Check out the following links and resources as you navigate the professional writing minor. Thanks to Sarah Spearman for putting together this great list!
Explore Professional Writing at UC Davis!
The professional writing minor offers a variety of exciting opportunities for students, but it can be hard to begin gathering important information to succeed in the minor. Delve into the resources below to learn about important deadlines and forms, securing internships, helpful writing support, and writing-related activities and internships.
General Information
- Minor Declaration
- Minor Requirements
- Contact Information
- Course Schedule
- Course Descriptions
- College guidelines for unit requirements and limitations:
- Quarter Deadlines
- Internships
Request for Approval of Internship for Academic Credit. Complete this form as soon as you have located an internship to gain approval of internship units.
Aggie Handshake. Use Aggie Handshake to search for writing-related job or internship opportunities.
Career Center (CC). Visit the CC to learn how to build networks, practice for and develop job interview skills, and draft an engaging resume.
- On-Campus Writing Resources
The Writing Center. Visit the Writing Center and learn from a variety of experienced instructors. Services include tutoring, workshops, and seminars.
Aggie Grammar Guide (AGG). Refresh and practice your grammar skills with this online grammar guide provided by the Academic Assistance and Tutoring Center (AATC) at UC Davis.
Citation Style Guide. Learn about different citation styles and how to use them.
- Get Involved!
Discord for Professional Writing at UC Davis.
Instagram for Professional Writing at UC Davis.
Prized Writing. Read other students’ writing! This publication showcases outstanding writing pieces from UC Davis undergraduates.
The California Aggie. Stay up-to-date with campus and city news. This student-run newspaper also offers volunteer opportunities for students to get hands-on experience with writing and editing for a publication.
- Explore the Field of Professional Writing!
The field of professional writing includes a wide range of careers and writing specialities. Whether you are interested in technical editing, medical writing, or user experience (UX) writing, there are graduate programs and career opportunities that will allow you to pursue your passions. Professional associations in the field also provide support for writers and editors in different specialty areas.
- Career Paths for Professional Writers
Visit the following pages to learn more about potential career paths in the professional writing field.
Occupational Outlook Handbook Media and Communication Occupations
- Graduate School Opportunities
Explore the many options to study in a writing studies or professional writing graduate program! Students will develop skills to be a flexible professional writer in a variety of fields, build networks, and advance their careers. Many graduate programs also offer students teaching assistantships, which generally come with a tuition waiver and a stipend.
Advising. Speak with a UC Davis undergraduate advisor for guidance as you plan your next move, whether it’s towards a career or graduate school. And reach out to a UWP faculty member to talk about graduate school opportunities and strategies for applying.
Maps of Technical and Professional Communication Programs. Use this resource to see the locations of masters degree programs and graduate certificate programs.
- Resumes and CVs
Craft an accurate and attractive resume that will highlight your skills and experiences. When searching for a job, resumes, CVs, and cover letters are among the first things employers will read about you, so it’s crucial to make a good first impression. The following advice and guides from UC Davis, OWL Purdue, and other universities will help clarify how to create a good and clear introduction from yourself to your future employers.
Addressing Qualifications, Transferable Skills, Action Verbs
Resumes, CVs, Portfolio (from UC Davis CC)
CVs (guide from Marquette University)
- Professional Associations
Stay connected with fellow writing professionals and remain updated about new developments in your field! There are numerous professional associations that support professionals as they progress in their writing/editing/communication careers. Many associations have annual conferences, publications/journals, and the chance to earn research grants.
American Association for Applied Linguistics
American Communication Association
American Medical Writers Association (AMWA)
Association for Business Communication (ABC)
Editorial Freelancers Association
Institute of Professional Editors
International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)
International Federation of Journalists
National Association of Science Writers
National Communication Association (NCA)
- Career Information Databases
- Spotlights
Professional Writing Minor Alumni Spotlights
Professional Writing Faculty Spotlights (coming soon!)