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What are some good careers for people interested in history, writing, and journalism?
I am currently a college student, and I am not sure what career I want to pursue. I am interested in multiple subjects including writing, history, and journalism. Is there a career that combines these things? What are some of the best careers in these subjects?
#history #writing #career
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6 answers
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Jennifer’s Answer
Hi, Alyssa!
Off the top of my head ....
I think of all the different industries that would be open to a broad thinker that could write: LAW, BUSINESS, MEDICAL, TECH. Almost any industry needs people who can think and write!
I then think of the specific types of jobs within those broader fields, and I come up with additional opportunities such as grant writers and curators.
When thinking about what you can do, think about what problem you'd like to solve in the world? What contribution would you like to make? What are you passionate about? Therein lies the truth -- what you were meant to do!
But I'd encourage you to take a look at the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH): https://www.bls.gov/ooh/. Maintained by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it lists hundreds of occupations along with educational requirements, what they do, similar occupations, and employment projections. Take any of the ideas above to help get you started, and good luck!
Off the top of my head ....
I think of all the different industries that would be open to a broad thinker that could write: LAW, BUSINESS, MEDICAL, TECH. Almost any industry needs people who can think and write!
I then think of the specific types of jobs within those broader fields, and I come up with additional opportunities such as grant writers and curators.
When thinking about what you can do, think about what problem you'd like to solve in the world? What contribution would you like to make? What are you passionate about? Therein lies the truth -- what you were meant to do!
But I'd encourage you to take a look at the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH): https://www.bls.gov/ooh/. Maintained by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it lists hundreds of occupations along with educational requirements, what they do, similar occupations, and employment projections. Take any of the ideas above to help get you started, and good luck!
Thank you so much!
Alyssa
Updated
Steve’s Answer
I have similar interests, and wanted to second the idea of technical writing as a career. While this may not give you a lot of opportunity to dive into your love of history, you would have plenty of writing assignments, likely including journalism-adjacent announcements or blog posts. Writing skills aren't super common, so it's a great way to set yourself apart.
I would also point out that this role doesn't need to specifically be focussed on writing about technology. Instructions or documentation are needed for just about any product or service you can think of - banking rules, consumer electronics setup guides, board game instructions, car seat installation, and more. Find something you're interested in, and let your excitement show in your writing!
I would also point out that this role doesn't need to specifically be focussed on writing about technology. Instructions or documentation are needed for just about any product or service you can think of - banking rules, consumer electronics setup guides, board game instructions, car seat installation, and more. Find something you're interested in, and let your excitement show in your writing!
Brian P. D. Hannon
Journalist / Former College English and History Teacher
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Brian P. D.’s Answer
Rather than trying to search the world for alternative paths and figure out jobs that are like journalism or history, why not try one of those careers - journalist or historian? I've been both in my life so far and found them rewarding in some of the same ways, including writing and researching for a living and choosing from a variety of topics that interest you. As a college student, you are young enough to try one and then change your mind if it's not fulfilling in the ways you hoped. If that's the case, switch gears and try again. But since you've already identified a couple of very vibrant areas in journalism and history, start there. And if you want go get started quickly, journalism is a more direct path because there are no education prerequisites as there are for a career in history. All news outlets, from websites to local newspapers, are constantly in need of content. (This goes for history websites and magazines, as well.) Find a topic or event you want to write about and then approach them, either with an email or a phone call. You may not get accepted at first due to your lack of experience, but the only way to gain experience is to start working. And if it requires writing some articles for free, so be it. Those will become the examples of your work you show to the next person or organization you approach. An internship with a news organization, magazine, website or college publications department is another great way to accumulate published writing you can show to others. Before you know it you'll go from zero published works to five to 15 to someone hiring you as a regular contributor or staff member, and then you have a career. Be patient, but don't quit.
Thank you so much !
Alyssa
Updated
Deena’s Answer
I think teaching is any of those fields would be a worthy option to consider. Teaching History or Journalism will keep you constantly engaged in those fields.
In addition to giving you several opportunities to write (teachers write a LOT!), it will give you credibility to comment within those spheres, even have your own blog posts and similar platforms. It gives you plenty of opportunity to engage with your student community and academics within the same field, and it presents access to an immediate social circle of people with similar interests.
Apart from teaching, you could consider doing a PhD if that is of interest to you. PhDs are intensive and will ensure you really dive deep into the fields that you choose. They also involve a lot of writing.
And finally, you can always become a historian or journalist or a writer/columnist and be smack-dab-in-the-middle of it all.
The best thing to do is take time and let your interests guide you.
Pursue what you enjoy and what holds your interest. If there is a line of work that keeps you coming back or if there is a type of writing or subject that you particularly enjoy, do more of it. You will find more niches of interest as you spend more time exploring the field.
In addition to giving you several opportunities to write (teachers write a LOT!), it will give you credibility to comment within those spheres, even have your own blog posts and similar platforms. It gives you plenty of opportunity to engage with your student community and academics within the same field, and it presents access to an immediate social circle of people with similar interests.
Apart from teaching, you could consider doing a PhD if that is of interest to you. PhDs are intensive and will ensure you really dive deep into the fields that you choose. They also involve a lot of writing.
And finally, you can always become a historian or journalist or a writer/columnist and be smack-dab-in-the-middle of it all.
The best thing to do is take time and let your interests guide you.
Pursue what you enjoy and what holds your interest. If there is a line of work that keeps you coming back or if there is a type of writing or subject that you particularly enjoy, do more of it. You will find more niches of interest as you spend more time exploring the field.
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hello Alyssa,
Those are three areas that are very interesting. Writing is a skill that can be transferrable to many careers. It is vital to journalism and is even important when you're writing emails or blogs. People with strong skills in writing and journalism may want to consider technical writing, going into broadcast/TV or print media. Additionally, you might look into public relations.
For technical writing, you'd want to make sure you have a strong technical background because being a strong writer alone won't carry you too far in a technical field. For journalism, you'd want to strengthen your written and oral communication skills.
Think about the areas that you are strong in at the moment and what areas you feel you may need to brush up on skills. Most importantly, give yourself time to explore what you might be passionate about.
Best of luck and always explore opportunities that you encounter on your journey!
Those are three areas that are very interesting. Writing is a skill that can be transferrable to many careers. It is vital to journalism and is even important when you're writing emails or blogs. People with strong skills in writing and journalism may want to consider technical writing, going into broadcast/TV or print media. Additionally, you might look into public relations.
For technical writing, you'd want to make sure you have a strong technical background because being a strong writer alone won't carry you too far in a technical field. For journalism, you'd want to strengthen your written and oral communication skills.
Think about the areas that you are strong in at the moment and what areas you feel you may need to brush up on skills. Most importantly, give yourself time to explore what you might be passionate about.
Best of luck and always explore opportunities that you encounter on your journey!
Updated
Brianne’s Answer
Alyssa, I'm sure you've already considered some of the more obvious options like becoming a Journalist or following a path into teaching as either a High School Teacher or Professor for History or Journalism. There are many options in between as well. Since you have a variety of interests, it would be helpful to you to take an aptitude test and/or work closely with a counselor to narrow down your interests and funnel them into different career paths. It would be beneficial to look at colleges with strong communication (this is where journalism usually sits) and history programs.
Another option for you is to take a Myers-Briggs test to help you identify your passions and what potential career paths would align with your personality and interests.
https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/home.htm?bhcp=1
Good luck!
Another option for you is to take a Myers-Briggs test to help you identify your passions and what potential career paths would align with your personality and interests.
https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/home.htm?bhcp=1
Good luck!