I want to be a writer
Writing is the art of communication and the ability to strategically string words together to create polished manuscripts, poems, articles, books and other types of written content. Writers often work across a variety of genres including nonfiction, fiction, poetry and satire. In a business setting, they can work as copywriters, technical writers, public relations professionals and editors.
Career Snapshot
- Salary Range​ – $24,000 - $146,674 annually (stats from Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary varies by industry, education level and experience)
- Work Environment – office setting, possible travel or remote work
Things to Think About Writer
Top qualities and skills needed for writing careers:
Communication
Clearly express your ideas, thoughts and emotions to connect with readers in a voice they can understand and relate to. Listening and asking the right questions will help you establish your unique voice.
Grammar
Writers must have a deep understanding of spelling, sentence structure, punctuation and various styles of writing. You will need to draft, proofread, revise and finalize your writing samples before they get published.
Research
You could be tasked with writing about topics you aren’t familiar with. This requires research, often online, in a library or interviewing others. Finding, comprehending and incorporating the information into your writing will help your credibility.
Organization
Writers have creative ways of organizing their thoughts, ideas and writing space. Notebooks, folders and calendars are tools a writer needs to keep ideas fresh and deadlines in order.
Top Five
There are a variety of majors at ²ÊÃñ±¦µä that can help prepare you for the future.
Most Surprising Majors
Handshake Job Search Terms
- Writing
- Technical
- Create
- Edit
- Blog
Things You Can Do
Seek opportunities on campus to start developing skills.
Get Involved
Almost every club or student organization on campus has a social media, copywriting or communications position. This person may create posts for social media, writes blogs and newsletters or oversee marketing materials. There are also many organizations that bring together other writers. that fits your interests.
Get Connected
Understanding how other writers got their start is a great first step to getting familiar with the industry. Whether you’re interested in journalism, creative or technical writing, you can make connections with successful writers and shadow them for a day to see what their job is like. Find these connections at Career Services.
Get Experience
Find opportunities to develop on-the-job skills. You could assist local media companies, faculty members and authors through an internship or on-campus job. Online and local magazines are always looking for writers to submit their work.
Get Engaged
Learn about on-campus publications and offices with writing positions, such as and Strategic Relations.
Get Informed
Researching companies and the industry you’d like to work in is an essential step to narrowing your interests while in school. Use Industry Insider to learn more about careers in and .