Are you passionate about writing? Perhaps you are inspired by Stephen King and write short horror stories in your free time, or you can create engaging, informative content online that communicates with the audience clearly and concisely. If yes, a career in writing is a suitable option, and if you excel at writing formal documents, then studying and pursuing professional writing may be worth considering.
We live in a digital world, and the demand for individuals that can create compelling content has never been higher. Companies need skilled writers to convey their message across a variety of mediums. If you have a natural flair for writing and want to consider developing your skills further with a master’s in professional writing, you can expect some of the following career choices.
Writing Is Not A Lucrative Career Path?
There is a widespread misperception that writing is not a rewarding profession. Despite the tremendous opportunities in writing, the area is frequently disregarded when assessing lucrative career possibilities. However, the reality is that you can choose from a wide range of job options that can lead to financial stability and success, with prospects for advancement. From working as a freelancer for your brand to content creation for corporations, you can make a good living doing what you love.
Now if you are considering writing as a profession but are afraid of the starving artist stereotype, you can opt for a higher degree to give you a competitive advantage. Earning a master’s degree in writing can offer advanced knowledge of writing skills and help you stand out as a professional. You will learn about opportunities to specialize in an interested area, be it journalism or working for an educational sector. Do not let the myth of the starving artist hold you back – with a degree in writing, the doors to a world of lucrative career options are wide open.
In this article, we have compiled 6 career paths you can choose if you want to write professionally.
1- Editor:
Editors oversee written content at every stage and play a crucial role in the writing process. Their primary responsibility includes proofreading content before publication and ensuring it is well-written, free of grammatical errors, and factually correct where relevant. They refine written material, verify the authenticity of sources and facts, and improve text or provide suggestions.
Editors can work for publishing companies or provide their services to advertising agencies. They may also work on different types of written material, such as books, magazines, newspapers, and websites.
Editors can also expect lucrative salaries, with senior editors earning $75,000 annually.
2- Marketing Copywriter:
Copywriters are the backbone of marketing companies as they act as a brand voice. They create persuasive copy to promote products or services and generate revenue. In addition to being skilled writers, they are also knowledgeable about marketing and psychology.
They collaborate with different departments, from designers and marketers to other professionals, to create content that aligns with the company’s goals. A persuasive copy needs a proper structure and must appeal to the appropriate audience.s A firm command of the English language is also necessary.
3- Technical Writer:
Technical writers translate complex technical information into understandable language for a wider audience. They construct user manuals and easy-to-understand tutorials so that readers can understand how to operate. It is not an easy task, as you need to have considerable technical knowledge to avoid making mistakes.
It is not merely a writing job; you will also need an advanced understanding of technology concepts and the ability to convey your message using non-technical language. Therefore, an advanced degree in English is often a pre-requisite for technical writers, along with basic knowledge of the field they are writing about. For example, if you are writing for a manufacturing company and you are unfamiliar with how the machine works, you might not be able to write an instructions manual that provides readers with all the required information.
The average salary for technical writers is $86,000.
4- Public Relations Specialist:
Maintaining a company’s positive public image is crucial for success. Public Relations Specialists are professionals hired to ensure that, and you can land this job with strong writing background.
Your day-to-day responsibility will include writing public speeches and creating press releases. As these pieces of information will be shared with the public, these professionals ensure that no sensitive data is released that could harm the company’s reputation.
They also work closely with the media to inform the public about the company’s message. They may help organize press conferences or coordinate interviews with reporters. Strong writing skills are essential in this role, as you will be responsible for crafting clear, concise messages to communicate effectively.
5- Content Marketing Manager:
With your professional writing degree, you can work as a content marketing manager.
Content marketing is a hot topic, with more and more people opting for search engine optimization (SEO) and social media to create promotional content for their products or services. In this role, you will create content that aligns with your brand voice and implement strategies to create a successful campaign. You need strong writing and editing skills to excel in this role, along with research expertise.
Some companies prefer for you to have a degree, but it is often more important that candidates have a proven ability to develop, create, and promote content. As an experienced writer with a working knowledge of content marketing, you will find opportunities to break into this space. Additionally, content marketing directors earn an average annual salary of $103,000, so content marketing managers have great opportunities for career advancement and associated salary increases.
6- Grant Writer:
Nonprofit organizations require professionals to write proposals to help them secure funds. That is where grant writers come in. Grants writers research and identify potential funding opportunities to create compelling proposals.
Your writing degree can come in handy if you opt for this profession. As a graduate in professional writing, you are equipped to write engaging essays. Your degree will provide you with research skills and methods. In turn, you can use those skills to develop compelling arguments that can ensure that the organization you’re working for secures investors.
Conclusion:
The jobs mentioned in this article are just a few of the many options. Writing is a diverse field, and the growth opportunity is enormous. Every company utilizes writing one way or the other, from simple marketing emails for welcoming clients to complex technical information about heavy machinery. You can work in various settings with your degree, but the key is choosing a career path you enjoy.