You no longer have to become a journalist or a renowned author to have a career in writing. If you know how to use the Internet, there are many opportunities out there. You can try those to make money using your creative abilities.
The best part is that if you are still a student, it will allow you to combine your study and work lives effectively. You will not be limited to a rigorous schedule like in more traditional work environments. With writing you can simply do some freelancing which will not only provide you with some extra cash, but will also help you build your portfolio. The latter you can then use to find a job after college.
1.Contributing Writer
We all have to start somewhere. If you do not have a possibility to get a full-time job for now either because you are a student or not experienced enough, becoming a contributing writer is a good way out. It will allow you to gain some of that much needed practice as well as provide you with supplemental income.
Basically, a contributing writer is employed on a freelance rather than full-time basis. They are not bound by the contract, thus, it is up to them how many articles to complete and whether they want to do it in the first place. It may sound tempting, but it is actually not easy to become a contributing writer. You will need a lot of perseverance and belief in yourself to make some money this way.
First of all, many publications are very picky when it comes to such writers. You will not only need to have strong article examples to prove your skill, but also profound understanding of the style and the tone the company prefers. Secondly, you will have to be aware of the guidelines they adhere to and the procedures you have to follow to submit a query letter. Finally, even after going through all those flaming hoops, there is no guarantee the publication will accept your article. It may discourage even the best from pursuing this path.
2.Technical Writer
Technical writers have one main task – to make the complex technical information understandable for a layman. They write instructions’ manuals, articles, product descriptions which are clear and concise. Technical writers are expected to collaborate with product developers, engineers and the marketing team on a regular basis.
In order to become a technical writer, you will need to have an excellent command of the English language as well as the deep understanding of product’s functionality. You will also have to know how to make diagrams, charts and even videos to convey the info in a visual manner.
3.Affiliate Blogger
If you are interested in writing, you probably tried having a blog at least once. As a kid I had two (both related to movie review writing), but I never tried to monetize them. You should not be like small me. Writing a blog is fun and sometimes therapeutic, but you do need to take care of your basic needs like food and sleep.
One of the ways to do it is to join an affiliate program like Viglink. Basically, all you will need to do is to make links to websites where people can purchase stuff. The more customers you attract, the more commission you will get (usually 3-10 % of the product price).
The drawback to this system is that it is not a reliable source of income. Even if you position the links right, create a compelling story and take your audience’s preferences into account – there is no guarantee that you will make enough to pay your bills. Still, money is money, and it is always good to make more of it (if the efforts justify the outcome, of course).
4.Copywriter
Becoming a copywriter is one of the options for those interested in advertising and popular culture. Copywriters create original slogans, ads, content which is meant to generate revenue for the client. Usually as a copywriter you need to cooperate extensively with the art director as well as the marketing department.
It is generally a full-time office job, but there is a multitude of freelance opportunities available online. You can try those as a student, so that it is easier for you to transition into a more classical career after graduation. Moreover, what’s a better way to network than to show your writing proficiency to potential employers?
5.Public Relations
Those are people responsible for the company’s image. If you are good at writing, it will be easier for you to create the unambiguous and compelling message for the customers. It will help the company increase brand awareness as well as maintain a good image with its clients and stakeholders.
Writing skills should help you craft media releases as well as speeches and articles. If you know how to use the language, you are more likely to make the public more favorable towards the company and the product you are trying to advertize.
6.Teacher
It does not necessarily have to be a classroom job. You do not need to be affiliated with a school or a university to become a teacher. There are many people out there who want to learn writing skills, and you can offer them those services.
Thus, you can organize your own writing course and become a personal coach for the young aspiring writers. Whatever you choose – a traditional career as a teacher or its more individualistic version – this is a great option to strike the middle class layer. If you are a student and cannot contribute full-time, you can tutor on the weekend or make webinars from time to time. Just do what works for you.
7.Proofreader
It is true that nowadays this job is not as much in demand as it used to be before all the spelling and grammar checks programs. However, let’s face it – machines are still far from perfect. Therefore, although being a proofreader is far from being an extremely profitable job, it is still a viable option, especially if you are a student looking for a side income and job experience.
As a proofreader you will need to perform common spell/grammar checks as well as formatting readjustments. It will help you develop your own style as you will constantly be looking for ways to improve somebody else’s writing. This practice will help you avoid those mistakes when creating your own articles.
8.Video Games Writer
Video games are often compared to movies because they frequently include narration and script. Those offer more immersion into the game play, as well as new jobs for writers. So, if you are just as big of a fan of video games as I am, you can try getting into this field. What’s a better way to earn some money while contributing to something you truly enjoy?
9.Ghostwriter
This is a kind of job not all people can do, as they cannot claim any credit for it. Basically, by becoming a ghostwriter, you are creating a work for somebody else. For instance, common tasks include writing a biography, a grant proposal or a query letter. Ghostwriters also often create resumes and cover letters for other applicants.
10.Translator/Interpreter
Many Americans do not even consider this job as a viable option. However, as a translator you can make just as much money as a school teacher. Having solid writing skills as well as a command of at least two foreign languages are the two main prerequisites for this job.