Professional Writing: Which Career Path is Right for You?

People who build a successful career in professional writing have a genuine passion for it. If you love the written word and find it difficult to put down a good book, then you might go far in this field. The only question is exactly which type of writing you will pursue. There are plenty of options available to you, and you do not have to decide right away. Consider visiting the Career IMPACT Center at Grand Canyon University to speak with a career advisor.

Journalism

Do you have a keen eye for details and a knack for crafting a polished lede? Are you good at reading people, and coaxing them to share information with you? If so, journalism may lie in your future. Within the journalism field, there are multiple pathways. You might start out as a local beat reporter for a small-town newspaper, or you might prefer to cover topics of national interest at a major publication. These days, few journalists stick solely to print. You could write for a digital publication from anywhere in the world. Journalism is also a great career for people who love to travel, especially if you are interested in becoming a foreign correspondent. Successful journalists are those who:

• Are committed to verifying the accuracy of information
• Report the facts in an objective way
• Can turn around a well-written story on a tight deadline

Public Relations and Marketing

There will always be a need for skilled marketers and public relations specialists. With your degree in professional writing, you will know how to identify your target audience, speak to their core values and needs and convince them to accept new ideas. You might write blog posts and social media content for multiple local businesses as a member of a boutique advertising agency, or you could work for a single, major corporation. This career path requires good teamwork and leadership skills. Expect to collaborate with other specialists, such as account executives, product development teams and graphic designers.

Education

If you like to think of yourself as a lifelong student, then perhaps you would make an effective educator. As a writer who specializes in education, you might contribute to textbooks, develop curricula and lesson plans or perhaps write for an online-based service for teachers and homeschooling parents. Or, you could combine journalism with academic leanings, such as by writing for educational magazines.

Nonprofit Work

Nonprofit work speaks to many students at GCU. It is an ideal fulfillment of the Christian value of servanthood. If you are a gifted writer, you can put your skills to work at a nonprofit organization. You might choose to focus on grant writing or fundraising campaigns to help the nonprofit raise funds to carry out its mission.

Whichever career path you choose, you can develop a firm academic foundation for your future at Grand Canyon University. Our College of Humanities and Social Sciences is pleased to offer a comprehensive and modern curriculum for students in our Bachelor of Arts in English with an Emphasis in Professional Writing degree program. Get started on your journey today by clicking on the Request More Information button at the top of the website.