Careers in Science Writing
Science writing is a challenging and important career that attracts science lovers and journalists. While there are several types of career choices for an aspiring science writer, the basic skill set needed is a love of science, a willingness to understand difficult science concepts and a demonstrated ability to craft clear and concise journalism pieces.
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Getting Started
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For someone with an interest in a science writing career during college, the best path to success is to take several science or science history courses and writing courses. He should get involved with a school or community newspaper, write science-focused articles and seek science-related jobs or internships that will allow him the chance to write and build a portfolio.
Those who decide science writing is a good career fit later in life can join the National Association of Science Writers to network and learn information about the profession. Writers with other clips under their belt may find it easier to begin science writing as a freelancer or by asking their boss for science-related assignments, while scientists making the switch may need to take writing classes.
An aspiring science writer at any level should learn about science and subscribe to popular periodicals in the field.
Grant Writers
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Grant writing is a great area for a skilled science writer to specialize in, because most research scientists need grant funding, and many research scientists don't have the technical writing skills to describe their projects to larger audiences.
An aspiring science grant writer can research grant writing at her local library or take classes online via a community college or her local branch of the Foundation Center. Then she can seek employment either as a freelance grant writer or through a university or science organization offering development positions. At first, she may find it challenging to get clients as a freelance grant writer and may need to offer initial services for free to build up a portfolio. -
Magazine Writers
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The magazine science writer must discuss popular science issues at a broad level. He serves as the liaison between the general public and the research scientists. Entry-level magazine science positions are low-paying, and beginning science writers may find it easier to get published by pitching individual stories to magazines than by focusing on salaried staff positions.
Newspaper Writers
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Newspaper science writers are similar to magazine writers. While newspaper jobs do not pay well, many carry a prestige that the beginning science writer may find attractive. To get a science writing position, he may need to cover other topics initially until he can get the attention and interest of an editor.
Communications Writers
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A communications specialist can help science-based companies streamline their communication, build an attractive website, reach out to prospective clients and gain media attention via press releases. She may write and edit newsletters, write grant applications and network with community partners. She may be more of a generalist than the magazine writer but will still need to keep up with science trends via reading of periodicals.
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