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How can I make myself stand out through writing?

I am going into journalism and I want to stand out against my mostly male peers.
#writing #journalism #writing-and-editing

journalism writing-and-editing
Thank you comment icon First, don’t set it up as competing against men. Compete against the best you can do and the rest will take of itself. Be the best prepared you can be. Read read, read. That will put you steps ahead of everyone. Ask questions; never assume. Volunteer to do anything at your local newspaper or radio station. Did I mention READ? And finally, don’t give up. If the first door won’t open the next one might. Good luck to you!! Rachel Shuster
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Stefania’s Answer

Hi Margaret,


While gender in the workplace and navigating a male-dominated environment is a valid issue to be thinking about, I would not consider it a barrier in terms of writing. In fact, I think diversity, in writing, is a great advantage. In a space that is dominated by one demographic, you have an opportunity to present a fresh, new perspective on any topic. I think that should be your focus -- and any good writer's focus. Plan on doing this by first conducting suitable research. Investigate the topic, see what's been written about and find a new way to tell the story (new angle, new insights, etc). If you write well and engage readers, gender issues should not be a writing hurdle.


You are right, however. Gender biases do exist and are a top-of-mind for women who question whether it will influence their goals and career development. As far as standing out in a male dominated workplace, it's important you make sure you find a confident, emboldened voice. It also helps to surround yourself by other female peers. You can do this by joining professional communities or networks. There are a few examples of these in the suggested next steps below. Best of luck to you! Keep writing,


Stefania Revelli, CCSP

Stefania recommends the following next steps:

Stay confident. Start keeping track of your accomplishments and don't be afraid to "brag" a little. There are many tips online on how to become more confident, from body language to your leadership style. For a few ideas, see articles such as: https://due.com/blog/how-women-in-business-can-become-more-confident/ and https://www.fastcompany.com/3055114/how-the-most-successful-women-gain-confidence
Join professional groups for women such as The Association for Women in Communications or The International Women's Guild or http://www.swwj.co.uk/. There are also groups you can join on Facebook or through LinkedIn.
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Kruti’s Answer

What makes the top content writers stand out is that they take the time necessary to make sure that they follow the instructions they are provided and to thoroughly research the topic at hand, even if it takes them past a specific deadline
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Christy’s Answer

I'm not a journalist, but I've been a professional writer in male-dominated media for decades. Here's some general advice.


Obviously, to stand out your writing has to be exceptional, so work on your writing skills. Study what the great journalists do to make their work spark.


To stand out in competition with men, I recommend being ten times more prepared than anybody. Do ten times the research, get ten times the facts, have ten times the data at your command. Always be prepared and overprepared.


Learn to be thick-skinned and not take things too personally. That doesn't mean tolerating harassment. I refer more to criticism or critiques that seem to be sexist rather than genuine mentoring. Learn to tell the difference.


For example, I once had a man of a certain older age say, "I love working with your scripts. You write like a man." I was amused, because I could see that he was paying me a genuine compliment in the only way he knew how. I took it with the good will in which it was intended.


But otherwise, be tough and stand up for yourself. Act, don't react.


I hope some of this is helpful.
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