Despite popular belief, you don’t have to be an author or an English teacher to make a living out of writing. Having a profession in writing can open many doors out there for writers to pursue their passions. However, what industries should you look into – especially after graduating college?
1. Copywriting
If you are interested in a profession where you can think critically while being creative, copywriting may be the right one. No, this has nothing to do with copyrights. Copywriters, as defined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prepare “advertisements to promote the sale of a good or service. They often work with clients to produce written content, such as an advertising slogan.” Have you ever watched a clever commercial that made you want to subscribe to something? Copywriters focus on innovative techniques to develop advertising campaigns through various multimedia channels. One of the best things about being a copywriter is that you can quickly get into other fields, including social media marketing or public relations.
2. Editor
Are you an avid reader, or do you find satisfaction in revising documents? If so, being an editor is the right choice for you. As an editor, you would typically be responsible for reading content, correcting grammatical errors, working with writers to help their stories succeed, and more. There are many ways to get into editing; some of the more popular ways include working in book publishing houses and editing for magazines and newspapers. Unfortunately, as an editor, you won’t be the one doing all the writing. On the other hand, by editing others’ work, you can improve your writing.
3. Grant Writing
Grant writing is one of the most prominent ways writers can create an impact in their careers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that grant writers “research, draft, and submit proposals that help organizations or individuals receive grant funding.” A grant writer’s primary job is to help a nonprofit organization receive funding through writing proposals and connecting with funders. Grant writing is a rewarding profession because grants can significantly help nonprofits carry out their mission to better the world. For those that want to work with nonprofit organizations to make a difference, this profession is for you.
4. Journalism
Have you always been curious about the world and always want answers to things? If so, being a journalist could be in your future! As a reporter or a journalist, your responsibility is to “keep the public updated about current events and noteworthy information. They report international, national, and local news for newspapers, magazines, websites, television, and radio.” Unfortunately, journalism can be controversial because of “fake news” and how journalists can create biases. Modern media does not promote real journalism. Real journalists must always seek the truth, even when it doesn’t align with their morals. Journalists must give everyone a chance to tell their stories and provide a voice to those who don’t have one.
5. Technical Writer
If you like writing but struggle with creativity, consider being a technical writer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, technical writers “prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily.” Unlike many writing professions, technical writing is precise and lacks a lot of creative freedom. Often, technical writers work for computer hardware engineers and software developers. Because of this, technical writers discuss detailed information and must be able to communicate this information to a targeted audience.
No matter what writing career you decide to get into, make sure to find a mentor or a friend with professional experience that you can learn from!