Writing
Few activities dominate the life of a PhD student more than writing, so it's no surprise that numerous career opportunities exist for PhDs in writing-related fields. For those studying the humanities, potential roles may be readily apparent; for instance, a PhD in Russian literature uniquely positions you to excel as a translator of Russian works. However, even for those in science and engineering disciplines, abundant writing opportunities exist that extend well beyond simply penning that novel you've contemplated during experiments.
Regardless of your specific degree or dissertation focus, nearly every PhD program cultivates strong analytical skills, research capabilities, and the ability to craft a well-structured argument, which are all essential components of effective writing across various fields. Your specialized knowledge amplifies your credentials, enabling you to communicate complex ideas clearly to both experts and the general public. Depending on your background, your expertise can be invaluable in areas such as grant writing, tutoring, editing for journals and magazines, and scientific or medical writing.
Entry Points
If you're struggling to pinpoint the right job title for the writing career you want, you might be overthinking it. Writing job titles are usually simple and clear-cut; think along the lines of science writer, medical writer, or translator. Don't box yourself into a specific field right out of the gate, otherwise you may find opportunities to be scarce. For instance, holding a PhD in ecology doesn't mean you can't write an article on genomics; your writing skills matter far more than the subject of your dissertation.
Who are the employers?
The key employers include newspapers (both local and national), radio stations (especially those still featuring talk shows), television networks, and scientific publications (such as Nature, Cell, and the Journal of the American Chemical Society). Getting a foothold in the industry through these well-known platforms can be quite challenging due to their high standards. Additionally, there are technical roles within pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, which often require the creation of scientific documentation and labeling materials. Initially, your best strategy might be to pursue freelance gigs (even if they are unpaid) to enhance your portfolio with quality writing samples. To increase your visibility in the early stages of your career, consider launching your own blog on your chosen topics and offer to write guest posts for established and popular blogs within your area of expertise.
Application Process
Beyond the standard approach of scouring online job boards, company websites, and leveraging your network, consider reaching out to and joining relevant professional organizations. For those focused on scientific and medical writing, look into the National Association of Science Writers (NASW), the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA), the Society for Technical Communication (STC), and the Association of American University Presses. Additionally, the Nature Jobs website serves as a valuable resource for writing and editing openings. Be prepared with your writing samples when applying, and ENSURE THEY ARE FREE OF JARGON. Your role as a writer is to communicate effectively, and nothing hinders successful communication quite like jargon.
Career Progression
In a salaried role, achieving success can propel you upwards to more advanced roles within the corporate hierarchy. However, opting for freelance work can shift the dynamics as you develop your writing portfolio; instead of constantly searching for opportunities, they might start to seek you out.
Work Hours
As a freelance writer, you have total control over your schedule, primarily focusing on meeting deadlines for the projects you take on. Many salaried roles also offer flexible hours since numerous companies permit some remote work. Ultimately, a writing career revolves around completing assignments on time; if you write effectively and manage your time well, a 40-hour workweek can be achievable.
Compensation
Science, medical, and other technical writers holding advanced degrees in salaried roles can anticipate earning between $70,000 and $100,000. Freelancers may see similar earnings, contingent upon their ability to secure a consistent flow of projects year-round.
Exit Options
Numerous exit opportunities exist for writers, particularly in technical domains. Strong written communication skills are highly sought after in areas such as marketing, investor relations, business development, regulatory affairs, and clinical research.