3 answers
Marla
Student
Katy, Texas
29
Questions
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how many years of school do you have to take to be an advice columnist?
i'm a sophemore and i love giving people advice that can help them. #arts
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3 answers
Eva Brune
13
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
Eva’s Answer
To love helping people by giving them asked for good advice is a wonderful thing to do. To become an excellent advice columnist, it would be important to go to college to learn writing (how you say something is as important as what advice you are giving - to develop a writing style), psychology (how people think and respond to different advice), and perhaps even law (sometimes someone's problem and how it is solved may have legal implications. Getting a B.A. degree in one of these subjects (or through a dual major in, say, writing and psychology) would really give you the credentials to develop a career in this area. Also, college gives you connections - through other students, teachers, advisors, alumni - who can help open doors for possible internships working with an advice columnist and, eventually, become an advice columnist. Good luck!
Mackenzie Ward
associate
103
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Mackenzie’s Answer
Becoming an advice columnist typically doesn't require a specific number of years of formal education like other professions, such as medicine or law. Instead, becoming an advice columnist typically involves the following steps:
Education and Writing Skills:
Most advice columnists have a strong background in writing and journalism. You can start by obtaining a bachelor's degree in journalism, English, communications, or a related field to hone your writing skills.
Build a Portfolio:
While in school or afterward, build a portfolio of written work. Consider contributing to your school's newspaper, writing a personal blog, or submitting articles to local publications. Having a body of published work can demonstrate your writing abilities to potential employers or editors.
Internships and Experience:
Gain practical experience through internships or entry-level positions in the journalism or media industry. This can help you develop contacts and improve your writing and reporting skills.
Specialization:
Advice columnists often specialize in certain topics, such as relationships, career advice, or personal development. Choose an area of expertise that you're passionate about and knowledgeable in.
Freelance Writing:
Some advice columnists start as freelance writers, pitching their columns to various publications. This can be a way to establish your reputation and gain visibility as a columnist.
Networking:
Network with editors, publishers, and other professionals in the journalism and media field. Building relationships can lead to opportunities to write an advice column.
Pitch Your Column:
Once you have a portfolio and some experience, you can start pitching your advice column idea to newspapers, magazines, websites, or other media outlets. Persistence is key, as you may face rejection before getting your first opportunity.
Online Presence:
Create an online presence for yourself, such as a personal website or blog, to showcase your writing and expertise. Social media can also be a valuable platform for sharing your advice and building an audience.
Continuous Learning:
Stay updated on relevant topics and trends in your chosen area of advice. Continuous learning and research will help you provide valuable and up-to-date advice to your readers.
Ethical Considerations:
Be mindful of ethical considerations when giving advice. Ensure that your guidance is responsible, respectful, and based on reliable information.
Becoming a successful advice columnist is more about your writing skills, knowledge, and ability to connect with your audience than the number of years of formal education. Many advice columnists come from diverse educational backgrounds and career paths. Your unique perspective and ability to provide meaningful advice are what will set you apart in this field.
Education and Writing Skills:
Most advice columnists have a strong background in writing and journalism. You can start by obtaining a bachelor's degree in journalism, English, communications, or a related field to hone your writing skills.
Build a Portfolio:
While in school or afterward, build a portfolio of written work. Consider contributing to your school's newspaper, writing a personal blog, or submitting articles to local publications. Having a body of published work can demonstrate your writing abilities to potential employers or editors.
Internships and Experience:
Gain practical experience through internships or entry-level positions in the journalism or media industry. This can help you develop contacts and improve your writing and reporting skills.
Specialization:
Advice columnists often specialize in certain topics, such as relationships, career advice, or personal development. Choose an area of expertise that you're passionate about and knowledgeable in.
Freelance Writing:
Some advice columnists start as freelance writers, pitching their columns to various publications. This can be a way to establish your reputation and gain visibility as a columnist.
Networking:
Network with editors, publishers, and other professionals in the journalism and media field. Building relationships can lead to opportunities to write an advice column.
Pitch Your Column:
Once you have a portfolio and some experience, you can start pitching your advice column idea to newspapers, magazines, websites, or other media outlets. Persistence is key, as you may face rejection before getting your first opportunity.
Online Presence:
Create an online presence for yourself, such as a personal website or blog, to showcase your writing and expertise. Social media can also be a valuable platform for sharing your advice and building an audience.
Continuous Learning:
Stay updated on relevant topics and trends in your chosen area of advice. Continuous learning and research will help you provide valuable and up-to-date advice to your readers.
Ethical Considerations:
Be mindful of ethical considerations when giving advice. Ensure that your guidance is responsible, respectful, and based on reliable information.
Becoming a successful advice columnist is more about your writing skills, knowledge, and ability to connect with your audience than the number of years of formal education. Many advice columnists come from diverse educational backgrounds and career paths. Your unique perspective and ability to provide meaningful advice are what will set you apart in this field.
Yvonne Chen
81
Answers
Updated
Yvonne’s Answer
Becoming an advice columnist doesn't require a specific education or formal training. People from all walks of life can become successful advice columnists, as long as they have life experience, good communication skills, and the ability to give thoughtful advice.
However, having experience in areas like psychology, counseling, social work, journalism, or communication can be a big help. These fields can give you the skills and knowledge you need to give informed and empathetic advice. Some advice columnists might have degrees in these fields, while others might have hands-on experience or knowledge in certain topics.
In short, being an advice columnist is less about having a formal education and more about being a good communicator, being empathetic, and having a deep understanding of the topics you want to cover in your advice column. Building up a collection of your writing, getting experience in the field, and creating a platform to share your advice can be important steps towards a career as an advice columnist.
However, having experience in areas like psychology, counseling, social work, journalism, or communication can be a big help. These fields can give you the skills and knowledge you need to give informed and empathetic advice. Some advice columnists might have degrees in these fields, while others might have hands-on experience or knowledge in certain topics.
In short, being an advice columnist is less about having a formal education and more about being a good communicator, being empathetic, and having a deep understanding of the topics you want to cover in your advice column. Building up a collection of your writing, getting experience in the field, and creating a platform to share your advice can be important steps towards a career as an advice columnist.