A copywriter is someone who creates content for digital or offline marketing purposes. They might be inspired by a specific event, such as the birth of a child, or they might just want to create something for fun. Regardless of the reasons, when it comes to pursuing a career in copywriting they have plenty of career choices to consider. The question is, which one is the right fit for you? We will discuss the required education and the job prospects to help you make the right decision for your future.
The Basics
If you are reading this, then it’s probably safe to assume that you are interested in becoming a copywriter. More and more businesses are realizing the value of a well-written piece and are rewarding good copywriters with higher salaries and more opportunities for growth. If you have a good writing sample, then there’s no reason to worry about your lack of formal education. The most important thing is that you have a good idea of what you are doing and can communicate your ideas effectively through written word.
The Education Requirement
In order to become a successful copywriter you will likely need to attain a formal education. If money is no object to you and you are confident that you have the drive and ability to succeed, then there is no reason to rule out a college education. The question is, which one do you choose? While a bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, or business is all well and good, you will find that your specific niche(s) will require a different set of skills and knowledge. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to learning, and this is why you should really consider what you want out of your copywriting education as much as possible.
Master of Artistic Publishing
If you are looking for a more traditional route into the world of copywriting, then consider pursuing a master of artistic publishing. This includes everything from editorial copywriting to marketing and designing a book cover. This is a very practical route to take if you want to become a full-time copywriter. You will have the opportunity to work on a number of different projects and can show a great deal of versatility. If you have a strong interest in working in a corporate setting, then this could be the route for you.
Marketing & Advertising
If you are looking to make the move directly into marketing or advertising, then you should consider pursuing a degree in journalism. This is because so much of what we call “digital marketing” or “online marketing” is actually just plain old traditional marketing with a screen instead of a newspaper in the background. Those in charge of content creation for marketing and advertising agencies typically have a background in journalism. Having a skill set in digital marketing is also valuable since much of what you will learn can be applied directly to a digital setting. If you are looking for a more “traditional” route into the field, then this could be the choice for you.
Copy Editor
If you are looking for a more established career in copyediting, then you should consider switching your major. A good copyeditor should be able to take a sentence that could use some work and help it shine. They should be able to improve the language, the flow, and the structure of a piece of text. If you have a passion for fixing grammar, spelling, and punctuation, then this could be the career for you.
Regardless of which route you choose, you should be confident that you are making the right decision for your future. There is plenty of lucrative work in the world of copywriting, and more and more people are getting in on the action. While it is not necessary to have a degree to start your career, it certainly doesn’t hurt. Having a formal education will provide you with the opportunity to focus on your career without the fear of failing miserably. Good luck out there!