Ten career choices for students who love to write

If you love creatively combining words to produce a persuasive, entertaining or informative final written product, or find satisfaction in finishing one of the many essays you write for school, you might be inclined to pursue a career as a writer. Indeed, writing isn’t just a hobby – it can be part of or the whole of a lucrative profession! Plus, writing takes place in all sorts of unique fields, from the scientific and medical realm to the world of journalism. So if producing eloquent written language is your calling, you can begin considering your professional life by reading about these ten writing careers.  

Grant writer 

Grant writers specialize in researching, drafting and submitting proposals that help individuals or organizations receive funding. They will determine the goals of the grant-seeking entity as well as its eligibility for the grant. Strong writing skills are necessary for grant writers, as piecing together a convincing proposal takes eloquence and dedication.  

Technical writer 

Technical writers prepare pieces of writing that are generally instructional and highly detailed in nature. These may include instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles or other documents that communicate often complex information. Technical writers assess the needs of their audiences and write these manuals and documents to suit those needs.  

Scientific/Medical Writer 

Medical, or scientific, writers combine their writing expertise with a passion for medical or scientific fields. Similarly to technical writers, medical writers focus on communicating complex information in a way that their audiences can understand. They may focus on a particular area of medical education, or they may write more generally. In addition, not all medical communication is written – these professionals may create visual or audio information as well. No matter their medium or specialty, medical writers must be effective communicators and possess an attention to detail that will allow them to adhere to medical guidelines.  

Freelance Writer 

Freelance writers are most often “self-employed,” meaning that they sell creative content to organizations or individuals who may want to purchase it. Freelance writers can specialize in nearly any aspect of writing, from science fiction to biography. They must establish credibility with editors and readers, however, to make sure that their work is publishable. Freelance writers may compose books, articles, news columns and more.  

Journalist 

Journalists are experts at communicating with the public, keeping populations updated on current and breaking news. As a journalist, you can expect to write for a newspaper, website or other media organization. You’ll focus on producing pieces that align with journalistic standards, conveying important information in a clear, concise manner. News is everywhere, so journalists can choose to work anywhere from a large, bustling city to a small rural town.  

Copywriter 

A copywriter’s job involves creating content that will be used by consumers. Typically, this means that copywriters are employed by corporations that seek to sell products. Their work may appear in advertisements, print and radio ads or on websites, signs or billboards. Copywriting is unique to other forms of content writing because much copywriting work is shorter and addresses consumers’ needs.  

Public Relations (PR) Specialist 

Public relations specialists and journalists have some overlap in their duties – and are even sometimes confused – but work toward different goals. While journalists focus on reporting facts and events, PR specialists are employed by organizations or individuals to manage public communication. They are sometimes called press secretaries and strive to communicate necessary information with consumers, reporters and the public in a way that maintains their client’s public image.  

Content Strategist 

A content strategist creates content, usually for branded websites. This content is typically written and serves to promote the brand or organization that it represents. Therefore, content strategists must also be able to edit written work, brainstorm and plan new content and ensure that content is properly distributed. Content strategists are also storytellers, sharing stories that are relevant to an organization’s mission and values.  

English Teacher 

As an English teacher, you’ll be able to share your love of writing with the next generation. Education is a field where professionals with interests in all areas can find a job that allows them to share their passions. Teachers who focus specifically on English and/or literature can be found at the middle- or high-school levels, as well as the postsecondary level. They may instruct students in reading and writing techniques, leading them through book discussions or essay and paper composition.  

Paralegal  

Paralegals, also called “legal assistants," serve under lawyers to help them prepare for legal cases. Their role in this preparation typically involves a fair amount of writing and research as they gather information on the laws, proceedings and regulations that are pertinent to a case and draft documents of many types for use in the legal process.  

Concordia’s English department is a place for students of all types who love to write. As an English major, you’ll develop skills in writing, reading and critical thinking while participating in courses covering topics that are interesting to you. Learn more about Concordia’s English department here.