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How do I source a writing internship/job?

How does one attain a writing job without prior experience? Please refrain from vague responses about "networking." What should I expect post-BA? Creative Writing English Major

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Tami’s Answer

You can expect to experience ups and downs with the market, as with any other job. It's not so different with or without experience. There's usually always a need for writers, despite an overall lack of job security or even outright risks in terms of copyright infringement and data insecurity. Technology wants to take what it can from any scrap of details like breadcrumbs and personal information in favor of depersonalization to then assign an identity that speaks to marketing, branding, research, and so forth. It's best to stay on guard but not become paranoid in the process. There's a good market for creatives, and writing is no exception to this. However, there will be some amount of soul searching necessary to search for opportunities with further purpose. That may mean focusing on a particular industry or sector like e-commerce versus non-profit work.

Tami recommends the following next steps:

Look into cities with greater opportunities and consider commuting or relocation when the time's right.
Opt for telecommuting if you'd like, and focus on more independent roles if that's something you'd prefer.
Keep your options open and look outside the usual internships with pay. In other words, work for free if you're willing and able.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate you taking the time to answer this. Elo
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Joseph’s Answer

Creative writing is an exciting journey that benefits from understanding how to connect with your audience. Knowing what your readers need, how they will use the information, and why it matters to them is crucial. These skills are valuable in many fields, including public relations, marketing communications, and journalism. My own career path is a testament to the diverse opportunities available. I began with a college internship as a technical writer at a computer company, then moved into public relations with an electronics firm. I also worked as a journalist for two magazines and spent 30 years as a senior technical writer. Along the way, I created a personal blog and another focusing on my career. Your own path can be just as rewarding and varied—embrace the possibilities!
Thank you comment icon This is valuable input. I'm still at that internship level. Your perspective and timeline is appreciated—thank you. In the meantime, I'll focus on things that display my creative path. Elo
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Linda’s Answer

Elo, you've hit on something really important--the "Catch-22" of wanting to get that first chance of experience as a paid, professional writer. I remember being told to "come back when you have more experience." But how do you get that first gig? I'm also a creative writer. In my case, I had an English and Psychology degree. In college, I wrote advertisements for local companies that supported our college newspaper. No pay, of course, but it was fun and interesting. Coming out of college, I was focused on exploring writing opportunities in the publishing and advertising industries. I wasn't a big networker at all. Just loved to write and come up with concepts and ideas. I found that being willing to take on some volunteer writing projects for a local nonprofit gave me samples I could start my portfolio with. I wrote press releases for the nonprofit. You could also volunteer to help with a newsletter or website in a cause you believe in. To show the creative side of my writing, I spent personal time making spec ads for either fake products or real products with clever headlines and well-written body copy. Again, these showcased my abilities and gave me samples to put in my portfolio. (I always explained to potential employers that the ads weren't real but rather were examples of my writing.) I did this while holding a job to support myself, always offering to proofread or edit my coworker's communications if they wanted help. I was then able to get an entry-level job at a large national magazine which opened up lots of opportunities within the company. Once you're in such an environment, you can apply for the kinds of writing jobs that will challenge you. My career eventually led to years of fulfillment as a marketing/advertising writer and creative director. A word of advice: Being taken seriously as a writer means double-checking your resume and letters. I noticed right away that you spelled the word "ascertain" incorrectly in your question, and that you had the wrong word in this context. I believe you meant to say "attain." Best of luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you. Elo
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Steve’s Answer

In today's world, gaining experience is more achievable than ever. Start your own blog and write about topics you love. Reach out to your network for support and ask them to share your posts with their friends. This way, you can grow your audience naturally. Experiment with different subjects to see what connects with readers and what doesn't. You don’t need to wait for a job to come your way; show your initiative now. When opportunities arise, you can proudly present what you’ve accomplished. It might not pay right away, but the effort you put in will soon bring rewards.

Good luck with your journey!
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