Note: for your career presentation, I would like you to create a page similar to the one below (this one is a quick sample draft, so it took me about 2 hours to complete, maybe less). It will require a little bit of research. You cannot copy and paste all of the information you find online and call it a day- please look into multiple sources on your career and out what you find in your own words. DOn't be afraid to share conflicting data, facts, figures or opinions about your career. Be thorough. There may be several variations of the career you were given and you should talk about these with the class. Your grade is determined by the information that you choose to provide, as well as the manner in which you are able to discuss it and present it to the class. I will expect you to talk to the class for 10-15 minutes.
What does it take to become a columnist?
What is a COLUMNIST? What does a columnist do?
Columnists write regular columns in a newspaper or other publication to share information, typically opinion-based, to readers. Some columns focus on a special area of interest pertaining to the publication, such as food, children, politics, fashion, sports, religion, etc. Being a columnist is a unique writing job in that it allows your personality to shine. You need to maintain and attract readers to keep them coming back for more.
Sample columns:
What education would I need to be a columnist?
At least a Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) in English, journalism, or mass communications should help get your foot in the door, but having samples of the types of writing you can do as a columnist will get you even farther. A Liberal Studies or Writing Arts degree would be helpful, or even another degree that feeds the particular interest of the readership of the publication to which you are applying. You should have an interest or a passion for what you are writing about (or be able to fake it). Having experience writing a column (even in high school or college) can help you as well, as you will have samples of your writing and voice to share with employers.
According to StateUniversity.com, the MEDIAN SALARY for a columnist is $34,000 per year, although entry-level salaries are much lower (in the range of $17,000 to $19,000). Those with more experience can expect to earn around $69,450 per year to upwards of $76,000 annually. The outlook for employment is FAIR.
A Day in the Life: My husband was a magazine columnist from 2003-2004 while he was also getting his Master's degree in Writing Arts here at Rowan University. He wrote a column for Cuizine Magazine (misspelling intended) called "The Single Gourmet" and he also wrote a column for Fervor Magazine. These columns were able to provide a supplemental income while getting a graduate degree and teaching part-time at Camden County College. A columnist at this beginning level for local or smaller publications is a good way to get your foot in the door as a writer. It provides flexibility, because you will have deadlines, but you will also not have a 9-5 "columnist desk job" (because that doesn't exist).
They also note that:
Columnists write regular columns in a newspaper or other publication to share information, typically opinion-based, to readers. Some columns focus on a special area of interest pertaining to the publication, such as food, children, politics, fashion, sports, religion, etc. Being a columnist is a unique writing job in that it allows your personality to shine. You need to maintain and attract readers to keep them coming back for more.
Sample columns:
- Maureen Dowd, Op-Ed Columnist for the New York Times
- General writing sample for a column
- Medical Edge Newspaper Column
What education would I need to be a columnist?
At least a Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) in English, journalism, or mass communications should help get your foot in the door, but having samples of the types of writing you can do as a columnist will get you even farther. A Liberal Studies or Writing Arts degree would be helpful, or even another degree that feeds the particular interest of the readership of the publication to which you are applying. You should have an interest or a passion for what you are writing about (or be able to fake it). Having experience writing a column (even in high school or college) can help you as well, as you will have samples of your writing and voice to share with employers.
According to StateUniversity.com, the MEDIAN SALARY for a columnist is $34,000 per year, although entry-level salaries are much lower (in the range of $17,000 to $19,000). Those with more experience can expect to earn around $69,450 per year to upwards of $76,000 annually. The outlook for employment is FAIR.
A Day in the Life: My husband was a magazine columnist from 2003-2004 while he was also getting his Master's degree in Writing Arts here at Rowan University. He wrote a column for Cuizine Magazine (misspelling intended) called "The Single Gourmet" and he also wrote a column for Fervor Magazine. These columns were able to provide a supplemental income while getting a graduate degree and teaching part-time at Camden County College. A columnist at this beginning level for local or smaller publications is a good way to get your foot in the door as a writer. It provides flexibility, because you will have deadlines, but you will also not have a 9-5 "columnist desk job" (because that doesn't exist).
They also note that:
Getting the Job Entry into this profession can be a little difficult since the majority of newspapers and other large periodicals prefer working with experienced columnists. Most columnists begin their careers as copy editors in small publications or local newspapers. They are given general assignments and have to work their way to getting published as a columnist. Job opportunities for entry-level positions in local organizations are often advertised in newspaper classifieds and career sites on the Internet. A lot of sites publish the work of recent graduates, and this freelancing experience can prove useful in obtaining future full-time employment. In addition, colleges and universities have placement services through which candidates can find suitable employment, or those interested in becoming a columnist for a particular publication may approach that periodical directly.
Working ConditionsColumnists work in a variety of settings. Their job profile involves both indoor and outdoor work and a significant amount of traveling, even to foreign nations. The newspaper offices are generally comfortable, well-lit, and spacious. On the other hand, outdoor work can be stressful, particularly if it needs to happen at the scene of a crime, natural calamity, or political uprising. Meeting new people is a definite part of being a columnist. Working hours are likely to be irregular, and columnists need to meet strict deadlines. Columnists enjoy regular benefits like paid leaves, vacations, and health insurance. Those in government agencies are also entitled to pension plans. Additionally, employers pay for columnists’ travel, and these writers also have some flexibility in adapting their work hours to their personal schedules.
Some of the initial information has been paraphrased and cited from:
Columnist Job Description, Career as a Columnist, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job
All directly quoted passages have been noted with block quotations marked in red.
All directly quoted passages have been noted with block quotations marked in red.
You have probably heard of these prominent columnists:
Additional Resources
Reading/Sources
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Employment Opportunities
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