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How do I get experience in scientific writing?

I’m currently in second year of my undergraduate degree in Theoretical Physics and want to purser a career in science journalism. But most organizations require me to either be doing journalism as a degree or to have had practice in publishing. So how can I get this experience other than with writing blogs. #university #career #writing#science #career-choice #internships

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Dr. Sudeep’s Answer

One possible way is to apply for an internship with a nonprofit organization that offers such jobs that will build on your scientific writing...for example, WWF, Greenpeace, TNC, Water for People, Doctors without Borders and many others. That way, once you do apply for such jobs you can place in your resume your experience and you will also have some references to back you up together with some possible published material to share.
Thank you comment icon Thank you Sudeep for your advice! Sending out some applications this week, hopefully I get a successful reply. Yolan
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Sanober’s Answer

Hi Yolan!

I was looking for a way to learn how to get experience in scientific writing as well, and found free courses that I think you may also enjoy:

How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper:
https://www.coursera.org/learn/how-to-write-a-scientific-paper

Writing in the Sciences:
https://www.coursera.org/learn/sciwrite

Coursera also has other courses that you may be interested in. I highly recommend checking them out!

Hope this helps :)

Sanober
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much Sanober for you advice. I will definitely give these a try. Cheers! Yolan
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Patrick’s Answer

There are a number of on-line courses that can get you started down the road. Becoming adept at scientific and technical writing is very similar to interpreting NMR and Mass spectra, or swimming. The only way to get good at any of them is to do them. Often and regularly. Join a professional society or two. Read professional and technical journals. Get a copy of the ACS style guide and read it. Then practice, and find a mentor to constructively critique your work.
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Joseph’s Answer

The best science communication I've seen has always been from those qualified as scientists rather that those qualified as journalists, so I'm glad there are people like you that want to take that path. Of course, most jobs require you to have some experience, and that has to come from somewhere. My first port of call would be professional bodies such as the Institute of Physics, Nuclear Institute, IET, and similar. A number of these bodies have outreach activities focused on science communication to encourage the next generations of scientists and engineers from a diverse range of backgrounds, and some volunteer outreach experience would probably help; and they also have newsletters and quarterly magazines that you could volunteer to write something for.
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