Writers can build successful careers as journalists, grant writers, technical writers, copy writers, public relations professionals, or academic writers.
Deciding on a career can be a daunting task for many reasons. In our society, people are defined by “what they do,” and professionals are often times stereotyped according to their jobs. For example, accountants are assumed to be quiet, scientists are called nerds and public relations practitioners have a reputation for being talkers. Not only are people defined by their jobs, but they also spend more time at work than almost anywhere else. That means more time with their co-workers than with their families and more time worrying about a deadline than worrying about their health. So, deciding how you want to spend the majority of your time is important. Although it may sound trite, you must discover your passion before you embark on a career path.
If writing is your passion, you have many career options. Whether you want to write a best selling novel, instruction manuals, or breaking news, there is a job for you. As a writer, you can write about anything for almost any company anywhere in the world. If you’re interested in fashion and you have a talent for writing, you should consider working for a fashion magazine. If you’re interested in medicine, but hate hospitals, you can write about health.
Here are a few examples of careers in writing:
Journalists
Journalists write for newspapers, magazines, web sites and television. A journalist usually specializes in a particular area such as sports, crime, politics or entertainment and works under an editor for each section. Copy editors check for style guidelines, grammar and accuracy. Writing for the media is exciting and always changing, so expect long hours and looming deadlines.
Grant Writers
The goal of a grant writer is to help get funding for non-profit organizations. The writer is responsible for creating, submitting and following-up with proposals for funding, as well as keeping in contact with organizations that have secured funding.
Technical Writers
Technical writers prepare instruction manuals, catalogs and project proposals. They usually work in the engineer, software or medical fields putting documents in language that the average person can understand. Some businesses require their writers have desktop publishing skills. The Society of Technical Writers offers sound advice and career opportunities for technical writers.
Copy Writers
Copy writers work for advertising firms, who provide services for multiples clients, or in-house for a particular company. These writers are responsible for writing the text for ads.
Public Relations Professionals
Press releases, pitch letters, public service announcements, feature stories, annual reports and speeches are just a few types of writing that a public relations professional will do over the course of his/her career. They will work closely with journalists and other professionals in the media. The Public Relations Society of America can help you get started in this career.
Academic Writers
Writers might also consider a career in academia. Teachers can teach any of the above classes that focus on writing. Even if you decide not to teach one of these areas, professors spend the majority of their time researching and writing journal articles and conference papers on their subject of expertise.
These are only a few of the career options available to writers, and it is possible to move from one writing career to another. Many public relations professionals began in journalism, and grant writers often have backgrounds in technical writing. If you have a passion and a talent for writing, you can build an exciting career doing what you love.
