2 answers
Annabelle
Student
Canton, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
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What did your process of becoming a journalist or editor look like, and how long did it take you?
Hi! I am looking to be a journalistic editor in the future, and I am very curious as to what some people's journeys have been on this route. It seems to be very non-linear, but writing is my passion, and I have loved being the editor of my school's magazine this past year, so I would like to know. Thank you for the help!
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2 answers
Joseph Aseo
Freeelance Technical Writer
5
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
I was an editor for my high school and college newspapers. I was also interested in computers, so I took computer science classes in college. My first professional job was at a high-tech startup, where I worked as an editor for two magazines about engineering. This experience helped me start a career as a technical writer. In that role, I wrote and edited documents for software developers, system administrators, and end users.
Linda Reilly
healthcare marketing writer, creative director
3
Answers
Ambler, Pennsylvania
Updated
Linda’s Answer
Hi Annabelle--Journalism is close enough to what I've done that I feel I can provide some insight. I'm an advertising and marketing writer and have had management positions in ad agencies. Your statement, "writing is my passion," is music to my ears! Passion, discipline, and focus are what it takes to have a fruitful career in writing and editing, whether in a journalistic setting or otherwise. With your focus on journalism, it sounds like you enjoy reporting the facts and helping your reading audience understand content. That is similar to the writing I've done in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, where conveying factual data is extremely important, while also expressing it in clear, reader-friendly ways. My advice is to continue writing, editing, and learning in college, if you plan to attend. Then look for an entry-level writing, editing, or proofreading job, even if it's in a corporate setting. I remember hearing employers say, "Come back when you have some experience." 'But how can I get experience,' I thought, 'if no one will give me my first job?!' So, I decided to write some spec pieces as samples, and that led to me getting small freelance assignments. Then I got hired at an entry level copy position at a magazine. The point is to get experience in various types of writing (e.g., newsletters, articles, speeches, advertisements, press releases, websites, banner ads, social media posts). The more samples you can show, the more likely it is to continue on the path to fulfillment as a writer and editor.