“Home is not where you are from, it is where you belong. Some of us travel the world to find it, others find it in their words” inspired by Beau Taplin, a writer, these words depict the cathartic effect writing has on people who create magic through their words.
People with a love for writing are apprehensive about pursuing it as a career because they have heard or assumed that writing means becoming an author. It is important to shatter this misconception since writing in today’s world is not only restricted to writing novels and stories, rather it has established itself as an essential aspect of marketing, journalism, blogging and various other domains as well. Therefore, the art of painting stories through words is an immortal profession that will keep growing across domains leading to an increased need for writers.
If you possess a genuine love for writing, can understand the shades of words and how these words will impact your readers, then your skills can be applied to the following careers:
1. Editor
An editor is a reviewer who is responsible for polishing, refining and enhancing a publication before it reaches its target audience. They work for magazines, blogs, newspapers, books and publications and critically review articles to ensure that the content is grammatically and factually correct. They act as an interface between the writer and the audience by making the writer’s work more interesting, engaging and flawless for the readers.
For instance, an editor for a fashion magazine like ‘Vogue’ would plan the different sections in a particular edition, set deadlines, oversee writers, and ensure that only relevant and intriguing fashion-related content is published in the magazine.
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism or Communications. Many pursue a PG diploma/master’s degree in Journalism/Mass Communication too.
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2. Content Writer
Browsing through multiple websites on the web, you will notice how each of them has a different style and voice, a youth-driven website like ‘Happily Unmarried’ starkly contrasts with a brand like ‘Apple’. A website’s voice is in a major part determined by the content written on it. Content helps you understand a company’s offerings easily, builds trust, and convinces you to opt-in for the service/product/cause the website is trying to sell. From those who write the quirky content present on ‘Happily Unmarried’ to those who make you believe that the features present in an iPhone are the cutting edge of technology, are all Content Writers.
Content writers write content that speaks to the audience through words that are appealing, engaging and well-informed. A flair for writing, a love for wordplay, and a unique perspective are what you need to make it big.
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism or Communications is preferred (not compulsory).
3. Journalist
From vigilance to interviewing, a variety of skills go into making a good journalist. A Journalist is someone who gathers information and weaves it into a story appealing to his/her audience. This gathering, assessing and creating news involves perusing press releases, verifying facts, developing story ideas, researching and investigating topics, cultivating sources and relationships, etc. Once the story is put into words, it is published as articles in the form of newspaper or web articles.
Journalists write and report news stories about everything from social issues to politics, sports and entertainment. Journalists report news as it is, in an unbiased form, or have a voice of their own that affects the decision-making of their readers and creates an impact on people.
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree or postgraduate degree in journalism/mass communication is required to pursue a career in this field.
Recommended Read: Mass Communication Vs. Journalism: Are they the Same or Different?
4. Social Media Manager
Social media is a favourite past-time for many, and for brands today it is a great way to reach out to their existing and potential customers. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and various other social media channels are mediums through which brands engage with their audience, create interest for their products, share information and interesting content, and ultimately, drive traffic on to their website. Social Media Managers are their torchbearers who build and maintain social channels in a way that they reflect the company’s voice and attract the audience.
Top-notch communication and writing skills, ability to write sharp and engaging content, social media literacy, a good sense of humour, and a hawk-eye for trends are what you need to grab an opportunity in this career.
Education Required: Individuals interested in a career in social media need a bachelor’s degree in a field like communications, journalism or marketing. Sometimes, an MBA is also required. Certification courses in digital marketing and social media management can help a lot.
Recommended Read: Marketing in the New Age: All About a Career in Digital Marketing
5. Copywriter
When demonetization happened in 2016, Paytm, the cashless payments app, came up with the slogan, “ATM nahi, Paytm karo”. This slogan was not only catchy but also hit customers on their biggest pain-point at the time, the unavailability of cash at ATMs throughout India. A well-written copy does exactly this, it connects with its target audience by identifying their needs and putting across the solution through captivating, concise words.
Copywriters entice their readers to take action through witty and user-friendly content, present on brochures, billboards, websites, emails, advertisements, catalogues and even social media. Copywriters are essential to marketing and advertising, and if you feel you have a way of conveying heavy meaning through fewer words, you can give this career a go.
Education Required: A degree in mass communication or advertising can help form a base. Specific short-term copywriting and advertising certification courses will help you learn the skills needed to get ahead.
6. Blogger
Tim Ferriss, an American blogger who writes self-help articles through his blogs is a millionaire with a net worth of $100 million. A serving spoon of ideas and a teaspoon of dedication mixed thoroughly is all it takes to commence writing a blog. Blogs are the perfect way to publish your writing, share your perspectives and opinions, connect with people, and learn new things along the way.
Be it food, fashion, education, travel, inspiration, you can choose the theme you connect with the most to start up your own blog or find an existing blog in your chosen genre and write for them. If you are a master of words and want a direct window to connect with an audience, blogging is the way to go!
Education Required: You don’t need a degree to become a blogger, but a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism or communication can help you fine-tune your writing skills. Additionally, courses to learn technical skills related to blogging, such as WordPress, SEO and marketing skills are beneficial.
Recommended Read: Get Writing: 5 Steps to Start A Career in Blogging
7. Scriptwriter
A scriptwriter is a writer who practises the craft of screenwriting i.e. writing screenplays on which mass media such as films, television programs, online videos, web-series or even video games are based. S/he is a storyteller responsible for creating characters, crafting dialogues and weaving engaging plots that keep the audience entertained. Usually, scriptwriters specialise in a particular genre for instance comedy, action or mystery. Some create content for broadcast radio while others paint stories for plays.
Education Required: Mass Communication, Film-making or a writing degree is usually required. Creativity and talent are essential when seeking a career in screenwriting.
8. PR Specialist
All the public figures you come across today from politicians to celebrities to singers are not just big names, instead, they are brands being created and publicised by Public Relations professionals. A PR specialist aims to create a favourable aura around their client by monitoring media releases, directing public relations programs, raising funds for their organisations and preparing information for the media.
They decide what goes into the newspaper, what should be published on websites, and what interview questions would portray the desired image of that person or organisation. Hence, writing and using the correct words, plays an important role in the life of a PR specialist.
Education Required: A bachelor’s degree in a PR-related area like journalism, marketing or communications is required for entry-level positions. Many colleges or universities offer specific public relations certificate programs or majors.
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As Margaret Atwood once said, “A word after a word after a word is power.” So, unfold your stories, spread your ideas and showcase your imagination through the power of words!
Which of these careers excites you the most? Share with us in the comments!