Through business reports, newsletters, and websites, writing powers modern life. In our world, everyone is a writer. But not everyone is a good writer. All organizations need employees, supporters, and volunteers who effectively communicate the organization's values, goals, and achievements. Take a look at the wide range of opportunities available to those with solid writing skills and learn how to best present yourself.
In addition to equipping you to write a solid resume, your writing concentration will also help you develop many transferrable skills sought by employers. View resume samples and a Resume Writing Guide from the Career Services Office on Handshake (under Career Center, Resources) and this list of transferrable skills to get you started:
Our graduates build their careers in a variety of industries: writing contracts, editing commercial documents, teaching, writing news and opinion pieces, engaging in public relations, and more. The following organizations represent a sample of those that have hired our alumni:
Interning with an organization gives you the type of real-world experience that employers look for as an indicator of dependability, knowledge, and success. Former writing program students have interned with companies such as:
Internships are the best way to verify that a field you are interested in is a good fit for you. They allow you to apply theories and skills learned in the classroom to the real world while gaining new workplace skills. Internships are also an opportunity to make connections with people in your industry of interest and can lead to full-time job offers.
Start by researching companies in which you are interested, then take note of their application process and timeline for hiring interns. Gather all necessary application materials and apply within the proper window. If you receive an interview invitation, set up a mock interview with the Career Services Office and/or use Big Interview to practice your interviewing skills beforehand. Be sure to send a thank you note after your interview.
The easiest way to research an organization is to use available online resources such as the company website and career sites. Visit the “Researching Employers” resource section on Handshake for a list of helpful resources. If you have any questions or concerns regarding an organization, you can also meet with a career coach in the Career Services Office for additional guidance. Be sure to research the organization via your connections as well. Talk to family, friends, professors, and professionals in the community about organizations you are interested in.
Some academic departments offer internship credit. Talk to your academic department's internship coordinator and the Office of the Registrar for more information.
Graduate programs are available in a variety of writing fields, including creative writing, professional writing, science writing, and technical writing. Some of these paths lead to a Master of Fine Arts degree; other paths lead to composition studies and the possibility of a PhD. The Career Services Office and your advisor can offer guidance on researching and applying to graduate programs in writing. Before applying, consider the following: