thrive when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-professional-writing.html">MS in Professional Writing</a> at NYU SPS.</span></p>
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