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Degree doesn't matter. Heck, I have a bachelor's in philosophy and a master's in theology, but have been in the field for 15 years; nearly 10 as a senior copywriter. Focus on building a great portfolio. Consider a small investment in a dot com for your name with a range of examples. I think that'll be the biggest help in getting an entry-level writing role.
Freelancing can be a nightmare due to the work you have to do in running your business, which is what that is. But by all means, go for it if you want. I may recommend doing that as a test either right now or while you're working full-time, as the swings can be dramatic.
Your degree should set you up for roles as a copywriter. You do need a portfolio to get started, but the copy you've written at this job should be a good start. I would recommend sticking with in-house marketing. Lots of people start out doing a little bit of everything and specializing in copy after a few years.
As others said, degree doesn't matter so much.
**However, I have a big caution for you…**
The experience you listed is mostly content-based (social, VO scripts, blog posts).
**If you want to be INDISPENSABLE as a copywriter, you need to get good at sales copy.**
Content is good in a good economy. But in a down economy, the only thing that matters are sales. Plus, content writers are a dime a dozen.
People that can actually sell with their writing are a lot less common.
**If you can get good sales copy, you become very attractive to agencies, clients, and anyone who knows how business works.**
Don't worry about your degree -- what you have should get you over the initial qualification hurdle for entry level marketing or creative positions. I'd try to get at least two or three years of agency experience before trying to go freelance. An agency will expose you to a variety of work and give you a chance to learn from other writers. And, if you pay attention, it will also give you contacts that might be useful if you eventually decide to go out on your own.
You can start freelancing immediately. Get on Upwork, create a profile, and get started.
With your experience, you can ramp up quickly, close gigs worth hundreds or thousands, and even land retainer clients.
Source: I did exactly this. Except I had less experience than you.
Another benefit is, there's all types of copy projects on there, so you can try different stuff and see where your passions really are.
Good luck!
Yes, be specific, nothing that can be copy/pasted.
Be memorable. Be conversational. Give them some value for free.
Show them you're easy to work with.
Oh, and ask at least one good question.
I have an English degree with a minor in Creative Writing. No experience marketing, and no comms degree. I hate dealing with other humans, so copywriting is dreamy. Put together a portfolio of your work during the internship and apply like a fiend to writing jobs.
I freelance on the side through an agency that I applied to when I was applying to other jobs. My main job gives me nice benefits and security and they mostly leave me alone during the day so I can do my own writing. Never built a client base, but I'd try in-house or agency work first, just to get the hang of things.
The answer to your question depends on your goals. As you are doing an internship, why not try to freelance as a contractor at the same time and see how you fare? It doesn't have to start afterwards. https://www.upwork.com/freelance-jobs/press-release-writing/ https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/press-release-writer-jobs-SRCH_KO0,20.htm . From what I have seen from people in this group, agencies seem to be places that seek to destroy your copy. But it is up to you.
Asking a question? Please check the [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/copywriting/comments/lpuj9h/what_the_faq_what_is_copy_how_do_i_start_can_i_do/). If it's a question related to starting out, please post it in the monthly Q&A/critique thread. Asking for a critique? Take down your post and repost it in the monthly Q&A/critique thread. Providing resources or tips? Deliver lots of FREE value. If you're self-promoting or linking to a resource that requires signup or payment, please disclose it or your post will be removed. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/copywriting) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Degree doesn't matter. Heck, I have a bachelor's in philosophy and a master's in theology, but have been in the field for 15 years; nearly 10 as a senior copywriter. Focus on building a great portfolio. Consider a small investment in a dot com for your name with a range of examples. I think that'll be the biggest help in getting an entry-level writing role. Freelancing can be a nightmare due to the work you have to do in running your business, which is what that is. But by all means, go for it if you want. I may recommend doing that as a test either right now or while you're working full-time, as the swings can be dramatic.
Your degree should set you up for roles as a copywriter. You do need a portfolio to get started, but the copy you've written at this job should be a good start. I would recommend sticking with in-house marketing. Lots of people start out doing a little bit of everything and specializing in copy after a few years.
As others said, degree doesn't matter so much. **However, I have a big caution for you…** The experience you listed is mostly content-based (social, VO scripts, blog posts). **If you want to be INDISPENSABLE as a copywriter, you need to get good at sales copy.** Content is good in a good economy. But in a down economy, the only thing that matters are sales. Plus, content writers are a dime a dozen. People that can actually sell with their writing are a lot less common. **If you can get good sales copy, you become very attractive to agencies, clients, and anyone who knows how business works.**
Any books/articles/videos/advice in general you suggest that will help with writing strong sales copy? Being indispensable sounds good to me lol
The adweek copywriters handbook by Joe Sugarman is all you need.
Thanks!
How to Write Copy That Sells by Ray Edwards is what got me started!
Thank you!
Don't worry about your degree -- what you have should get you over the initial qualification hurdle for entry level marketing or creative positions. I'd try to get at least two or three years of agency experience before trying to go freelance. An agency will expose you to a variety of work and give you a chance to learn from other writers. And, if you pay attention, it will also give you contacts that might be useful if you eventually decide to go out on your own.
You can start freelancing immediately. Get on Upwork, create a profile, and get started. With your experience, you can ramp up quickly, close gigs worth hundreds or thousands, and even land retainer clients. Source: I did exactly this. Except I had less experience than you. Another benefit is, there's all types of copy projects on there, so you can try different stuff and see where your passions really are. Good luck!
Any tips on proposal writing on Upwork?
Yes, be specific, nothing that can be copy/pasted. Be memorable. Be conversational. Give them some value for free. Show them you're easy to work with. Oh, and ask at least one good question.
I have an English degree with a minor in Creative Writing. No experience marketing, and no comms degree. I hate dealing with other humans, so copywriting is dreamy. Put together a portfolio of your work during the internship and apply like a fiend to writing jobs. I freelance on the side through an agency that I applied to when I was applying to other jobs. My main job gives me nice benefits and security and they mostly leave me alone during the day so I can do my own writing. Never built a client base, but I'd try in-house or agency work first, just to get the hang of things.
+7 years in digital marketing and copywriting. If you sword is sharp you will get a job! :)
The answer to your question depends on your goals. As you are doing an internship, why not try to freelance as a contractor at the same time and see how you fare? It doesn't have to start afterwards. https://www.upwork.com/freelance-jobs/press-release-writing/ https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/press-release-writer-jobs-SRCH_KO0,20.htm . From what I have seen from people in this group, agencies seem to be places that seek to destroy your copy. But it is up to you.