Although there are many writing jobs out there, it’s best to begin your career after college with tempered expectations. A degree in professional writing can equip you with the foundational tools of the trade, but you’ll also need on-the-job experience. Expect to work in an entry-level position before pursuing one of the more lucrative professional writing jobs.
1. Speechwriter
As the job title suggests, speechwriters are responsible for writing speeches. They must match the style and tone of their client, who may be a politician, celebrity, head of a professional organization or business executive. The goal of writing a speech is not only to convey information, but also to inspire through messages that resonate with the target audience.
Some speechwriters work on a freelance basis, while others land full-time jobs with various types of organizations. Another possibility is to become a public relations (PR) specialist or communications specialist for an organization. In addition to writing speeches, PR professionals also handle other related tasks for their employers or clients.
2. Medical Writer
Are you a writer with a love of science? If so, then medical writing might be right for you. Medical writers are needed for translating complex clinical documents and scientific information into content that is easy for the audience to understand. As a medical writer, you may conduct research, write research papers and write training materials as well as clinical documents. Medical writers may produce:
- Advisory board summaries
- Abstracts for medical journals
- Regulatory documents, such as FDA submissions
- White papers
- Slide presentations for medical conferences
- Healthcare policy documents
Although some medical writers produce patient-facing materials, others are responsible for writing highly technical work that requires an in-depth understanding of the related scientific principles and processes. In this field, there are some writing jobs for writers with a bachelor’s degree in professional writing. However, many medical writers hold postgraduate medical or scientific degrees, such as a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD).1
3. Technical Writer
You know those user manuals you get when you buy a new phone, or the assembly instructions that come with toys you have to put together? The professionals who create those materials are technical writers.
If you have the magic touch with technology and like to write about it, this may be the field for you. Technical writers need to have knowledge of technical topics like computer hardware, software, engineering and similar niches.
4. Proposal Writer
Proposal writers play a key role in the success of the companies they work for. They write proposals that are intended to win valuable contracts for their employer. If you’re interested in becoming a proposal writer, you should become adept at research and information analysis, and you will also need a solid understanding of core business concepts. Proposal writing in a nonprofit capacity is also common and may be related to other careers in development or sales.
5. Copywriter
Copywriters create marketing materials intended to drive sales and enhance brand awareness. These marketing materials include website copy, blogs, ebooks, company brochures, flyers, advertisements and emails.. While many copywriters work for marketing agencies or in-house marketing departments, others work on a freelance basis.
Effective copywriters often must be able to rapidly shift between different tones and styles to fit the expectations of any given client. Some clients prefer marketing copy that is aimed primarily at educating their audience, whereas others prefer entertaining copy that is intended to grab and hold their audience’s attention. In addition to being creative and adaptable, copywriters must also possess excellent research skills and an in-depth knowledge of grammar.
6. Proofreader
Are you a grammar nerd who can spot an error a mile away? If so, proofreading may be the job for you. A proofreader ensures that a piece of writing is grammatically correct before it is presented to the intended audience. You won’t be rearranging the overall structure of a piece (that’s an editor’s job); instead, you will be making sure that the writing follows grammar rules and style guidelines.
7. Editor
There are many different types of editors, including copy editors, managing editors, news editors and acquisition editors. Although they all have their own specific job descriptions, some editor’s work will involve managing a team of writers and assigning pieces based on the publication’s overall focus and current editorial calendar.
News editors work with writers to develop the “angle” for a piece. They review content submissions, request revisions as needed and make corrections. Some editors perform fact-checking, while others delegate that task to specialist fact-checkers.
These professional writing careers require not only strong writing ability, but also organizational and communication skills. Some editing roles (such as managing editor) generally require years of work experience, whereas others (such as assistant editor) may be entry-level roles.
