BA offered by the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Words shape culture, influence decisions, and drive change鈥攍earn how to use them professionally in 91亚色鈥檚 program. Blending the history, theory, and practice of writing with hands-on experience, the program prepares students for dynamic careers in today鈥檚 communication-driven world. You鈥檒l study digital writing, business and organizational communication, editing, publishing, and periodical writing while examining how writing responds to social, cultural, and technological change. Students gain real-world experience by creating live podcasts, building websites, editing and publishing books, and developing outreach projects for community organizations. Opportunities to work as communications consultants further strengthen professional skills. Graduates leave with a strong portfolio, inventive approaches to writing, and the versatility employers seek in skilled, adaptable communicators.
Career Options in Professional Writing
Here are just some of the career options related to this major. As all degrees offer transferable skills, some jobs are more closely linked to this field, than others. Check for regional requirements.
- Advertising Representative
- Archivist
- Author
- Bibliographer
- Blogger
- Business Writer
- Content Editor
- Content Marketing Coordinator
- Copy Editor
- Copywriter
- Corporate Communications Assistant
- Corporate Communications Manager
- Cultural Interpreter
- Digital Content Specialist
- Editor
- Editorial Assistant
- Event Coordinator
- Fiction Writer
- Film Researcher/Consultant
- Foreign Correspondent
- Freelance Writer
- Fundraiser
- Grant Writer (Junior)
- Historian
- Historical Researcher
- Journalist
- Lawyer
- Legislative Aid
- Librarian
- Lobbyist
- Media Correspondent
- Paralegal
- Policy Researcher
- Political Advisor
- Politician
- Press Agent
- Proofreader
- Proposal Writer
- Public Affairs Consultant
- Public Policy Researcher
- Public Relations Specialist
- Public Speaking Consultant
- Publicist
- Publishing Assistant
- Radio Host
- Radio Producer
- Researcher
- Script Supervisor/Editor
- Social Media Coordinator
- Speech Writer
- Sports Writer
- Teacher
- Technical Writer
- Translator
- Travel Writer
- Web Content Creator
Some career choices may require further education, such as graduate studies or professional courses and exams. For detailed career descriptions and specific requirements, please check .
Entry-Level Positions in Professional Writing
An undergraduate degree is typically sufficient for these positions, though some locations may require additional qualifications. For region-specific information, please check .
- Administrative Assistant
- Blogger
- Content Editor
- Content Marketing Coordinator
- Copyeditor
- Copywriter
- Corporate Communications Assistant
- Digital Content Specialist
- Editorial Assistant
- Grant Writer (Junior)
- Journalism Assistant
- Marketing Assistant
- Press Release Writer
- Proofreader
- Proposal Writer
- Public Relations Assistant
- Publishing Assistant
- Social Media Coordinator
- Technical Writer (Junior)
- Web Content Creator
For career descriptions, visit . Some occupations may also be found on ; for login information, navigate to the Career Centre鈥檚 homepage in .
Skills Developed through a Degree in Professional Writing
Core Skills
- An understanding of the historical and theoretical analysis of written expression
- The development of practical expertise in creating, managing, coordinating and presenting written information in a constructive and dynamic fashion
- The ability to gather various types of information, assess them, analyze and incorporate potential linkages from different fields, put them into writing and efficiently convey your message and the goal of your work, be it individual or in the context of group work in any professional environment
- Advanced skills developed by specializing in book writing and editing, professional periodical writing, or professional institutional communications
Data Gathering and Organizational Skills
- Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
- An ability to prepare insightful oral and written presentations and reports using current data and technology
- The ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands
- The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas
Management and Teamwork Skills
- The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project's intended and successful end result
- Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
- The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts and opinions clearly to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems
- The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects
Professional Associations
Professional associations offer valuable insights into qualifications, industry trends, and career opportunities. They provide networking events, workshops, mentorship programs, and internships, as well as job boards and career development resources. Additionally, some associations offer professional licensing and regulatory oversight.
- Focuses on supporting freelance writers across Canada, providing resources, networking, and advocacy for their rights.
- Represents the interests of Canadian newspapers, advocating for the industry and promoting high standards of journalism.
- Supports professionals who communicate science to the public, fostering networking, training, and advocacy in science writing.
- Represents Canadian authors and advocates for their rights, including fair pay, intellectual property, and equitable treatment in publishing.
- A national organization focused on supporting Canadian journalists through advocacy, training, and promoting ethical journalism.
- (CTCA): A professional association for critics of Canadian theatre, providing a platform for discussion, reviews, and professional development.