Ghostwriter & Content Strategist at Rob Swystun Content Marketing & Ghostwriting Inc.
Answered 6 months ago
1. Online writing programs will have no discernible difference from in-person programs if they are organized and taught well. Writing, reviewing, and editing are all solitary activities, so you need not be in an in-person setting to do anything that you will be learning. Aside from not having the in-person camaraderie of classmates, you won't be missing anything with online programs. 2. Regardless of what you are studying, it is imperative to gain experience beyond the classroom, and this includes writing. You don't even need to publish what you write, as long as you are going through the process. However, you will want to gain feedback from competent editors and competent writers. And, just as important, you will also need to learn how to spot incompetent editors and writers so you can ignore their advice. 3. I can't answer this one, but what I can do is recommend that writing students perform their due diligence and research what writing is most in demand. Researching is an integral part of the writing process, anyway. In my travels around the writing corners of the internet, I often see calls for technical and grant writing. These are specialized types of writing, so you may have an easier time procuring jobs if you choose a specialized type of writing. 4. Use your own blog, newsletter, Medium, LinkedIn, etc to publish your own work and send out as samples. If you can afford it, hire a professional editor. If you can't afford that, you and a fellow student can act as each other's editors. 5. Remember that the true value of learning to write is in the processes. That includes trying and failing. That includes having your work ripped apart by a competent editor. That includes reading, reading, and more reading. That includes critiquing your fellow students' work. That includes writing what you know, writing what you don't know, writing what interests you, and writing about things you couldn't care less about. The value is in the process. If you use the easy button, you are doing yourself a massive disservice. Writing well is not supposed to be easy. If it was, anyone could do it. You want to get paid to write? Put in the work. Fail. Improve. Read. Edit. Revise. And write write write. This is how you do it.
Kristina's answer to question #1 For writing programs it is about what the participant brings to the table. It is crucial to absorb the information that has been give to you but this information needs to be put into practice so that the actions become a natural as opposed to a forced habit. Online courses can definitely capture the advantages of an in person course as long as there is interaction with both the instructor and other attendees. It is important to share with others in these settings as we learn and grow so much from others. Kristina's answer to question #2 It is very important to gain experience beyond the classroom as putting your writing skills into practice is what is going to make you a writer. Like walking and other daily functions, writing requires certain muscles in our mind that need to be exercised on a regular basis to become natural. By writing on a regular basis the individual not only expands their skill set and develops a style but also learns to write for an audience. Being able to write for an audience is a key skill as you want to share a piece of yourself but also write about a message that the audience is seeking. Kristina's answer to question #3 I would advise young writers to focus on the genre that they feel the most comfortable with. Writing is very personal and it is very crucial to be authentic to your strengths and what genre you identify with. Once confidence is built in the writer and their work, it is much easier to grow into other genres and explore those possibilities. Kristina's answer to question #4 Online is a great place to start as it is a first step to building an audience. The more you write and the more you share your work the better understanding you will receive on what readers are gravitating towards. When you share a piece of your writing, it also shifts the mindset from work in progress to a completed piece. The more pieces a writer completes the stronger their voice becomes and their work truly grows to new heights. Kristina's answer to question #5 Focus on consistency. Create a routine where you are consistently writing. Next step is to set a time to release your work to an audience. You do not have to release every piece but create a routine to release your work regularly. It is completely normal write ten to twenty pieces and only share one or two of them with readers. Be proud of your first pieces for they are going to shape you into the writer you are destined to be.
1. I think the key element to successful online writing degrees/courses is to use real-world examples of writing in the specific area (Journalism, Fiction, etc.). Case studies are a very popular learning tool with students and encourage critical thinking. 2. It is extremely important! If courses can get students to actually become involved in small writing jobs or duties, it will anchor what they have learned in class. This essentially provides a base for experience. Internships are a great way, for sure. 3. The demand for one genre or specialization is essentially irrelevant. What is relevant is that the student be empowered with the tools, knowledge, current trends, and realities of whatever the student's interest lies. It is imperative that students learn the importance of Artificial Intelligence's role in their writing field. Teach them how to work with AI and not how to avoid it. 4. As I suggested earlier, internships, paid or unpaid, can be a critical tool for learning and acquiring real-world experience. They should be an integral part of the course/degree offering. 5. To first consider their current knowledge and level of experience before deciding on what type and length of online study to engage in. Consider short and long-term goals. Your course/degree offering should provide choices in this aspect. It is very important to understand how Artificial Intelligence is rapidly evolving and affecting writing careers.
Online learning has now become the most convenient mode of learning. Whether it's about chasing creative, professional or journalism degrees, both the online and in-person modes are valuable for students. From the narrative development and peer critique perspective, online degrees are more feasible in terms of flexibility. Whereas in-person mentorship is prioritised. It also depends on the individual preferences and learning style. Thinking out of the box is always beneficial, and along with fundamental education, gaining experience beyond the classroom is also beneficial. It introduces the real world to the students and opens ways for them to be more confident, well-rounded and adaptable writers. From the current market perspective, technical, UX, grant, copywriting and other forms are in trend for learning as well as offer various working opportunities. Building a writing portfolio is a very important practice for students. These students can choose a writing niche, seek publication opportunities and create a professional online presence. And lastly, as a writer, just be you!
When going for an online bachelor's programme, I trust that the most important factor is accreditation. Considering this, surely results in a high-quality education and a degree that is mostly preferred by employers. An important benefit of an online programme is the flexibility, which not only allows me to balance my studies but also lets me work on both my personal and professional growth. To take a degree, I would consider choosing electives that result in particular career goals, such as digital marketing and human resource management. And to grow normally but to be the best one, graduates should work hard on developing strong soft skills like communication and problem-solving. Along with this, gaining technical skills in emerging trends is a mindful choice, as data analytics has almost become a trend to learn. For those moving into management, it is good to pursue your goals being proactive and seek leadership opportunities as much as you can.