Seeking career change into Writing field.
My background is in website content management (more front-end development than editorial). However, I've always wanted to write. I thrive when I put words on paper, whether it be blog posts poetry, stories, or scripts. This year I took the plunge and wrote and got a few posted online (Medium & contributed to blogs). I know I need to have pieces for a portfolio. But as I look at jobs, I don't have the years of experience. What can I do to build up my work and experience? Any tips from those that are content writers, bloggers or editors? I'm not able to take on entry-level full-time positions at this stage in life. Thanks in advance for any direction!
Gigi Devanney
Comm/Mktg prof w/ focus in SaaS & higher ed.
552
12/10/20 at 1:37PM UTC (Edited)
That's my job! Content marketing (B2C) - As a colleague describes it, I'm essentially responsible for "all the words"...all the words that my company puts out to the public via website, email, advertising, etc. . ... however my path into it was not straight so I don't think my story will help you.
I suggest building your portfolio with lots of variety and if you can convince your current company to let you craft some content, then go for it.
When writing is your job, you must write (and sometimes develop) the "voice" that will resonate with the buyer as well as represent the company well - and consistently. It is not about what you want to say, but what the reader needs to hear.
Rebecca Lee VCredentialing Specialist
3.44k
11/12/20 at 2:26PM UTC
Writing is tricky to get into. You have to take a lot of low paying jobs before you can command a higher salary. I would suggest transitioning into contact creation with your current company. This way you have created experience without losing anything.
Anonymous
11/18/20 at 2:33AM UTC
Thanks. I guess it's truly something I'll have to pick away at on the side and just see it as a very long term goal...takes a lot of motivation to do that with no payoff in sight. But it's like that.
Unfortunately, there's no options with my current employer.
Rebecca Lee VCredentialing Specialist
3.44k
11/18/20 at 4:42AM UTC
I would start with what interests you the most, and write a blog or two and present them to those websites.
Anonymous
12/08/20 at 10:58PM UTC
Thanks! I've just started my own blog! Realized that there's nothing stopping me from writing and start creating that portfolio of work.
Keila AlvaradoWriter/Business Owner/Government Professional
308
11/11/20 at 6:39AM UTC
Well a free way to get noticed is to build your brand by piling up your content to have ready, then focus of giving small content pieces while adding more people or more requesting people online for increasing following, and then try to form vlogs (video blogs) on YouTube as some people have gotten fame or jobs through that platform.
Melissa CentazzoPassionate about the challenge!
37
11/11/20 at 1:03AM UTC
Perhaps consider starting a small business of your own (in anticipation of future business) and only list the company on LinkedIn separate from your profile. Then create your own website. Then you can begin advertising to various entities.
You can do what you want to do!
User deleted comment on 11/11/20 at 12:33AM UTC
Melissa CentazzoPassionate about the challenge!
37
11/15/20 at 2:32AM UTC (Edited)
I do technical documentation, so not sure this will help.
What area on you considering?
My advice to you is to make a spectacular online portfolio of your work and add the link to your LinkedIn profile and your resume heading area.
Let your work speak to your experience!
Good luck!
Anonymous
11/11/20 at 12:34AM UTC
I tend to write articles that benefit from my perspective or personal life experience. However, I'm open to nearly any topic. I've thought about creating a new LinkedIn profile with focus on writing portfolio. My current company is clearly against employees having other sources of employment (eye roll), which is why I'm hesitant to put anything up under my current profile.
