Building Your Career in Writing
University of London Careers Service
Employability support for students studying distance and flexible learning programmes with the University of London.
By Dr Edwin Marr , Careers Consultant, University of London Careers Service
Writing is an incredibly broad area with lots of career paths available to you. Whether you are interested in journalism, fiction, content creation, technical writing, science writing, academic writing, or freelancing – there is a myriad of options to explore.
??Develop your writing skills
Like any skill, writing requires practice and dedication. Whatever degree you are studying, it will require forum posts and written work – great opportunities to develop your writing ability.
Outside your degree, experiment with different styles, genres, and mediums to discover where your strengths and interests lie. Why not use blog posts and other forms of short writing to get your writing out there and try different things?
Don't be afraid to seek feedback on your work. Whether it's from peers, mentors, or editors, constructive criticism can help you grow as a writer.
??Find your niche
With a field as diverse as writing, it’s worth taking time to find your niche and area of specialism. What does a writing career look like to you? Where and how do you envision your career taking place? Is that working for a newspaper? A tech company? Or on your own to publish novels?
Freelancing can be a fantastic way to gain experience, build your portfolio, and establish your reputation as a writer. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr offer a wealth of opportunities to connect with clients and showcase your skills whilst also trying out new avenues of writing and seeing what works for you.
??Launch your writing career
Start by creating a portfolio of your best work, whether it's articles, blog posts, short stories, or social media content. Consider creating a personal website or blog to showcase your writing and establish your online presence.
As with any industry, networking is key to success in the writing world. Attend writing conferences, join writing groups or forums, and connect with fellow writers, editors, and industry professionals.
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??Future-proof your writing career
The writing industry is constantly evolving, especially in the digital age. Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and changes in consumer behaviour. Adaptability is key to staying relevant in a rapidly changing landscape.
Develop the top 5 Global Employability Skills in this industry along the way:
Like any creative pursuit, a writing career can be filled with rejection and setbacks. But don't let that deter you. Stay persistent, stay resilient, and keep pushing forward. Success rarely comes overnight, but with dedication and perseverance, you can make it.
In conclusion, a career in writing is not just about putting pen to paper, it's about passion, persistence, and the pursuit of excellence. So, whether you're just starting out or looking to take your writing to the next level, embrace the journey and leverage your career.
??Next steps
And, attend these amazing events coming up (open to University of London students and recent graduates)!
Legal & Corporate Services Officer
6 个月Very informative
Education Professional & University Ambassador
6 个月A very interesting article Edwin. I especially enjoyed the point about being resilient and think this is a vital skill that everyone needs to be successful in all walks of life.