Job Responsibilities
Under the direction of my boss, a well-known medical specialist,
I research and write original scientific review papers, produce
original presentations that either describe new research or
perform a synthesis of previously published work; and
edit/correct exisiting examples of same. I might also work on
grant proposals, grant renewals, new treatment protocols, etc.
100% of the time.
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Job Requirements
Attended a master's program entitled "master of arts in
professional writing." There were 9 people in my graduating class
including me, five men and four women. 2-year curriculum included
detailed study of style and grammar and introduction to systems
of measuring clarity and usability of communications,(emphasis on
use of Plain English), technical skills for creating web-based
communications and CD-Roms, technical skills for printing large
posters or brochures, study of public relations, corporate
communications, science writing, medical writing etc. were
elective classes. This program is offered by Carnegie Mellon
University of Pittsburgh and cost approximately $30,000 in 1999.
I would rate my core curriculum professors (for required classes
Style and Grammar) exceptional in their field and elective
professors were 90% excellent. A full summer internship was
required to complete the program. I had no problems with
classes, grading, professors or workload. I was hired immediately
upon graduation through the alumni network for my degree. My
starting salary was more than $30,000 higher than any previous
salary I had commanded in my life.
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Uppers
Almost unlimited employment opportunities in almost any field. Variety of
projects to work on. Ability to use best talents and skills to get paid.
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Downers
Writers are a 'luxury item'. Anyone can call themselves a
writer, sometimes giving all writers a bad name in the process
and also meaning you may end up reporting to somebody who neither
cares nor understands the nuances of communication. Review
processes can be torture -- long, executives who don't get it,
etc. Then there's the lawyers. Can really be a drag. The
initial vision of the profesional communicator may be so diluted
by other 'stakeholders' that it seems moot having one.
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Lifestyle
Be a good writer and communicator to begin with. Native talent
will trump the most dilgent attempt to be a good writer. Have
good general knowledge and HUGE vocabulary. Be a lifetime reader
and learner. A writer who is not 'up' on public affairs and
affairs of note in her field will make inadvertent double meaning
errors in conceptualizing the project and executing the writing.
For example, if you can't see what's wrong the company initiative
currently named "The Domestic Violence Initiative" - don't bother
being a writer.
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Compensation
Again, highly variable depending on field. As a professional
writer with over 7 years experience in large corporate and
academic writing currently stuck in the midwest, I expect to be
paid somewhere in the region of $20-$30 per hour plus all
expected benefits such as paid vacation, sick time, company
pension match unless of course it is a freelance assignment
single project deal. Then its more per hour. As a writer you may
be hired by a financial company that pays you a bonus. My first
year out of school I received a bonus that was more than double
what I earned the entire previous year as a waitress the previous
year in grad school. And they say education is expensive!!
(Well, you should see the alternative, as the old joke goes.)
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Advice to Jobseekers
Be a good writer and communicator to begin with. Native talent
will trump the most dilgent attempt to be a good writer. Have
good general knowledge and HUGE vocabulary. Be a lifetime reader
and learner. A writer who is not 'up' on public affairs and
affairs of note in her field will make inadvertent double meaning
errors in conceptualizing the project and executing the writing.
For example, if you can't see what's wrong the company initiative
currently named "The Domestic Violence Initiative" - don't bother
being a writer.
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