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Last updated on Aug 13, 2021

20 Creative Writing Jobs for Graduates (+ Entry-Level Positions)

Being passionate about creative writing hasn’t always been associated with a stable career path, but that’s not to say that there aren’t any opportunities out there to bring well-written stories into your job. In fact, we’re here to talk about 20 different creative writing jobs — 20 professions that let the storyteller in you shine! We’ll discuss the industries, entry level jobs, and potential income for each job below. 

When it comes to creative writing, the first thing that pops up in our mind is books! While writing is the obvious option (and we’ll cover that later on in the post), most writers choose to work in one of the following positions in the publishing industry to gain financial stability first. 

❗ Note: The “per book” rates below are made with 50,000-60,000 word manuscripts in mind. 

1. Ghostwriter 

👨🏽‍💼 Entry level positions: freelance writer, ghostwriter, editorial assistant 

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $2,000-$9,000 per book or $0.10-$0.15 per word

If you’re all about creative writing but you’d prefer an upfront payment for your words, then ghostwriting is the job for you! Here’s how it works: an author hires you to help them write their story. It could (and usually is) a memoir or an autobiography which the author doesn't have the time or skills to write themselves. Fiction authors also sometimes use ghostwriters to help them write sequels and satisfy popular demands. 

Ghostwriters are freelancers, so you can start by getting some freelance writing gigs. As a beginner, you might start with short-form projects like articles, white papers, website content. Here are some resources, complete with tips from experienced professionals, that might be helpful:

• How to Become a Ghostwriter in 6 Essential Steps (+ Tips from Professionals) 
• How to Start Freelance Writing: 5 Steps to a Soaring Career
• How Much Do Ghostwriters Make: The Ultimate Breakdown

👩🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: editorial assistant

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $25,000-$30,000 per year or $800-$1,000 per book

Writing is actually not all there is to creative writing jobs — if you really love stories and are always finding ways to make a story better, then editing is a suitable profession for you. There are many types of editors: some (like development editors) work more on the plot and theme of the book, and others (like copy editors ) specialize on its language and style. 

Editorial assistant jobs are the common first steps to this career path. Entry-level positions are quite competitive in publishing, so you’ll likely need a relevant degree (English Literature, MFA, etc.) to get the job. 

Freelancing, as always, is an option, but it can be quite difficult to get clients if you start without any editing experience. Oftentimes, editors start working in-house and later transition to freelance . 

Below are some more resources for you if you want to pursue this career path:

• How to Become an Editor: A Guide for Beginners
• Copyediting Certificates: Do You Need One and Where to Get It?
• Editor Salary: Can Your Skills Pay the Bills
• Working in Publishing: An Insider's Guide

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3. Proofreader

👨🏼‍💼 Entry level positions: freelance proofreader

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $20-$30 per hour or $550-$650 per book 

Proofreading comes after editing — the proofreader reads the manuscript one final time, after all the revisions are made, to see if any spelling and grammatical errors are missed out. They’re incredibly crucial to the production of a spotless book, so there’s never a shortage of proofreading jobs . 

This task is often done on a freelance basis, either by full-time freelancers or by editors who want to take on side jobs. You can specialize in proofreading alone, though most professionals will combine editing and proofreading crafts for better income. As a beginner, opportunities for short-form projects will often be more accessible — stay open-minded about taking them up, but also do some proofreading training to prepare for more exciting gigs. 

We’ve also got some resources for this topic for you to check out:

• How to Become a Proofreader: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
• How to Choose Your Proofreading Rates

There’s more to journalism than just breaking news on CNN, which means there’s plenty of space for the creative writer in you to flourish in this industry! Let’s take a look at a couple of options you can consider. 

4. Columnist 

👩🏽‍💼 Entry level positions: fellowships, junior writer/columnist, freelance writer

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $25,000-$35,000 per year or $100-$300 per piece 

If you like creative nonfiction , you probably have already considered becoming a columnist. In fact, you can even be a books columnist! Job options range from book-specific sites like Electric Literature or Literary Hub, to prestigious newspapers like The Guardian or The New Yorker. But that’s not necessarily the only thing you can write about! You can become a columnist in just about any topic, from social issues to entertainment, as long as you’re interested in the niche. 

Look out for fellowships and junior writing jobs in newspapers and magazines and get ready to apply! A degree in relevant subjects like Journalism or English Literature is a great advantage, though your ability to follow up on leads, conduct thorough research, and keep up with the latest trends in a certain niche will be carefully assessed. You can also be a contributing writer first to forge a relationship with the editors before going after a full-time position. 

👨🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: junior writer, freelance writer

There’s a fine line between a critic and a columnist: critics are usually more academically inclined, and they often work more on the arts than columnists. Columnists cover social issues, sports, entertainment in their more general sense, while critics while home in on a particular piece of art, literature, theatre, or movie to offer expert assessment of it. 

Similar to the columnists, you can begin with junior writing positions and freelance gigs, in which you build up a writing portfolio of relevant work. Ideally, critics will be more savvy to the technicalities of whatever subject you critique — be it filmography or literature. In other words, formal training like a bachelor’s degree is a good launch pad. 

