Skilled in writing? Here’s how to specialise your career

Great communication skills can open the door to jobs in almost every industry. From journalism, to screenwriting, to corporate communications, there are endless ways you could use your writing skills to pursue a specialist career. 

Whether you’re researching how to make your passion your career, or you’re already in the industry and want to shape what’s next for your niche, a specialist degree at RMIT University will help get you there. 

Did you know that Facebook has risen to the top five software skills for writers and editors in the past four years? And Microsoft Office, while still in the top five software skills required for writers and editors, is actually losing ground to Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign. According to the Department of Jobs and Small Business, and Burning Glass Labour Insights (2019), digital storytelling is what’s next.

Gain industry-recognised content writing skills in as little as 12 months

The Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing will see you graduate with the skills to meet growing demand in social media, online advertising, publishing and broadcasting. The program structure includes courses on writing persuasive copy, providing freelance services and using desktop publishing software, such as Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop. 

The certificate can be undertaken in just 12 months full-time, with part-time study options available too. Through portfolio-worthy assessments and industry-integrated projects, you’ll be primed for work in a broad range of roles, including social media, content management, copywriting. 

If you have creative flair and the patience to perfect your written work, you could be well-suited for a career as an editor or proofreader. Editing and proofreading skills aren’t just limited to the publishing sector. These skills are transferable and in-demand across marketing, public relations, education and government agencies. 

Lead the publishing journey from manuscript to marketplace

RMIT’s Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing and the Master of Writing and Publishing will give you advanced skills in writing, editing and project management, enabling you to progress a traditional or freelance career in publishing, writing or editing. 

In the associate degree, you’ll build the skills, expertise and versatility you need to become a professional writer or editor. You’ll learn by gaining skills in broad areas like fiction, nonfiction, editing and digital content, and then specialise further, building practical experience through industry placements, publishing projects and writers’ workshops.  

In the master’s, accredited by the Australian Publishers Association, you will learn how to edit, publish and produce work in both print and electronic spaces, through internship programs and specialised studios. You’ll also study modern publicity and marketing strategies, gaining the tools to answer rising opportunities and challenges in industry.

Fostering positive relationships with industry contacts is a coveted soft skill that will help you explore specialised career opportunities. Networking can start online, whether it’s through a niche discussion forum or a public social media page. 

Attending webinars and conferences is also a great idea. Ask questions, give feedback, and find out if there’s a way for attendees to keep in touch with each other and the speakers after the event.

Solidify your network in film, television and digital media

The Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting provides aspiring screenwriters, script developers and editors with ample opportunity to develop their professional network. 

With 35 hours of professional work and integrated learning in the second year of the diploma, you’ll form and maintain active links to industry. Past students have completed work placements with commercial television and digital media production companies, including the ABC and Fremantle Media, while the program itself is shaped alongside an advisory committee of writers, producers and directors from Film Victoria, Seven Productions and ABC Fiction.

Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting student Anna Snoekstra, whose first novel Only Daughter has been published in 19 countries and optioned as a film by Universal Pictures, says industry insight during the diploma was invaluable.

“I found the industry classes that we did once a week to be really helpful. People working in the industry would come in to talk and answer questions about what they do and how they got into that role."

Are you a professional already working in marketing, public relations or internal communication? If advancing into a management role is your next career move and you have a talent for communication, a postgraduate degree will help solidify your specialist knowledge with the expertise you need to progress.

Advance in strategic and corporate communication

The Master of Communication will build your strengths in understanding the fundamentals of communication in a changing media and industry landscape, while providing valuable insight into current trends and practice. 

The postgraduate degree is designed to help you refine your communication skills and advance into management roles. The degree is centred around specialisation in key areas such as public relations, corporate communication and community and civic engagement. You'll also get to explore subjects in communication theory and practice, financial communication, leadership and corporate storytelling, communication for social change, and international advertising.

Journalism is a fast-paced and competitive industry. With the ongoing advancement of digital technology and social media, it’s also a rapidly changing one. The need for adaptable skills in the journalism space is growing, and it’s essential to have portfolio-worthy experience with a range of different platforms, including social media. 

Demand for journalists is also growing in Victoria, with a 38% increase in advertised jobs from 2018 to 2019, according to Burning Glass data from January 2016 to December 2019.

Volunteering to write for your local publications, running a blog, starting a podcast or growing a social media account are all great ways to break into journalism and specialise in topics you’re interested in. 

Produce and present across key platforms of journalism

Diversify your practical journalism experience through RMIT’s Bachelor of Communication (Journalism). Through the undergraduate degree, you’ll partake in RMIT’s extensive work placement scheme and develop industry connections while you study. 

You’ll gain the skills to work across all platforms of journalism, including newspapers, magazines, online, radio and television journalism, and specialist publishing in Australia and overseas. 

You’ll graduate with the ability to pursue a career as a journalist, media advisor or corporate communicator, with an understanding of modern practice and what it could look like in the future. 

Story: Pallavi Daniel