WritingEnglish

If you like words, either reading them or writing them (or both), then a job involving English could be ideal for you. Here are a some ideas of careers that you might like to consider:

Copy Editor

If a piece of written work is going to be published, it is the job of the copy editor to make sure that it is accurate before it goes to print. A copy editor therefore, checks that there are no spelling mistakes, grammatical errors or other errors like repetitions, like repetitions in a piece of writing.

to be a good copy editor you will need to be good at Enlgish and be ready to refer to dictionaries, encyclopaedias and other specialised books. Part of the job may also involve working with illustrators and designers.

(If you noticed the words 'like repetitions' were repeated or that the word 'to' at the beginning of the last paragraph should start with a capital letter or that the word 'Enlgish' has been spelt incorrectly, then you would make an excellent copy editor.)

Writing and Journalism

Writing is all about inspiring people and bringing them something new or exciting. We have all read a book and not been able to put it down. But have you read a fantastic new book or flicked through the pages of your favourite magazine and thought: 'I wish I could write like that'?

Lots of people think they would like to write for a career. It might be because they are good at English and creative writing at school, or because they have lots exciting ideas stored in their imagination.

Whatever the reason, there are a variety of ways to turn that ambition into reality. Who knows - you could be the next JK Rowling or Roald Dahl!

Be inspired

First you need some inspiration. Different places, people and situations give authors their ideas.

Did you know that Portsmouth has been the source of inspiration to lots of famous authors and features in many well-known novels?

One of the most famous writers in the world, Charles Dickens, who wrote legendary novels like Oliver Twist, The Pickwick Papers and Great Expectations, was born in Portsmouth in 1812. Also, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - who created Sherlock Holmes - used to live here too!

So perhaps the town or city you live in could be your inspiration!

Developing your skills

Some of the skills you learn from school and college, such as the importance of doing research for projects, are very important for authors. After all, how could you write a thrilling novel about a knight and his adventures if you haven't researched medieval times?

You also need to be good at English, so AS/A2 English Language & English Literature would be really useful. You need to write lots to develop your skills and read plenty of books.

Being a writer also requires a lot of specific personal qualities, such as perseverance to keep looking for a publisher, patience to keep trying when you can't get the right phrase and motivation to sit down and write instead of watching TV!

You also need to be prepared to take criticism and advice. The only way to improve as a writer is to keep trying and growing, and not everybody is going to like your first attempts.

Publishers are another source of information. Some publishers offer tips on what they expect from new writers, such as how to get started as well as feedback from other budding writers.

Novels Vs Newspapers?

If you like writing but don't have the vivid imagination of an author, you could always become a journalist and write about current affairs.

Journalism can be an exciting career, but be prepared to work hard; it is not your usual 9 to 5 job! Most journalists start out on local papers covering events in their hometown before they get to write for national papers like The Sun or The Daily Telegraph.

To make it as a journalist, you not only need to have to have good spelling and grammar, but you should also have an interest in the people, places and events you are writing about.

There are different ways you can get into journalism. Some people contact their local newspapers direct and are lucky enough to impress editors and get taken on as a trainee reporter - although this is rare these days.

Many others go to university to study for a degree in a variety of subjects, and then do a professional qualification such as an industry course recognised by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).

Magazine journalists can specialise in areas such as fashion, beauty, travel, motoring and so on. There are a number of special courses for those interested in magazine journalism, and these should always be recognised by the Periodicals Training Council.

If you think you want to go into journalism why not have a chat with your teachers or careers advisors at school or college.

Want to know more?

Other jobs that use English:

See also:

Did you know?