6. News journalist 

👩🏼‍💼 Entry level positions: staff writer/journalist

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $30,000-$35,000 per year 

Writing news articles is different from the writing column pieces: a journalist must maintain an impartial voice and be succinct. Moreover, you’re always looking out for the latest story, whether on social media or on the street (which is where your love for creative writing can come in). 

The most common way to get into news journalism is to get a salaried position. You can also apply to internships as well, and there are compensated ones to look out for. What you will need is a degree and some journalist training so that you can use shorthand, know what makes a good story, and know what sources to chase, among other things. 

7. Investigative journalist 

👨🏽‍💼 Entry level positions: staff writer/journalist

And what if you’re a fan of true crime ? You might find yourself drawn to investigative journalism! You can chase the tail of anything under the sun, from kidnappings to factory production, from local to international events, so long as there’s an uncovered story there. The topic will often be assigned to you by an editor, and you’ll be given some time to collect information and write the article. It’s a slower pace than daily news, but it’s thrilling nonetheless. 

Similar to the news path, you’ll likely start off with an internship or a junior writing position. With this job opportunity, you can build a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to peel back the layers of the onion to reveal new insights to a matter. Again, a degree and training in journalism are essential. 

Copywriting

Copywriting is writing to sell a product or service, and it could be anything from newsletter emails to slogans to even commercial scripts! There’s definitely a creative element to it, as you’re always looking for a unique and memorable way to capture the attention of consumers. And since it's so rooted in consumption culture, copywriting is definitely a writing career that's in demand!

Below are several types of copywriting jobs you can go into. 

8. Technical copywriter

👩🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: technical writer, freelance writer

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $32,000-$38,000 per year 

A technical writer works on instructional materials for manuals, white papers, and other informative pieces of writing. A technical copywriter combines that level of specialty with marketing tactics, thereby focusing on promoting products and services that are a bit more, well, technical. Think electronic companies, software developers, repair and maintenance services. 

Ideally, you’d have some education or experience in technical sectors (i.e. IT, engineering, finance). That way, you won’t take too much time to familiarize yourself with the jargon, and employers are more likely to hire you. You can also begin with technical writing, if you don’t mind working on material that’s a bit less creative. 

9. Advertising copywriter

👨🏼‍💼 Entry level positions: junior copywriter, communications copywriter

For a more creative writing job, you can go for advertising. This often involves a lot of brainstorming with the creative team of your agency to come up with advertisement campaigns that will leave a mark. When working on this you can write all kinds of content, from slogans to image copies to web content. 

Having a bachelor’s degree in marketing or an essay-based discipline is usually beneficial if you’re looking for this kind of job. You can work for a big brand, which will constantly be needing new content, or you can work for a marketing agency, tailoring your work to every client. 

10. PR copywriter

👩🏽‍💼 Entry level positions: junior copywriter

Public relations (PR) is, simply put, the art of building a good reputation, whether that’s for an individual or a brand. You’ll work on press releases, report and presentation writing, material for internal and external communications to present your client’s motivation and direction. 

For this kind of job, the precision of your language and your ability to stay up to date with the competitors will be important. A degree in communications or business administration are a plus point. And as is often the case in most writing jobs, the ability to find the human story behind everything will be your best tool. 

Content Marketing

Nowadays, traditional marketing on TV, billboards, and posters are only a part of the industry, the other is all about online content. And with so many things zooming about on the Internet, every company will be looking for the most creative person to help them stand out. Which means you get plenty of opportunities to be imaginative, working on website content, blog posts, social media posts, and even videos.

11. Social media manager 

👨🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: assistant/junior/freelance social media specialist

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $20-$30 per hour or $30,000-$35,000 per year 

With our evermore online world, social media-related jobs definitely is a writing career that's in demand. So many things can happen on social media — you might very well go viral overnight! The challenge is getting there. As a social media manager, you get to be the voice of the company, interacting with customers in a friendly, casual way, while also learning their habits and preferences so that you and others on your team can better engage with them. 

This is a relatively hands-on job, so experience running a public social media account is the best thing you can have on your CV. A degree in communications can be beneficial, though many job postings don’t require anything specific.

12. Blogger

👩🏼‍💼 Entry level positions: blogger, freelance writer

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $0.10-$0.15 per word

Blogging is probably something you’re familiar with as a writer — but do you know it can earn you a good penny? By focusing on a specific subject (it can be books , technology, fashion, the freelance life, etc.), you can attract companies who are looking to strengthen their brand awareness and will sponsor you. It’ll take time to build an attractive platform, but it’s definitely possible. 

Beyond that, you can write for others as well. There are plenty of websites that promote creative writing jobs all over, so you can sift through them for the suitable ones. No degree requirements for this job, just your skill with a (proverbial) quill! 

13. Content creator 

👨🏽‍💼 Entry level positions: content marketer

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $27,000-$34,000 per year 

If you’re happy to do a bit of everything, then apply to become a content creator. You’ll also get to collaborate with a team to come up with an overall strategy in this position.

You can work for all kinds of companies in this career. A bachelor’s degree in Marketing, English, Communications are highly relevant, though adjacent, essay-based subjects tend to do the job, too. Brushing up on search engine optimization (SEO) is also wise. 

Pop culture, the latest rumors and gossip, interesting observations served on a pretty platter — if any of that sounds interesting to you, you can jump into the media industry. Here are some job options if you want to take this route. 

