4 answers
Darrian
Student
Mesa, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
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Where can I get a good writing-based position?
I'm Darrian and I want to major in the English field later in life, where can I get started? #english #college-major #career
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4 answers
Uma Desiraju
Management
2
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Uma’s Answer
HI! Darrian, Most tech companies will have writing positions in organizations such as Product Marketing, PR , Product Specifications and even content creation on internal and external websites. It is dependent on what industry you would like to pursue
Jessica Aberl
Administrative Assistant
2
Answers
Toledo, Ohio
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi Darrian;
I was an English (and History) major for my undergraduate degree and I also got my MA in English Literature. I loved every minute of it.
The first thing you need to do is figure out what part of English you enjoy. Do you like reading and talking about books, like I did? Or maybe you prefer creative writing? Once you figure out your concentration, start looking at the programs the Universities you are interested in offer. Many of them will offer both Literature and Creative Writing, but some have other focuses like Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (this is where you'll talk about writing itself, how it works in the world and its rules), Linguistics (kind of like the science of language, usually verbal- this is sometimes housed in other departments), and English as a Second Language (where you learn about how people learn English and how to teach English).
You may be worried about your ability to get a job after graduation. This is a very valid concern. As much as I loved my time spent working on my degrees, it has been hard for many of my fellow graduates to find employment. I suggest minoring in something related to diversify your skills. A minor will only add a few extra classes so it isn't something to stress over and it will make you much more diverse. Minors I suggest looking into are Business, Accounting and Communications/Marketing. The skills you learn in your Humanities courses will make you stand out in an applicant pool but the resume line from the minor will qualify you for that pool.
I hope this helps and good luck! English Literature/Writing will be a wonderful journey for you and you will have a great time feeling it out as you learn.
Pick a concentration
Pick a minor
I was an English (and History) major for my undergraduate degree and I also got my MA in English Literature. I loved every minute of it.
The first thing you need to do is figure out what part of English you enjoy. Do you like reading and talking about books, like I did? Or maybe you prefer creative writing? Once you figure out your concentration, start looking at the programs the Universities you are interested in offer. Many of them will offer both Literature and Creative Writing, but some have other focuses like Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (this is where you'll talk about writing itself, how it works in the world and its rules), Linguistics (kind of like the science of language, usually verbal- this is sometimes housed in other departments), and English as a Second Language (where you learn about how people learn English and how to teach English).
You may be worried about your ability to get a job after graduation. This is a very valid concern. As much as I loved my time spent working on my degrees, it has been hard for many of my fellow graduates to find employment. I suggest minoring in something related to diversify your skills. A minor will only add a few extra classes so it isn't something to stress over and it will make you much more diverse. Minors I suggest looking into are Business, Accounting and Communications/Marketing. The skills you learn in your Humanities courses will make you stand out in an applicant pool but the resume line from the minor will qualify you for that pool.
I hope this helps and good luck! English Literature/Writing will be a wonderful journey for you and you will have a great time feeling it out as you learn.
Jessica recommends the following next steps:
Paul Goetzinger MPA College Advisor
Academic/College Advising Assistance
39
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Darrian:
I am currently a freelance writer and have been published in several books and magazines. I can tell you from my experiences that you will definitely need a good and solid portfolio, which futures employers will want to see, if you are to be employed in the writing industry. This means finding a good and consistent niche and audience for your writing.
Much of success in writing will depend on your expertise and the audience you are writing for. When I was a police officer, I took a certificate course in paralegal studies, which had extensive coursework in legal writing and research. This is because the audience that I was writing for in my police reports consistent of both prosecutors and defense attorneys. When I learned the writing style of lawyers, than I was more able to articulate what was required in order for a criminal suspect to be prosecuted.
I later took courses in creative writing and poetry, and found that I was also very good at adapting these styles into what an audience enjoyed.
In regards to your question, there are many possibilities you can research into getting a writing based position. There are many freelance opportunities online, which many writers like myself are members of. Basically, if you join one of these freelance online businesses, you will have an opportunity to bid for specific jobs available in the network. These opportunities can include everything from assisting in writing white papers for private businesses, writing a marketing advertisement for a firm, or writing a legal document. There are a variety of opportunities in the online freelance writing network. This is where I got my original start. There are also opportunities in online blogging, creative writing and in subject areas as poetry. I would seriously check out the online freelance network, and see what is available for you as far as your interests in the area of English and writing. I also have a certificate in technical writing, which has been very helpful in regards to obtaining work in the freelance areas of grant writing and technical communications.
I hope this has been helpful in assisting you to jump start your future career.
Paul
Research the areas of writing which you are interested in pursuing
Go online and review the various online sites available for freelance writers and bloggers
Go to a college advisor or a local career center advisor and see what kinds of opportunities are available in your future college major
I am currently a freelance writer and have been published in several books and magazines. I can tell you from my experiences that you will definitely need a good and solid portfolio, which futures employers will want to see, if you are to be employed in the writing industry. This means finding a good and consistent niche and audience for your writing.
Much of success in writing will depend on your expertise and the audience you are writing for. When I was a police officer, I took a certificate course in paralegal studies, which had extensive coursework in legal writing and research. This is because the audience that I was writing for in my police reports consistent of both prosecutors and defense attorneys. When I learned the writing style of lawyers, than I was more able to articulate what was required in order for a criminal suspect to be prosecuted.
I later took courses in creative writing and poetry, and found that I was also very good at adapting these styles into what an audience enjoyed.
In regards to your question, there are many possibilities you can research into getting a writing based position. There are many freelance opportunities online, which many writers like myself are members of. Basically, if you join one of these freelance online businesses, you will have an opportunity to bid for specific jobs available in the network. These opportunities can include everything from assisting in writing white papers for private businesses, writing a marketing advertisement for a firm, or writing a legal document. There are a variety of opportunities in the online freelance writing network. This is where I got my original start. There are also opportunities in online blogging, creative writing and in subject areas as poetry. I would seriously check out the online freelance network, and see what is available for you as far as your interests in the area of English and writing. I also have a certificate in technical writing, which has been very helpful in regards to obtaining work in the freelance areas of grant writing and technical communications.
I hope this has been helpful in assisting you to jump start your future career.
Paul
Paul recommends the following next steps:
Thank you very very much for your in depth response!!! I'll most certainly put this to use!!!
Darrian
Christabelle Tani
Marketing Manager
12
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Christabelle’s Answer
I would say start writing for some agencies, that will help you to hone your copywriting skills and build up your experience. Plus you'll get paid!