Writing/Editing

• Books
• Poetry
• Plays
• Screenplays
• Scripts
• Greeting Cards
• Lyrics/Jingle writing

• Writing/Reporting
• Editing

• Science and medical writing

Employers

• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Broadcast media companies including television, radio, and the movie industry
• Trade, professional, or consumer publications
• Internet sites
• Large corporations

• Department of Homeland Security
• Department of Defense
• Department of State
• Veterans Affairs
• National Archives and Records Admin.

Universities
Technical industries
Self-employed/Freelance

Information & Strategies

• Select elective coursework in a particular area of interest.
• Write for campus publications such as college newspapers, magazines, or departmental/program newsletters
• Volunteer to assist or tutor students in a writing center.
• For technical writing positions obtain a concentration in technical writing. Take science and/or computer courses to gain knowledge about technical areas and trends.
• 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 writing.

Education

• Teaching
• Administration
• Student affairs
• Academic advising
• Information science
• Non-classroom teaching
• Tutoring

Employers

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

Information & Strategies

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

Publishing

• 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 such as e-books or audiobooks

Information & Strategies

• Obtain an internship in the publishing industry.
• Participate in a summer publishing institute.
• Develop word processing, editing, and desktop publishing skills. Gain additional technical skills if working in an online environment.
• 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.
• Develop extensive grammar and language skills.
• Be prepared to relocate to cities with a publishing presence.
• Research the publishing industry to learn more about career ladders.

Advertising

• Creative services: copy writing or art direction
• Account management
• Media
• Account planning
• Production

Employers

• Advertising agencies
• In-house agencies of large companies

Information & Strategies

• Demonstrate talent, persistence, assertiveness, and enthusiasm.
• Be prepared to start in an entry-level position.
• Obtain strong statistics background for market research positions.
• Create a portfolio of writing and ideas showing originality and imagination for creative positions.
• Gain knowledge of various media, contemporary tastes, and trends.
• Obtain experience with campus newspaper, TV, or radio.
• 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 business (marketing, economics, mathematics), art, or graphic design.

Public Relations

• Account coordination
• Writing/editing
• Media relations
• Account management

Employers

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

Information & Strategies

• Obtain internship or other relevant work experience to break into this field. Be prepared to start at the bottom and work towards higher levels.
• Develop strong research skills, public speaking ability, enthusiasm, and interpersonal skills.
• Supplement curriculum with business courses.
• Become an effective team member by working on group projects for campus organizations.
• Volunteer to write publications for nonprofit or student organizations.

Business

• Management
• Sales
• Marketing
• Human Resources
• Insurance: claims, underwriting

Employers

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

Information & Strategies

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

Law

Employers

• Law firms
• Corporate legal departments
• Government agencies
• Nonprofit organizations

Information & Strategies

• Develop strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Become skillful in debate and public speaking.
• Organize campus events, speakers, or political rallies.
• Obtain summer or part-time work in a law firm.
• Plan to shadow an attorney to learn more about the field.
• Complete special training requirements for paralegal positions.
• Attend law school and earn a JD to become an attorney. Maintain an excellent grade point average and secure strong faculty recommendations to gain law school admittance. Plan to take the LSAT.