14. Screenwriter

👩🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: assistant/associate writer

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $20-$30 per hour or $9,000-$15,000 per project 

Everyone of us has probably at one point or another thought about entering the film and TV industry, and that career goal is definitely achievable, if you know where to look. A lot of people start with assistant positions to learn the ropes and get an opportunity to work on bigger productions. If you prefer to write from the get-go, you can go for lower-budget projects. 

To get one of the assistant positions and put yourself out there, touch up on craft skills like plotting, story structures , character-building to be prepared. No qualifications are specified in most cases. 

15. Broadcast journalist 

👨🏼‍💼 Entry level positions: staff writer

We’ve covered written news — now comes broadcast news. From televised reports to radio sessions, you can be the writer behind the words that reporters or presenters read out. It’s a fast-paced job that deals with the latest real-life stories, which can be incredibly rewarding, even if it’s not explicitly creative. 

Many broadcast journalists work project by project (unless it’s periodical news), almost like a freelancer. You’ll still need to have all the skills necessary to put together a good news story, so some journalist training will be beneficial. 

16. Podcaster 

👩🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: assistant/associate writer or producer 

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $18-$25 per hour, or $26,000-$32,000 per year 

Along the same lines as a broadcast journalist is the job of a podcaster. This is a bit more topical than journalism, and you can really home into certain fields and explore it in depth. Another special thing about podcasters is they usually host the shows, too! So if you’re confident about your voice, and about interviewing others, there’s no reason not to try this out. 

As with screenwriting, the route to get into this sector can be a little bit challenging, since it’s often a case of catching an opportunity from the right people at the right time. Which is why assistant jobs are a strong start. 

And finally, we arrive at the section that hopeful writers often dream about more than anything else. Publishing a book is not easy, it requires not just time and effort but also finances, if only to keep you afloat while completing the manuscript. That said, it’s possible to do it on the side with another full-time job, as is the case for most published writers. 

The cool thing about this career is that you are your own boss — i.e. there are no entry level positions. You are an author the day you call yourself one. 

17. Short story writer

Short stories are charming in their own right, and with the booming literary magazine sphere , there’s no shortage of space to get your words out there into the world. Publishing an anthology with a publisher is also an option but it’s harder — you often need to have an established career first. 

In any case, most magazines aim to have enough funds to pay their contributors. Small ones can pay $15-$20 per story, bigger ones $100-$200. You can also enter writing contests to win higher prizes.

18. Novelist 

Being a novelist comes with the difficulty of having the time and finances to write a full draft before you can propose it to publishers, or even publish it yourself. It’s a long commitment, and it doesn’t guarantee a payoff. If it does get printed, a book deal can get you an advance in the $5,000-$15,000 range. If you self-publish, what you get depends on how well you market your books — emphasis on the plural noun!

That said, it’s not impossible. We’ve got a whole post on how to become a novelist here if you want some pointers from famous writers like Anne Lamott and Zadie Smith! 

19. Nonfiction author 

Who says creative writing jobs have to be all about fiction? Creative nonfiction is a growing field that’s always welcoming new stories. From memoirs and biographies to true crime, from self-help to essay collections, you can focus on many different topics with this option. 

The nice thing about it all is that unlike fiction writers, you can pitch your book proposal to publishers before you complete a whole manuscript for nonfiction titles, meaning you can be guaranteed some kind of results before you start writing. The advance amount is similar to that for novels.

And last but not least, you can become a poet! Poets tell stories with rhythm and rich imagery, and not just on paper but also with their voice. Performing poetry is one of the special advantages that comes with this form of writing. Not only does it let you and the audience experience in a new way, it’s also a great opportunity to grow as an artist. 

On top of that, you can also dabble in other industries (advertising, music producers…) as a lyricist. As it’s a gig-based employment, you probably want to diversify your work portfolio to make sure there’s always something you can work on. The rates are usually similar to that of a ghostwriter.

And voila, that’s the end to our master list of creative writing jobs! Hopefully, there’s something to help you passion live on among this many options.

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15 Content Writing Jobs For Aspiring Creatives

September 10, 2021 (Updated: May 4, 2023)

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What Does a Content Writer Do?

Are content writers in demand, what are the different types of content writing jobs, how do i become a content writer, how do i get into content writing jobs.

Content writers communicate information about businesses, products, services, and industries with the public through original written work. Typically, their role is to attract customers to a brand or to convince them to complete a call to action, although some types of content writers work on translating, editing, or summarizing different types of documents. Creative people who have interests in storytelling and persuasive language may be a good fit for these jobs.

Image via Unsplash by @dancounsell

Content writers create material for blogs, websites, social media, and other print and digital platforms. They keep content consistent across all client projects and work with other team members to create a cohesive brand message. Other duties of a content writer include:

• Creating style guides to ensure the professional production and clarity of all content
• Following content requirements and specifications as dictated by the client
• Meeting project delivery deadlines
• Preparing document outlines
• Proofreading work for tone, style, clarity, formatting, and grammar
• Researching various topics
• Updating content based on client edit requests
• Working with customers to define content needs

The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t specifically list content writers in its job outlook occupations guide. The organization expects technical writer careers to grow by 7% between 2019 and 2029. It also expects author and writer careers to decline by 2% in that same period.

