Is there anything more satisfying than sitting down to write and producing something absolutely perfect?
Well, probably not. But there are plenty of careers out there that let you do just that; you just have to know where to look.
Before you head into graduate school, it’s time to figure out what you want to study. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, we’ve put together a list of tips that can help you decide what you’ll need to focus on to become a successful copywriter.
Tip #1: Make A List Of The Skills You Need
Throwing away any thoughts of becoming a doctor or lawyer, let’s examine the requirements for becoming a copywriter.
Do you have a knack for explaining complex subjects in a way that even a non-specialist can understand? Do you enjoy coming up with innovative ideas for advertising campaigns and having the talent to bring those ideas to life? Do you enjoy crafting compelling narratives that will keep your target audience hooked? Do you enjoy being able to pull together pieces of writing from a variety of sources and have the talent to make it seamless?
If you can answer yes to these questions, then you might be a fit for copywriting. To prepare for this rewarding career, get to work building your list of skills needed.
Tip #2: Look For A Master’s In Creative Writing
Writing a persuasive essay is not the same as writing a pitch for a commercial. The way you structure your arguments and the examples you use will be very different. However, you do need to know how to write a convincing argument in either format to be able to be effective as a copywriter.
If you’re able to pull off writing a powerful essay with a hook that keeps your audience reading, but you feel like you don’t necessarily have the commercial skills that are needed to be successful in this field, you might want to consider pursuing a Master’s in Creative Writing. With a Master’s you’ll have the opportunity to learn from some of the best writers in the industry.
Tip #3: Become A Student Of English Language And Literature
There will always be a demand for well-written content, and the best way to get ahead in this particular industry is by learning how to write the best possible copy. The basic unit of any copy is the sentence, and you’ll need to know how to construct a solid foundation for each and every one of them.
To achieve this, it’s recommended that you get a good book on English language and literature. Make sure to study the basics of the English language, how to form sentences, and how to use the correct English vocab.
Tip #4: Get Knowledge About Marketing
Being able to navigate the world of marketing and advertising is critical for any copywriter. Knowing the ins and outs of this complicated world is not something you’ll learn in school, and it’ll be one of the key requirements for your new career. With so much knowledge required to be successful in this field, you may want to consider studying marketing abroad through a good correspondence course. Not only will this allow you to become competent in this area, but it will also give you the opportunity to develop your academic skills.
If you’re truly determined to pursue this career, then you may want to look into getting a Bachelors degree in Business Administration with a specialty in Marketing. With a degree like this, you’ll have the chance to learn from experts in the field and put what you’ve learned into practice.
Tip #5: Get A Good Writing Sampler
Learning how to write well is only the beginning. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll need to develop your skills and learn how to write professional-level pitches and proposals. To do this, you’ll need a good writing sample that demonstrates your ability to write persuasively. To get a good writing sample, you may want to consider getting hired to write an article for a magazine or newspaper. If you’re unable to get a sample article, then you may want to consider getting a paid gig as a guest blogger.
Hopefully, you’ll be able to find a happy medium between the two and end up somewhere near a publication that hires freelancers to write on marketing topics. If you can’t find a magazine that’ll give you a chance, then you may want to consider submitting proposals and pitches to businesses in the marketing and advertising space for a chance at getting a gig.
Tip #6: Network
Networking is incredibly important if you want to get ahead in this particular industry. Even if you achieve great success, you’ll still need to interact with other writers and build a network of contacts. To begin with, you can meet with other students within your University to find out what kinds of work they’re doing. You can also look into joining a Guild or Association of freelance writers and getting involved with other professionals in your field.
This is important because it’s unlikely that any single education will prepare you for entering this particular field. Instead, you’ll need to develop the skills through hands-on experience and continued study. Don’t be afraid to get out there and get involved. Through networking you can meet people who can give you good tips on how to navigate this field effectively. Plus, it’ll help you build a great portfolio of work and gain experience.
Tip #7: Look For Opportunities To Intern
It’s never easy finding that perfect job that’ll support your particular career path. Luckily, there are plenty of chances to find such a thing. One great way to learn how to write effectively is to get an internship in the field. The best way to do this is through networking. Not only will getting an internship allow you to learn from some of the best, but it’ll also give you a chance to prove yourself and grow your network.
The only requirement for this particular gig is that you have to be willing to learn. There are plenty of universities that offer fantastic programs that can prepare you for a career in the marketing and advertising space. If you can’t find an adequate program within your University, then consider looking for an online university that can give you the knowledge you need for this career. With all that said, don’t be afraid to get out there and apply for any job that might suit you. You never know until you try.