<p>Hi. I am a freshman college student. Until recently, I was pretty sure that I wanted to be a pharmacist. This was because I am fairly good at memorizing terms, and enjoy science (to a certain degree). However, when I actually thought deeply about it, I realized a pattern: while I like science, once I get too deep into a specific topic, it gets mundane and 'boring'. Its like the wonder and 'magic' is gone. Considering that pharmacy is a very specific field, I'm worried that I might get bored early on and regret my decision.</p>
<p>On the other hand, I have noticed a different trend with writing. In the last two years of high school (and now college), I discovered that I am a very good writer; all of my grades for papers during this time have been A's and B's. Not only this, but I actually enjoy writing (once I get an idea). I enjoy the challenge of coming up with the right words and expressions to use. What I enjoy most is arguing my points and anticipating/countering the opposition.</p>
<p>Sorry for the personal bio. Now for my question: what careers are available if I decide to pursue writing in college? 'Journalist' immediately comes to mind, but I'm sure that there must be others. The most pressing issues for me are the pay and job security (this is partly why I was attracted to pharmacy). Before anyone jumps on me about this, I don't want to be 'rich', just comfortable enough to pay the bills, raise a family and generally enjoy life.</p>
<p>It’s not as boring as you think, as there are many options that one can do with a PharmD degree. look at this site for just a taste of what is possible - not works at CVS! Pharmacy is really a fantastic field to go into; it’s just sad that no one knows about it. Even as a P1, I don’t even know everything we can do yet, but the possibilities are growing and I learn something new every day.</p>
<p>wow, its like you took this thread from my mind haha. i always wanted to be an engineer but i discovered that may not be what i really want to do. i thought about what im best at in school…probably math and writing. well i hate math so i dont want to do that forever, but writing can be enjoyable if the topic is right. krnpsychopath pretty much said it all, but the possibilites within that criteria is endless. if you get into it you could be a technical writer and write up instructions for technical products. that could be cool if the product was interesting, but otherwise it would probly be pretty boring. i think it would be really neat to write someone’s speaches. if you’re good at it, maybe one day you’ll be writing for the president : )</p>
<p>Screenwriter: sorry, but not an easy thing to break into. </p>
<p>Novelist: Same as screenwriter, though easier to at least get a book out there, but not easy to make a living off of.</p>
<p>Magazine/Newspaper: Basically a journalist somewhat, this would be a good choice–especially if you have some backround, for instance science/pharmacy/or maybe something else, that you can write about. </p>
<p>I’d suggest the best idea would be to not just be a “writer” but to be a writer that writes on something specific. Like, being a sports writer, or a financial writer, politics writer, science writer, etc…</p>
<p>Then, practice not just your writing skill, but learn more about what you specifically want to write about. It’s the best way to really get into writing and have a stable career.</p>
<p>Being a writer is somewht vague, gotta focus what you want to do. </p>
<p>If you truly love writing creatively, you can always do the screenwriting or novelist type thing, but neither are easy. Trust me.</p>
<p>Interesting. How common is it for someone to enter the writing field without an official literary degree, but another degree (for instance a BA in environmental studies), then write about the subject?</p>
<p>I highly recommend this website, “What Can I Do with a Major in _____ ?” Look at the career options for each major, even the science ones. You will be surprised at how many career opportunities there are. Most majors provide with strong analytical, organizational and writing skills.</p>
<p>Collegekid hit it right on the head. Go reread his/her post.</p>
<p>My daughter is going to be a freshman next year and is looking at Psych., Studio Art, and Creative Writing with maybe a little Journalism throw in too.</p>
<p>Her interest range from mental health, art therapy, art, music (enjoying it more than playing it) and writing anything from prose to fiction to editorials. I think as was said in some of the previous posts, you need something to write ABOUT. If you can write WELL about it and have a passion for it all the better.</p>
<p>I live in a “dairy farm” state. The Milk Marketing board recently hired a person that knew little about cows or milk, but they were outstanding at taking “facts and info” and turning it into something that the consumer would relate too.</p>
<p>My cousin just graduated with a Masters in Screen Writing. VERY hard program to get into. No job yet, but the program does an EXCELLENT job of getting the students in touch with people in the industry. She is constantly going to event where producers, actors, etc. are. </p>
<p>Booming? Unfortunately just the opposite. With blogs and Internet versions of publications increasing in popularity, the pay for most writers is going down. And it was never high for these guys in the first place. An editor friend was telling me they pay their online version writers about a quarter per word of what they pay their print version writers. </p>
<p>You might look into technical writing for technology companies, this tends to pay more, but it is far from secure and it’s hard times for these folks right now.</p>
<p>Bottom line, if it’s security you want this is not the field.</p>