People in the field—such as Yuwanda Black, an Inkwell Editorial publisher— expect content writer positions to keep growing . Black believes that people want more career flexibility, which will lead to more freelance jobs. She also thinks companies may be interested in hiring niche talent without having to pay for full benefits packages.

“Content writer” is an umbrella term for many unique positions in marketing, business, journalism, and other industries. Some of these roles include:

Blog Writer

Blog writers create, edit, post, and share content for blogs . The tone of blog posts is generally more relaxed and conversational than other content writing. Bloggers may focus on current events, breaking news, industry updates, or other timely topics. They have a strong understanding of their target audience and how to communicate with them most effectively. They may also invite other bloggers, guests, or subject matter experts to contribute content to their sites. According to Indeed, they make an average of $14.51 per hour for their services.

Business Naming and Slogan Writer

These creatives come up with names for new businesses and slogans for brands and products. They may also write jingles or create sayings for things like bumper stickers and greeting cards. Business name and slogan writers often work in freelance capacities because of their specialized talents. Different from other content writing, slogan writers may enter contests or competitions to make money by writing catchy slogans for government agencies, businesses, and other organizations.

Creative Writer

Creative writers work in long-form copy like books, scripts, or essays. They typically plan, outline, and summarize their content, too. Creative writing may include extensive research and fact-checking. Unlike some types of content writing, creative writers may work with both fiction and nonfiction subjects. According to Salary.com, they make, on average, $25 per hour .

Email Copywriter

These copywriters help design email marketing strategies, create email content, and share correspondence with subscribers. Their primary goal is to write copy that creates sales or gathers leads through the email channel. Email copywriters also keep their audience and subscribers informed about news and updates. A company that uses an email copywriting service  may pay between $100 and $2,000 per email , a portion of which goes to the content writer. The high end of this pay scale may also reflect research, testing, and optimization that the copywriting service completes in order to maximize each email’s success.

Legal Writer

These writers draft legal documents, articles about legal issues, and other materials on behalf of lawyers and law firms. Other projects may include summarizing news briefs, recapping case law, writing educational articles, compiling attorney profiles, or sending memos. In this niche, legal writers must follow all the regulations and expectations of the industry. ZipRecruiter states that most legal writers make an average of $42 per hour .

Press Release Writer

This type of content writer creates press releases or news briefs on behalf of an individual or organization. Press releases are typically one page and have a simplistic style. They’re sent to media contacts for as-is distribution or as research and content for a longer article. Press releases also appear on company websites, get sent through email, or are featured on social media.

Press release writers may cover topics such as events, product launches, philanthropic efforts, and other newsworthy topics. Some work in-house with businesses and have other public relations duties. Freelancers may charge per word or a flat rate per page for their services. Those who charge hourly may make between $30 and $182 .

Product Description Writer

Product description writers create blurbs about items for sale. They describe features, benefits, and other important information about each product for consumers. The goal is to persuade and encourage people to buy certain items. You can find product descriptions anywhere sales take place: websites, e-commerce stores, in-store signs, catalogs, email marketing, and social media. We even employ product description writers at CopyPress to provide this service to our clients. Throughout the United States, product description writers make about $21 per hour .

Proofreader and Editor

Though not content writers, proofreaders and editors are important to the creative process. Proofreaders check written pieces for spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes. Editors do those same tasks, in addition to:

• Adding additional content for clarity
• Checking facts
• Cutting content that is redundant or irrelevant
• Ensuring all pieces match the client or company style guide
• Restructuring pieces for better flow

These professionals work in any place that also has writers, such as marketing firms, newspapers, magazines, and publishing houses. Many also work in freelance capacities. Editors make, on average, $23.32 per hour . Proofreaders make just slightly less, with an average of $22.25 per hour .

Research Summary Writer

A research summary is a professional document that describes the process and outcome of a research project for a specific audience. Research summary writers often have an education in the specific field they write about. This helps them understand the relevant research procedures and language, making it easier for them to translate it into readable content for all audiences. They often work in fields like education, science, medicine, engineering, and technology. Pay scales vary depending on the subject and type of research.

Resume Writer

Resume writers help clients restructure their current resumes or create brand new ones. They understand the format, language, and elements that get a resume past the applicant tracking system (ATS) that many companies may use to screen the documents. They also understand which resume features are most appealing to hiring managers and recruiters. Resume writers often work one-on-one with clients to discuss their skills, work history, education history, and career goals, and they make an average of $21 per hour .

Sales Copywriter

These copywriters create content intended to persuade people into buying a product or service. Sales copywriters make pieces that they expect to create conversions every time they’re viewed. They understand sales tactics and how to use words to replicate those tactics on the page. They may understand how to write good calls to action and how psychology plays a role in sales.

The price that freelance sales copywriters can charge per hour may depend on their experience and reputation for conversion . New sales copywriters with less than two years of experience may charge $50 to $80 per hour, while more advanced freelancers may charge between $120 and $200 per hour.

Technical Writer

Technical writers create documents that tell people how to build, use, and operate products and machines. They write instruction manuals, how-to documents, journal articles, research copy, and other related materials. Technical writers may also work on complex topics like engineering, medicine, or technology. They often work to share highly specialized information with an audience that has less background knowledge of the procedures or jargon used by professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pay for this role is $35.89 per hour .

