Looking for a gig in the Seattle area, but don’t know how to code? Good news for wordsmiths: In today’s information age, companies across industries need content experts to plan, write, edit, polish and publish communications of all kinds.
So if you’re editorially minded, you have options. To help you find your niche, here’s a look at some areas where you can put your skills to work — plus related programs that can help you boost your career.
Content Strategy
Businesses are flooding the global marketplace with content from articles to apps, emails to infographics — all designed to attract customers’ attention.
Hence, the rise of jobs for content strategists, the pros who ensure all of this content is not only engaging but also meets company objectives. Content strategists plan, create and deploy print and digital media across a variety of channels. They understand technical aspects of creating and distributing content, and they know how to measure success.
Because these strategists often collaborate on teams to translate business goals into a brand or marketing push, a cross section of skills can help resumes stand out. For example, top candidates might have knowledge about data analytics as well as strong talent for copywriting.
Want to learn more? Get details on the role of a content strategist. Or explore the Certificate in Storytelling & Content Strategy.
Technical Writing
If you’ve got writing chops and subject matter expertise in math, science, engineering or a specific technology, you’re well positioned in the market for a gig in technical writing or editing.
Technical writers and editors specialize in creating user manuals, how-to guides and other documentation about complex concepts. They work closely with engineers, designers and developers to create clear language (and, increasingly, assist with visuals) that helps readers assemble, use, maintain or troubleshoot a product or technology.
Want to learn more? Get details on the role of a technical writer. Or explore the Certificate in Professional Technical Writing. (For more specialized roles, check out our Specialization in Regulatory Medical Writing and the Foundations of UX Writing course.)
Paralegal Work
Attention to detail and concise writing are key skills for paralegals, whose work to support attorneys can include research and drafting legal documents. As a paralegal, you might use your language talents to take notes at trial or put your editorial instincts to work as you gather evidence for a hearing.
Brushing up on proofreading might also allow you to serve as the last line of defense against mistakes in punctuation and grammar — a key skillset for any workplace, but especially in legal language, where small details can make a big difference.
Want to learn more? Get details on the role of a paralegal. Or explore the Certificate in Paralegal Studies.
Content Development and Storytelling
No list of jobs for wordsmiths would be complete without mentioning writers and copywriters. These are the stars who craft the content you love to engage with in print and online.
Be it fact or fiction, one thing great writing has in common is good storytelling. This holds true no matter what platform your content is on or what industry it’s for. Readers want something that makes them think, stirs up emotion, compels them to act. They want a story.
As a writer or copywriter, you’ll need ask yourself questions like: Where does this story start? Where are we taking readers? What needs to happen in between to make them think, feel or do something different in the end? Understanding the elements of story is key to engaging your audience.
Want to learn more? We offer a variety of fiction and nonfiction writing courses, as well as a Specialization in Grant Writing & Management Strategies. Certificate offerings include the Certificate in Editing and the Certificate in Storytelling & Content Strategy.
Journalism and Publishing
There are still jobs to be had at news organizations, magazines and book publishers today, though these can be harder to come by. While the Seattle area isn’t a major player in the publishing scene, we are home to a number of notable local names, like The Seattle Times, City Arts magazine and Sasquatch Books. Not to mention Amazon, which has multiple publishing arms headquartered here.
There are also smaller publishers and other media outlets around town to look at for work opportunities. You could also opt to ply your editing skills for the growing number of writers looking to self-publish.
All that said, jobs in writing and editing aren’t as black and white as they used to be. Even the more traditional roles are evolving, demanding more technical savvy and market awareness, for example. However, to land any editorial role today, you’ll still need a firm foundation. So if yours has a piece missing or you’re just starting to build a skill base, you might want to start with the Certificate in Editing or the course in Proofreading Essentials. Those with some editing experience should consider the Specialization in Developmental Editing.
Keep Learning
Interested in finding more ways to share your voice or unleash your creativity? Explore our full selection of marketing, communication and design programs.