AREAS
WRITING/EDITING
Creative Writing- Books, Poetry, Plays, Screenplays, Scripts, Greeting Cards, Lyrics/Jingle Writing
Journalism- Writing/Reporting, Editing
Technical Writing- Science and Medical Writing
Freelance Writing
EMPLOYERS
Newspapers
Magazines
Broadcast media companies including television, radio, and the movie industry
Trade, professional, or consumer publications
Internet sites
Large corporations
Government agencies including: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Department of State, Veterans Affairs, National Archives and Records Admin.
Universities and university presses
Technical industries
Self-employed/Freelance
STRATEGIES
Select elective coursework in a particular area of interest. Write for campus publications such as college newspapers, magazines, or departmental/program newsletters. Volunteer to assist or tutor students in a writing center. For technical writing positions obtain a concentration in technical writing. Take science and/or computer courses to gain knowledge about technical areas and trends. Become familiar with the proposal writing and submission process involved in freelance writing. Gain as much experience as possible through volunteer positions, internships, or part-time jobs. Demonstrate patience and persistence in starting a career in creative writing.
AREAS
EDUCATION
EMPLOYERS
Public schools
Private schools
Colleges and universities
Language institutes, local and abroad
Libraries
Museums
Private learning centers
Test preparation organizations
Nonprofit organizations involved with literacy
STRATEGIES
Obtain appropriate state certification for public school teaching. Earn certification to teach multiple subjects or age groups for increased job opportunities. Earn a master's or doctorate degree for post-secondary teaching. Plan to attend graduate school in college student personnel or information science if those are areas of interest. Gain volunteer experience working with children through Big Brother/Sister programs, tutoring, summer camps, YMCA's, etc. Participate in school activities such as debate or literary clubs, campus publications, or student government. Get involved in roles of leadership such as resident advisor, peer mentor, student advisor, etc. Maintain a high grade point average and secure strong faculty recommendations for graduate school applications.
AREAS
PUBLISHING
Editing
Advertising
Sales
Circulation
Production
Publicity
Marketing
Promotion
Administration
EMPLOYERS
Trade publishing
Special interest magazines
Trade magazines
Association magazines
Sunday newspaper supplements
Educational publishing
Religious books and magazines
Professional and scholarly publishing
University presses
Independent publishers
Alternative media publishers: E-books, Audiobooks
STRATEGIES
Obtain an internship in the publishing industry. Participate in a summer publishing institute. Develop word processing, editing, and desktop publishing skills. Gain additional technical skills if working in an online environment. Gain experience by writing for student publications such as the newspaper, creative writing magazines, the yearbook, etc. Conduct an informational interview with or shadow a professional in the publishing industry. Look for positions with local dailies and alternative weeklies in the community. Volunteer to write or edit publications with local nonprofit organizations to gain experience. Develop extensive grammar and language skills. Be prepared to relocate to cities with a publishing presence. Research the publishing industry to learn more about career ladders.
AREAS
ADVERTISING
Creative Services- Copy Writing, Art Direction
Account Management
Media
Account Planning
Production
EMPLOYERS
Advertising agencies
In-house agencies of large companies
STRATEGIES
Demonstrate talent, persistence, assertiveness, and enthusiasm. Be prepared to start in an entry-level position. Obtain strong statistics background for market research positions. Create a portfolio of writing and ideas showing originality and imagination for creative positions. Gain knowledge of various media, contemporary tastes, and trends. Obtain experience with campus newspaper, TV, or radio. Participate in sales and promotions for student organizations or private businesses. Complete an internship in a market research firm or advertising agency. Supplement curriculum with courses in business (marketing, economics, mathematics), art, or graphic design.
AREAS
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Account Coordination
Writing/Editing
Media Relations
Account Management
EMPLOYERS
Public relations firms
Advertising agencies
In-house public relations departments
Trade associations
Colleges and universities
Nonprofit organizations
Government agencies
STRATEGIES
Obtain internship or other relevant work experience to break into this field. Be prepared to start at the bottom and work towards higher levels. Develop strong research skills, public speaking ability, enthusiasm, and interpersonal skills. Supplement curriculum with business courses. Become an effective team member by working on group projects for campus organizations. Volunteer to write publications for nonprofit or student organizations.
AREAS
BUSINESS
Management
Sales
Marketing
Human Resources
Insurance: Claims, Underwriting
EMPLOYERS
Business organizations including banks, real estate agencies, insurance firms, and large and small corporations
Retailers including department, grocery, drug, specialty, variety, and book stores
STRATEGIES
Obtain a business minor. Gain work experience through part-time jobs, internships, or relevant volunteer work. Secure leadership roles in campus organizations. Join student professional associations and seek leadership roles. Develop strong analytical and computer skills. Gain experience as financial officer or treasurer of a campus organization.
AREAS
LAW
EMPLOYERS
Law firms
Corporate legal departments
Government agencies
Public service agencies
STRATEGIES
Develop strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Become skillful in debate and public speaking. Organize campus events, speakers, or political rallies. Obtain summer or part-time work in a law firm. Plan to shadow an attorney to learn more about the field. Complete special training requirements for paralegal positions. Attend law school and earn a JD to become an attorney. Maintain an excellent grade point average and secure strong faculty recommendations to gain law school admittance. Plan to take the LSAT.
GENERAL INFORMATION
A major in English can be good preparation for continued graduate or professional training in areas such as English, law, political science/government, public administration, psychology, counseling, communications, and religious studies (i.e., seminary).
Develop a specialty area of interest via additional coursework and/or work experience for greater marketability within that specific career field.
Save samples of written work to be used for a portfolio.
Be prepared to be proactive, determined, assertive, and confident in order to secure freelance writing opportunities. Writers typically experience many rejections for each piece that is accepted for publication.
Cultivate other career opportunities in order to supplement a freelance writing income.
Obtain additional areas of expertise such as journalism, broadcasting, technical writing, or politics for specialized positions.
For careers in advertising or public relations be prepared to begin in an entry-level position.
A bachelor's degree in English is sufficient for many entry level positions in business and industry.
Appropriate teacher certification is required for public school teaching.
A graduate degree is required for teaching at the college or university level.
Conduct informational interviews or shadow professionals in careers of interest to learn more about their jobs.
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (1992, Revised 1999, 2004, 2006)
UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA Employer