Transcriptionist

Transcriptionists listen to voice recordings and conversations and turn them into written documents. They may transcribe events like:

• Corporate meetings
• Legal proceedings
• Medical consultations

Some transcriptionists specialize in certain fields, such as law or medicine. They generally work from audio recordings, but some, like court reporters, transcribe in person. Live transcriptionists may use shorthand or another type of abbreviated writing when listing to in-person events. They then polish those documents to include full sentences. Transcriptionists make $16.43 per hour on average.

Translators change written material from one language into another. They focus on maintaining the meaning and structure of the original work as they develop the translation. These professionals can read, write, and usually speak at least two languages. Effective translators understand cultural references and slang in both languages, which means they can alter this language or provide footnotes for readers to ensure no meaning is lost.

Translators may work with all kinds of documents, such as books, newspaper articles, professional records, journal articles, web content, and advertisements. Translators often work for organizations like governments, international corporations, publishing houses, educational institutions, and historical societies. The average salary for a translator is $25.16 per hour .

Website Content Writer

These professionals create written materials for websites. Their employer or client provides specific information regarding the pieces they write. Common website content includes:

• “About Us” pages
• Event details
• Product and service descriptions

Website content writers make approximately $17.14 per hour .

Use these steps to learn how to become a content writer:

1. Understand the Expectations of the Job

There are key expectations associated with content writing positions, such as deadlines, pay scales, and client requests. Your pay may depend on where and how you work, your experience, your work quality, and your ability to follow instructions. While you can charge whatever you think your services are worth if you’re working as a freelancer, you’re more likely to get a high hourly rate if you have the experience to back it up.

Deadlines are important for most writing, especially things that go through the publication process, like newspaper, magazine, and journal articles. Deadlines may be tight, meaning you may get an assignment in the morning and need to complete it before the end of the day. Also, as a content writer, you’re not the creative director on the project: the client is. That means following their rules, style guide, and feedback at all times.

2. Consider Education

Many content writers have college degrees in English, writing, marketing, sales, business, communications, or other related fields. Those who write specifically for certain industries like science or math may have degrees or minors in those areas. This can help with research and understanding technical language. More specialized writers may even have master’s or doctorate degrees.

If you’re not interested in a full education or if you have a degree in an unrelated area, there are other options to get training. Consider certification courses from community colleges or other organizations. Often, you can earn these credentials in a few semesters or a few months. You can also take content writing classes online for a small fee to earn related certifications.

3. Get Experience

Experience can increase your chances of getting a job. There are multiple ways you can build your writing resume and portfolio. If you’re a student, you may consider completing an internship. You can intern in industries like publications, marketing, and nonprofits.

Other ways of gaining experience may include volunteering with organizations or starting your own blog. These options can help you practice your skills. If you write on your own, you may also have the option to submit your pieces to publications like magazines, newspapers, literary journals, or websites.

4. Seek Guidance

Mentors can help answer your questions, give feedback about your work, and provide career advice. These people have experience in the field and professional knowledge to share with you. When looking for a mentor, consider asking someone you already know, such as a professor or supervisor. You may also explore online mentorship programs to find professionals from across the country.

If you’re looking for guidance but not a mentor, consider joining a writing organization. The Professional Writers Alliance (PWA) , for example, offers guidance for writers such as:

• Career resources
• Professional networking

Once you’ve learned the skills and made the connections to become a content writer, the next step is finding a job. There are different ways you can do this, depending on what path works for you. However, there are some common steps that many people follow:

1. Choose Your Work Type

Content writers can work with multiple clients at marketing agencies, do in-house work for advertising departments at companies, or work freelance. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the requirements and expectations differ for each one. For example, content writers at agencies may have the benefit of working for multiple clients at one time and writing about a variety of subjects. Freelancer writers may have flexibility in their schedules and the ability to pick projects that interest them. It’s helpful to research the different types of content writing to see which best fits your goals and lifestyle.

2. Prepare Your Materials

No matter which type of position you’re trying to get, it’s beneficial to have a portfolio. This collection of your work shows people what you’re qualified to do. You can create a digital portfolio with links to all your content or print out samples of your work and make a hard-copy book. Some people include just their best pieces in their portfolio, while others include all their work to showcase a range.

If you intend to work on a contract or for a business, you may also need a resume and cover letter to send with your job application. You can tailor these to each specific role, sharing your most interesting and impressive attributes that could help in each job.

3. Market Yourself

If you choose to do freelance work, learn how to market yourself. As a freelancer, you are the business. Your skills and experience are what you want clients to see and recognize as beneficial to their company or protect. When working in this type of position, you can choose to create your own self-run freelancing service, or you can choose to work for a marketplace like Fiverr or Upwork.

There are benefits to each freelancing option. For example, when you work for yourself, you get to keep 100% of your profits, while some marketplaces take a commission of your sales. But using marketplaces can make it easier or faster to find clients. Consider which factors matter most to you when choosing a freelance method. Then you can develop ways to market yourself, such as through cold emailing, social media, email newsletters, or pay-per-click ads.

