If you’re looking to write about sports, fashion, or entertainment for a living, then New York City may be the place for you! There are numerous opportunities to be found, whether you’re a hot-shot journalist or a budding novelist. Here’s how you can land a fabulous writing job in NYC.
Decide What You’re Going To Write About
You’ll need to decide what type of content you’re going to pursue before you can begin to pitch stories to magazines or newspapers. Is your specialty fashion, sports, or entertainment? Do you want to cover the latest Broadway show or the Summer Olympics? There are numerous opportunities in New York City, so keep your eyes open for postings in your chosen area. Familiarize yourself with the type of content that interests potential employers.
Join A Society
Writing is an ever-evolving profession, and new genres and platforms emerge constantly. To keep abreast of the times, join a society composed of journalists, bloggers, and other content creators. If you’re in New York City, then the New York Journalism Center is a good place to start. They host regular networking events, award-winning journalism classes, and a variety of training programs that can help you advance your career. The New York Society of News Editors is another excellent option, or if you’re in the Big Apple, then head to the American Society of Journalists and Authors for the same purpose.
Dress To Impress
While your writing ability is important, so is your ability to command a room. If you’re planning to pursue a job as a journalist, photographer, or author, then dressing the part can assist you in gaining the respect of your colleagues. When interviewing with a magazine or newspaper, be sure to invest in a good suit. They will be expecting you to wear one. And, no, jeans are not appropriate uniform for this important occasion. A blazer is also a smart choice, but only if it’s stylish and appropriate.
Network, Network, Network
The more connections you make, the more opportunities you have for landing a great job. A good starting point is to build connections with other journalists, bloggers, and content creators. It’s also a good idea to get ahead of the game and join social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram before your competitors do. These networking platforms allow you to connect with people interested in your topic and look for opportunities that may arise.
Get A Master’s
If you’re looking to write about entertainment or fashion for a living, then a master’s degree can help you advance your career. Even if you don’t have a specialized area of interest, a master’s in general studies can give you a fresh perspective that can land you a job in any field. The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, for example, offers a master’s in Fashion Merchandising as well as a bachelor’s in Fashion Marketing. Another good option is the New York Institute of Technology, which offers a bachelor’s in Computer Science and a master’s in Applied Informatics. If you’re in the city and looking for a change of pace, then consider attending one of these fine educational establishments.
Follow The Money
If you want to be a sportswriter, then you may need to consider taking a cut in pay. While journalism is a noble profession, with incredible opportunities, it can still be expensive to live in New York City. If money is a concern, then consider moving to the suburbs where the living costs are lower and you have more luxury.
If money is no object to you and you have plenty of disposable income, then consider becoming a freelance journalist or writer. You’ll need to learn how to be resourceful and learn to love living in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Alternatively, you can find part-time gigs as a reviewer or commentator for various publications. If you can find a niche and build up a good reputation, then you can eventually establish yourself as a full-time journalist or author.
Above All, Be Selective
No matter what stage you’re at in life, opportunities will arise. However, being selective about the chances you take is a vital strategy for ensuring you make the most of your opportunities. After all, you can’t afford to be picky about the jobs you take. You may have to settle for less luxurious circumstances, but at least you’ll be working in your chosen field.
If you have a special skill – whether it’s writing, editing, or design – then consider pursuing a career in media or publishing. But if you want to be a sportswriter, then be selective about the teams you cover and the leagues you join. It’s a numbers game, and the more you put in, the more you’ll get back. Play the odds and you may eventually land a job that can put you in the running for the type of accommodation you wish for.