Career Options That Require Writing Skills
Those with stellar writing skills have a lot more options than just trying to crank out the next best seller! Having strong writing skills means knowing how to use language to get a message across, and that is a tool that is appreciated in many industries. Below are just some of these options.
| Job Title | Median Salary (2020)* | Job Growth (2019-2029)* |
|---|---|---|
| Writer/Author | $67,120 | -2% |
| Editor | $63,400 | -7% |
| Public Relations Specialist | $62,810 | 7% |
| Reporters | $49,300 (for all reporters and correspondents) | -11% (for all reporters and correspondents) |
| Technical Writer | $74,650 | 7% |
| Advertising Manager | $133,460 | -1% |
| Web Developer | $77,200 | 8% |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Information for People with Writing Skills
Writer/Author
Writers and authors create written content for books, film, magazines, online publications, and other forms of media. Writers must maintain relationships with editors and their audience through quality work, written either freelance or through an organization. It is common for writers to have at least a bachelor's degree in areas such as English or journalism. To land a salaried position as writer, it is helpful to have internship experience and a portfolio of your work.
Editor
A strong knowledge of grammar and writing is crucial to being a successful editor. Editors take written content and may offer suggestions for improvement to the writer, fix grammatical errors, verify factual information, and approve final versions of work. Editors in more advanced positions, such as managing editors, take a broader view of what is being written, ensuring smooth daily operations and deciding what content will suit the company best. Editors generally have at least a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or communications.
Public Relations Specialist
Public relations specialists curate the public image of the company or person that they represent through various media outlets. Sharp writing skills are needed to craft the language that will best benefit your client's reputation, through press releases, social media, and other forms of communication. A bachelor's degree is usually required, with a focus in areas such as communications, business or English.
Reporter
Reporters and correspondents report on the news for television stations, websites, magazines, and other forms of media. These journalists must have excellent writing ability, since they will be required to produce articles or scripts under demanding deadlines. A bachelor's degree in journalism or communications is a common requirement. Completing a graduate program in journalism may open up a greater number of opportunities in the field.
Technical Writer
Technical writers communicate complex or unfamiliar ideas into understandable language through instruction manuals, journal articles, and company websites. In some cases the writing will be distributed internally, such as when the technical team of a company needs to inform the sales team of the nuances of their newest products. Technical writers should have a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or communications. A background in a specialized field may also be helpful in entering a specific industry, such as engineering or medicine.
Advertising Manager
Advertising managers work with sales and art departments to develop public interest in a brand or product. In addition to business knowledge, these managers much have excellent writing skills, as they create marketing plans and may assist or lead in the copywriting of of the advertisements. Advertising managers tend to have at least a bachelor's degree and many go through an internship program. A degree in advertising or journalism can be beneficial, as well as taking classes in marketing, visual arts, and business.
Web Developer
Web developers are responsible for creation and development of websites. In addition to having coding and graphic design skills, these developers may need the writing skills to produce content for the site, with special attention paid to the implementation of SEO tactics. Educational requirements vary depending on the job, but higher-end technical positions may require a bachelor's degree in computer science, programming, or other related fields. Certifications in particular programming languages such as JavaScript may also be helpful, especially for those without a degree.