4. Search for Positions

You can look for both agency jobs and freelance clients through many of the same channels. Try searching online job boards or using your network to get referrals and recommendations. Look for roles and projects where you can use your unique skills and content knowledge to provide value to the company, client, and audience.

Content writing can help you learn a lot of information about many subjects. No matter which specialization you select, you have the opportunity to choose between traditional and self-employment. With each new job, you may build skills and create connections that can help you advance your career or find your next content writing job.

CopyPress writer

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Change location, find awesome listings near you.

Creative Media Producer

• Madison, Wisconsin
• INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS/FB OPERATIONS
• Communications and Marketing
• Staff-Full Time
• Opening at: Apr 1 2024 at 13:40 CDT
• Closing at: Apr 15 2024 at 23:55 CDT

Job Summary:

Following the instruction of the Director of Creative Media, the successful candidate will be expected to collaborate with members of the Wisconsin football program to create and edit digital content focused on recruiting prospective student-athletes, promoting and showcasing the team, and engaging fans. This position will frequently collaborate with the recruiting department to establish a content calendar and fulfill various creative needs.

Responsibilities:

• 15% Operates video equipment to capture events, presentations, performances, or educational activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor settings
• 15% Plans, organizes, and executes video production projects in collaboration with internal work units and stakeholders
• 10% Sets up and maintains all required equipment
• 25% Edits post-production work with various software and technologies according to established objectives
• 5% Shares and/or produces materials on various mediums
• 5% May train, direct, and guide staff or students on specific uses of video equipment and digital software, as needed
• 5% Develops and schedules operational work plans for onsite productions and post-production editing work according to established objectives
• 15% Uses creative and technical skills along with editorial independence, editorial judgement, and journalistic integrity on projects across broadcast and digital platforms
• 5% Serves as subject matter expert in broadcast video and audio standards, and file-based media workflows

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world. For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Preferred Bachelor's Degree in electronic media or similar and related technical experience; OR combination of education and related experience totaling more than 4 years.

Qualifications:

Knowledge and skills: - Extensive knowledge of current video and photo editing software, specifically the Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere, After Effects, Lightroom, and Photoshop) - Knowledge of how to operate a wide variety of cameras - Experience shooting and editing high-definition video as related to football - Experience shooting in and lighting a studio - Ability to create and edit content that follows university and team branding standards - Demonstrated proficiency with various social platforms including Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube - Understanding of content marketing and visual storytelling - Awareness of digital trends - Understanding of NCAA and Big Ten rules and regulations that apply to this position, especially as related to recruiting - Ability to multitask and work under time constraints - Ability to lift up to 75 pounds - Must be able to sit at a terminal and operate a computer for long periods of time - Ability to bend, stoop, walk, and climb frequently; ability to stand in one place for up to four hours; and the endurance to work extended days - Advanced technical/computer skills - Proven strong organizational skills - Effective oral and written communications - Strong problem-solving skills - Ability to work night and weekends, and travel as needed

Full Time: 100% It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Minimum $39,400 ANNUAL (12 months) Depending on Qualifications

Additional Information:

Conditions of Appointment: This is a 100% Academic Staff appointment. Salary will be assigned within the appropriate range, commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience. An excellent benefits package is also included. Successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. Unless confidentiality is requested in your online application, information regarding the names of applicants must be released upon request. Finalists cannot be guaranteed confidentiality. UW-Madison conducts criminal background checks for final candidate(s).

How to Apply:

To ensure full consideration, complete applications must be received by no later than 11:55 p.m. CST, on the assured consideration date. Please complete the online application and attach a cover letter addressing your qualifications and experiences specifically relating to the responsibilities of this position, a comprehensive resume, and contact information for at least three professional references. The hiring unit will notify finalists prior to any communication with these references. Applicants selected to participate further in the selection process will be notified directly. All applicants will be notified once a final selection has been made and the search has been completed.

Kayla Weisensel [email protected] 608-262-6340 Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Official Title:

Videographer(CM021)

Department(s):

A42-INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS/FOOTBALL/FOOTBALL

Employment Class:

Academic Staff-Renewable

Job Number:

The university of wisconsin-madison is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer..

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FinanceBuzz

17 Most Useless College Degrees Employers Don't Want Today

Posted: June 19, 2023 | Last updated: June 19, 2023

College can be expensive, so you want to make sure you’re getting a useful education for the money you’re putting down or borrowing.

However, some degrees are better than others when it comes to landing a job when you get out of school. After all, you don’t want to be looking for ways to pay off debt on a degree that doesn’t pan out.

Here are some degrees that might not give you the best bang for your buck as you consider a particular career after graduation.

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Creative writing

Pursuing a creative degree may not make you much money after college, and that’s particularly true of creative writing.

The publishing field isn’t lucrative for many writers (unless you’re a big name), so you may be stuck with a degree that won’t help you get a sustainable job after graduation.

Get expert advice on making more money - sent straight to your inbox.

Communications

One issue with a communications degree is that it could be too broad depending on the program and the classes required for the degree. Instead, focus on a specific type of communication like journalism, marketing, or public relations.

Fashion design

Fashion design has become more popular, and more competitive, with social media and reality competition shows looking for new designers. The market may be oversaturated and it could be difficult to stand out.

