Should my major still be business-esque or something like writing/editing?
I don't know much about the specifics of majors and minors in college. But for a while I thought it was something about business. Now I'm thinking. I like to read so much and write. When I do read (some amazing books btw), my mind goes over and over, unconsciously editing and analyzing, it's annoying. But then my sister brought up going into that, like a publishing house. Of course after college and everything. #business #entrepreneur #writing #editor #help #senior
4 answers
Pro’s Answer
Barbara’s Answer
I too love to read and am an avid reader as well. I might ask you to think, do you love reading for fun?, or do you think you might like to do that as a career? If yes, there are many avenues, book editor, blogger, book agent, librarian and many more. Take some time to investigate those careers. Use your career counselor at your college to find alumni who are in the field you are interested in or you can use LinkedIn to identify them. Have a lot of conversations to see what these careers really are about. What is the day to day job like? Could you see yourself doing that?
With regard to courses, if you choose a major that is English, journalism or publishing, business courses are always good to round out your education.
Tim’s Answer
You seem young. Barbara is on the right track. Explore lots of possible careers. A love for writing and editing can lead to a million possible careers. Any career is part of a business though. Business skills are useful, even essential, for every writer and editor. Maybe a double major.
My majors were graphic design and journalism, and I started my career in medical publishing. I have been an acquisition editor for over 20 years now. My specialty is content written by physicians for physicians. I look for the next physician to write the next book, think sales. I fret over spreadsheets looking for ways to make projects profitable, think business. I have learned more about xml and electronic delivery of content than I could have ever imagined, think electronic technology. I never edited more than an email, maybe some back cover copy, in my career. I tell people the only college class I use daily is business writing. In truth in graphic design I learned to take criticism and use it to make a better piece. In journalism I learned to approach strangers and ask them questions. I love what I do, but graduated college without a clue I would end up in medical publishing.
I will say this. Every business needs people who can write and edit well. They will teach you the business, but you will not get in the door unless you can write a compelling resume and communicate well in person.
Good luck.