Careers

• Creative WritingNovels: fiction and nonfiction
  • Poetry, plays, screenplays, and scripts
  • Greeting cards
  • Lyrics/Jingle writing
• Journalism
  • Writing/Reporting
  • Editing
  • Critique
• Freelance writing

Employers

• Newspapers/Magazines
• Broadcast media companies: television, radio, and movie
• Trade, professional, or consumer publications
• Internet sites
• Government agencies
  • Departments of Homeland Security, Defense, and State
  • Veterans Affairs
  • National Archives and records administration
• Universities and university presses
• Technical industries
• Self-employed/Freelance
• Large corporations

Strategies

• Select elective coursework in a particular area of interest.
• Write for campus publications such as college newspapers, magazines, or departmental or program newsletters.
• Volunteer to assist or tutor students in a writing center.
• Become familiar with the proposal writing and submission process involved in freelance writing.
• Gain as much experience as possible through volunteer positions, internships, or part-time jobs.
• Demonstrate patience and persistence in starting a career in creative writing.

• Technical writing and editing
• Science and medical writing
• Grant and proposal writing
• Software and hardware documentation
• Information technology writing
• Human-computer interface design
• Corporate communications and training
• Mechanical communication

Employers

• Management, scientific, and technical consulting companies
• Technical industries
• Retailers including electronics
• Engineering firms
• Healthcare industry
• Computer systems design companies
• Software publishers
• Self-employed/Freelance

Strategies

• Earn a bachelor’s degree with a focus in English, communication, or journalism. Complete coursework in technical communications.
• Minor or take classes in science and/or computer science to learn about technical areas and trends.
• Gain experience in a specialized field such as engineering, medicine, science, web design, or computer software.
• Develop strong grammar and language skills; consider a second-language.
• Obtain volunteer or internship experience as a research assistant in a technical information department.
• Pursue a technical writing or editing internship.

• Editing
• Advertising
• Sales
• Circulation
• Production
• Publicity
• Marketing
• Promotion
• Administration

Employers

• Trade publishing
• Special interest magazines
• Trade magazines
• Association magazines
• Sunday newspaper supplements
• Educational publishing
• Religious books and magazines
• Professional and scholarly publishing
• University presses
• Independent publishers
• Alternative media publishers (e.g., e-books, audiobooks)

Strategies

• Obtain an internship in the publishing industry.
• Participate in a summer publishing institute.
• Develop proofreading, editing, and copy-editing skills; maintain current knowledge of digital production technology.
• Gain experience by writing for student publications such as the newspaper, creative writing magazines, the yearbook, etc.
• Conduct an informational interview with or shadow a professional in the publishing industry.
• Look for positions with local dailies and alternative weeklies in the community.
• Volunteer to write or edit publications with local nonprofit organizations to gain experience.
• Be prepared to relocate to cities with a publishing presence. A large majority of opportunities exist in New York City.
• Research the publishing industry to learn more about career ladder.

• Higher education administration
  • Admissions, financial aid, academic advising and support services
  • Student affairs (e.g., residence life, student activities, orientation, leadership, Greek life, multicultural programs)
  • Development and alumni affairs
  • International education and study abroad
• Information/Library Science
• Non-classroom Teaching
• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Research
• Teaching
• Tutoring
• Administration

Employers

• Public and private K-12 schools
• Colleges and universities
• Language institutes, local and abroad
• Libraries
• Museums
• Private learning centers
• Test preparation organizations
• Nonprofit organizations involved with literacy

Strategies

• Obtain appropriate state certification for public school teaching. Gain certifications to teach multiple subjects or age groups for increased job opportunities.
• Earn a master’s or doctorate degree for post-secondary teaching.
• Maintain a high grade point average and secure strong faculty recommendations for graduate school.
• Plan to attend graduate school in college student personnel or information science for those fields.
• Seek volunteer experiences working with children through Big Brother/Sister programs, tutoring, summer camps, YMCAs, etc.
• Participate in activities such as debate or literary clubs, campus publications, or student government.
• Pursue leadership roles such as resident advisor, peer mentor, student advisor, etc.

• Creative Services
  • Copy Writing
  • Art Direction
  • Web Page Design
• Account Management
• Media
• Account Planning
• Production

Employers

• Advertising agencies
• In-house agencies of large companies

Strategies

• Demonstrate talent, persistence, assertiveness, and enthusiasm.
• Obtain experience with campus media such as the newspaper, or TV, or radio station.
• Be prepared to start in an entry-level position.
• Develop strong statistics background for market research positions.
• Create a portfolio of writing showing originality and imagination for creative positions.
• Gain knowledge of various media, contemporary tastes, and trends.
• Participate in sales and promotions for student organizations or private businesses.
• Complete an internship in a market research firm or advertising agency.
• Supplement curriculum with courses in advertising, communications, business, art, or graphic design.

• Account coordination
• Writing
• Editing
• Research
• Media relations
• Social media
• Account Management
• Fundraising

Employers

• Public relations firms
• Advertising agencies
• In-house public relations departments
• Trade associations
• Colleges and universities
• Nonprofit organizations
• Government agencies

Strategies

• Obtain internship or other relevant work experience to break into this field.
• Be prepared to start at the bottom and work for promotions.
• Develop strong research, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
• Seek experiences being self-directed and a team player.
• Volunteer to write publications for nonprofit or student organizations.
• Supplement curriculum with business courses.

• Law assistance
• Prosecution
• Defense
• Contractual
• Corporate
• Nonprofit or public interest
• Government
• Mediation
• Lobbying

Employers

• Law firms
• State and local government
• Corporations
• Public interest organizations
• Private practice
• Colleges and universities

Strategies

• Participate in a debate or forensic team to hone communication skills.
• Develop strong research skills and attention to detail.
• Take courses in and gain experience with mediation and conflict resolution.
• Get involved with pre-law organizations.
• Obtain a summer or part-time job in a law firm.
• Plan to shadow an attorney to learn more about the field and various specialties.
• Complete special training requirements for paralegal positions.
• Attend law school and earn a JD to become an attorney.
• Maintain an excellent GPA and secure strong faculty recommendations to gain law school admittance. Plan to take the LSAT.

• Business
• Management
• Customer service
• Sales and marketing
• Human resources
• InsuranceClaims/Underwriting

Employers

• Business organizations: banks, real estate agencies, insurance firms, and large and small corporations
• Retailers: department, grocery, drug, specialty, variety, and book stores

Strategies

• Obtain a business minor.
• Gain relevant experience through part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work.
• Secure leadership roles in campus organizations and student professional associations.
• Seek experience as a financial officer or treasurer of a campus organization.
• Develop strong analytical and computer skills.