If you enjoy fashion, consider other positions in the industry, including writing for fashion publications or working as a buyer or stylist, which may help you earn more money.

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Hospitality

Travel habits have changed in recent years due to the pandemic, and have affected places like hotels. Events planners and hospitality management have also taken a hit. But you may still have options if you want to pursue a career in hospitality.

For example, consider getting a business degree that may be more useful when finding a job after college. You could still use it to get a job in hospitality or have the flexibility to find a position outside of hospitality that would require a business degree.

7 Nearly Secret Things to Do If You Fly Southwest

Teachers are amazing resources for students across the country. Despite a nationwide teacher shortage, salaries often do not reflect their importance in society. Plus, nearly 50% of new teachers leave the profession within their first five years.

If you feel the strong desire to be a teacher, it would be wise to have a backup plan in case you need to leave the profession.

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Computer science

There’s been an emphasis in recent years on computer science careers, but that focus has led to an oversaturation of computer science graduates compared to the number of jobs available.

If you still want to get a computer science degree, find ways to make yourself stand out among other applicants such as internships and training or certification in specialized skills.

Culinary arts

If you want to work in a restaurant or get a job as a personal chef, a culinary arts degree might not give you the experience and education you need to cook or bake for a living.

Instead, ask around to local restaurants you like or talk to chefs in your area to see if it's possible to get a job working with food without a degree.

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Music may be a wonderful thing to participate in, but it could be difficult to make enough money with a music career to cover the cost of getting a music degree. Instead, get a degree in a field that may be more lucrative and use your free time to practice music.

You may even be able to use your music to make money with a side hustle while earning a salary that can pay your bills another way. Many people nowadays take on a side hustle to reach financial independence and  stop living paycheck to paycheck .

Film, video, and photographic arts

This is another degree that can be tempting if you have a passion for the arts. However, the result of success in the fields of videography and photography often comes without a college degree.

You may be able to just use your natural talent to become a filmmaker and develop your skills by using online resources. You could get a job as a photographer or videographer in fields such as marketing or the service industry, serve as an independent contractor, and even open your own business, all the while without needing a student loan.

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Performing arts

If you want to be an actor, it may be better to act than to go to school for it. You don’t need to enroll in a college or university to take acting classes.

Practice, auditions, and real-world experience can also be more helpful than sitting in a classroom or lecture hall. Try landing your next best role instead of spending cash on a degree.

Criminal justice

If you’re interested in a job in law enforcement, a criminal justice degree may not be as helpful as other options. You might want to apply for a job directly and go through training that may be paid for by a police department or sheriff’s department.

See how much you could save on auto insurance

There may be few opportunities for foreign-language majors once they leave college or a university, which may make it a less-than-desirable degree.

Instead, consider getting a minor in a language you’re interested in and major in something else you’re interested in. For example, you could get a business degree and work internationally.

Anthropology and Archeology

You may be someone who loves history and dreams of excavation sites, but be ready to spend years as an underpaid intern or research assistant. The truth is unless you go for the fancy Ph.D., which will take a lot of time and money, most degrees in this career path don't offer much. 

Religious studies

You may be interested in studying the spiritual side of life, but it might not help you financially. A religious studies degree could lead to a low-paying job in exchange for a high debt load from your degree.

Instead, consider training that may be paid for by a local religious organization, or major in something else and minor in religious studies.

7 savvy moves when you have $1,000 in the bank

Exercise science

Exercise is a good component of a healthy life, and you may want to help others follow a plan for a healthy life as an exercise science major. But majors in this field may not make enough to cover college debt or everyday expenses when they graduate.

Instead, look into certification programs that may be more affordable or find out how you can become a trainer or instructor without a college degree.

The pandemic proved that the tourism industry can change dramatically at any time, for better or for worst. COVID-19 kept tourists at home for so long, which resulted in high prices post-pandemic. Now many people are choosing staycations to avoid the high costs driven by the current market. 

If you want to stay in the tourism industry, it may be a good idea to save extra cash in an emergency fund to weather the ups and downs of the industry.

5 Signs You’re Doing Better Financially Than the Average American

Advertising

Working for an ad agency today could be difficult if you’re trying to create interesting ads that pull in a viewer. Instead, ads are usually targeted based on the interest of particular internet users who may not interact with ads the way they once did.

If you still want to pursue an advertising degree, consider taking classes about social media or online advertising. That may make you stand out more as a job candidate and help you earn some extra cash.

Bottom line

Before you commit to a degree, sit down and find out what kind of careers that degree could be useful for. You also may want to find more affordable options to take some general classes or summer classes to get the degree you want at a lower cost so you won't find yourself  barely scraping by financially . 

And remember that in the end, it’s important to be happy with whatever major you pursue. You may be able to find a way to make any degree work for you.

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Is creative writing already a lost art? Kids show the joy of the written word still exists.

The request was simple enough: Please come and talk to 11 separate Southern Indiana grade school classes about writing . You know, the thing you do for a living. Rearranging the alphabet into words . Then lining up those words into thoughts and pictures to make a point, tell a story, make a difference.

The request was from Susan Stewart, advanced program coordinator for Greater Clark County Schools . It was instantly appealing. No one had ever come to my grade school to talk about writing. No one had ever told me early on about the absolute joy to be found in putting words and thoughts on paper. It took me 25 years to learn that.

Or, as Susan said in her letter asking me to give it a try:

“I truly believe your presentation will be one of those pivotal moments in some of these kids’ lives where they pinpoint this experience as discovering they are really good at writing and decide they want to pursue a career in writing.”

No pressure there.

So, about a month later I sat down in a low chair in a grade school in downtown Jeffersonville. I had always believed writing classes work best at eye level with the kids. The class sizes varied from two to nine. The kids, selected by aptitude and test scores, had been somewhat prepped, appeared eager to learn and were trying to figure me out.

Are kids so tied to social media that creative writing is already a lost art?

I did somewhat the same. I had no real idea what was on the minds of nine-, ten- and eleven-year-old kids these days. My fear was that they are so tied to social media games that pure creative writing is already a lost art. And what is artificial intelligence going to do to all that?

Follow Diane Porter's example. JCPS board chair was a fierce advocate for Black students.

On the other hand, as I quickly learned, almost all are avid readers. Books. Words used to paint pictures, make a point, tell a story. So there was hope.

But how to further connect? I began by discussing possibilities, the places newspaper writing has taken me in more than 40 years and 4,000 columns and stories, the places they could go.

I told them how I have been to the World Ice Skating Championship in Czechoslovakia, NCAA basketball championships in St. Louis and Indianapolis, being on the sidelines and in press boxes at NFL, NBA and major league baseball games.

Moving away from athletics, I explained how I wrote about classical dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov, covered Broadway shows in Louisville, took a trip to Ghana to write of Louisville doctors on a medical mission, spent time inside the U.S. Supreme Court, got caught in the middle of a gun fight between police and a man holed up in his house and wandered Kentucky for a coupled years writing of great forests, country stores and mules.

I have now written or helped with 15 books, so I pushed the conversation a little deeper. I explained the work required over months and years to write a book, the satisfaction derived from holding such a finished product in my hands.

Kids love books and the writing it takes to tell stories

One fifth grader said she had already started.

We began to bond. Several of the kids were eager to answer all my questions, and quickly thrust their hands in the air. I was more interested in those remaining silent and mostly in the back row.

We talked some of keeping personal diaries – and many of them said they do. We talked of the need to write well and clearly at some point in almost any job. We talked about writing letters to friends and family. Many said they already do that. We talked of reading, of sharing books, and having their parents read to them.

Or maybe them reading to their parents.

Their questions about writing, the places I have been, were interesting, fun, welcome and spontaneous, my favorite being “What is your favorite genre?” 

That meant it was time – past time - for the basics. My writing suggestions were simple. I asked the kids to write them down and warned they will be asked to write something with pencil on paper afterward, then read it out loud.

The writer’s job to explain to people who are not there what’s going on

I told them writing is like being a foreign correspondent. It’s the writer’s job to explain to people who are not there what’s going on. That action could be fiction, whatever was on the writer’s mind, or something outside on a playground, or some place on vacation. Use details to make a point, tell a story, describe the situation. With only four simple rules:

Write what you see.

Write what you hear.

Write what you think.

Write what you feel.

That was it. At this point I didn’t get too far into the 10 or 15 revisions required for every paragraph, how excessive use of detail can get in the way of the story. Not to mention the years it can take to get this writing thing fully figured out. With no guarantees of ever being published.

Just write.

To help the process along, to focus them on a story subject, I asked them to describe me and my mission. Use those four simple rules: see, hear, think, feel. Write it for someone who is not there but needs to know the experience.

What are we going to do? Reading is the greatest civil rights issue of our time.

That got everyone involved, the entire class quickly offering descriptions of a deep voice, large body, a funky shirt, likeable mannerisms and yes, a bald head, although it took them awhile to get around to that.

When in doubt, write the truth

Then I went off point a bit, adding a little culture and sociology. I always on these writing missions bring along a big bag of very distinctive hats, cowboy hat, golfer’s hat, baseball cap, leprechaun’s hat. I put on each in succession and the kids, loving it, went crazy with apt descriptions, even those who had been silent – especially those who had been silent.

The kicker came when I explained they had each described me by the hat I was wearing, but underneath all that I am the same person. Only the hat changed. Point being the biggest mistake any writer can make is to judge a book by its cover.

Lessons learned they all began writing, cranking out words that became sentences that became descriptions and word pictures. Some more quickly than others, They were only allowed about 15 minutes. Afterward, mostly standing up proudly, they read to the others about a big amiable guy with no hair and a deep voice wearing funky clothes and hats as he talked about using see, hear, think and feel to become good writers.

Or words to that effect.

Some of them didn’t want to read their work aloud and I understood – been there, done that. But I did feel – as every teacher must hopefully feel at some point in their day – that I had made a difference, that some kids had learned of the absolute joy to be found in writing and would take that home with them.

And maybe beyond.

It’s a message that should be spread to all students with a hidden interest and ability in writing, not just those who test well. Some immediate satisfaction came when the students in one class offered me “high fives,” asked me to autograph their papers. My finest moment came while walking out of the school through the cafeteria, one of my students, a precocious second grader, walked over and gave me a big hug.

May all teachers find such a moment.

Bob Hill was a Louisville Times and Courier Journal feature writer and columnist for 33 years.