Copywriters working in corporations and industry have varied responsibilities depending on the structure of the company and the department they are working in. Individuals may be responsible for writing the copy for any of the internal or external publications the corporation produces and/or the copy for corporate ads and commercials. The Copywriter may be required to write news releases, feature articles, newsletters, brochures, leaflets, annual reports, letters, and memos. He or she might also be responsible for writing stockholder reports, annual reports, proposals, speeches, scripts for audiovisual material, instructional booklets, giveaway sheets, and promotional materials. In order for the Copywriter to do his or her job accurately, he or she generally has to do some sort of research to obtain the required facts. This research might include anything from talking to a department head to obtain information on a press release to using the library to obtain needed facts. It is imperative that all information used by the Copywriter is accurate.
Copywriters who write speeches for corporate executives usually have to spend some time with the executives. The individual must write speeches in an informative, interesting, and often witty manner. He or she meets with an executive and decides what topic must be covered. The Copywriter then tries to write in the “voice” of the speaker. Speech writing is difficult for most people. The speaker often has ideas in his or her mind that are not communicated immediately to the Copywriter. The Copywriter may have to change the speech many times before getting to a final, accepted draft.
The Copywriter may get assignments from a number of sources. These include the publication manager, if there is one; the public relations, marketing, promotion or consumer affairs director; or the advertising manager. The individual may be responsible to any of these people, depending on the structure of the corporation. After the assignment is completed the individual usually has the project approved by the appropriate superior.
The Copywriter may have ongoing assignments, such as weekly internal newsletters, weekly press releases for the media, monthly feature articles for a newspaper or magazine. If the Copywriter is working in the advertising department, he or she may be responsible for developing innovative, creative copy for both print advertisements and radio or television commercials. The individual may also be required to write copy for billboards and other outdoor advertisements. He or she may be required to write headlines, body copy, or both. Depending on the structure of the advertising department, the Copywriter may be responsible for developing the entire theme of an ad or series of ads or may work with the theme provided for him or her by the advertising director. The individual may be responsible for writing copy for other things, including direct mail pieces, sales letters, promotional materials, manuals, and posters.
The Copywriter working in a corporate setting usually works normal business hours. He or she may, however, take work home or come up with ideas for copy at night or on weekends. It is hard to turn off creativity. When projects need to be completed or advertising deadlines are near, he or she may be required to work overtime.
Factors for this include the skills, experience, and responsibilities of the Copywriter. Other differentials include the size and location of the corporation. Earnings may begin as low as $23,000 and go up to $30,000 annually for individuals just entering the job force. Experienced, creative Copywriters who carry a lot of job responsibility in a large corporation may earn up to $60,000 or more a year.
There are thousands of corporations that hold employment possibilities located all over the country. There is also a high turnover in this position due to advancement and promotion. This is especially true at the entry level.
Advancement prospects are good for Copywriters working in corporations. An individual can take a number of different paths in climbing the career ladder. The Copywriter may become a publications manager. He or she might advance to be assistant director of public relations. An individual may also stay a Copywriter but locate a position in a larger, more prestigious corporation or possibly an advertising or public relations agency.
Most corporate positions for Copywriters require a four-year degree. Good choices for majors might include English, journalism, public relations, marketing, communications, advertising, or liberal arts. Additional courses and seminars in all facets of writing, advertising, publicity, and public relations will prove useful to the individual.
Whether they are writing copy for advertisements, press releases, brochures, audio or audiovisual scripts, or newsletters, they must be able to do it in an interesting, creative, clear, factual manner. The individual must have a working knowledge of grammar, word usage, and spelling.
Copywriters should have the ability to work quickly and accurately. They must know how to research information for articles and check details for accuracy. Typing, word processing, and/or computer ability is necessary for most positions. The Copywriter should be able to communicate effectively in person as well as on paper. This is especially important for those who want to climb the career ladder rapidly. Many Copywriters working in corporations entered the job market right out of college. Others worked in journalism positions as reporters or columnists.
Copywriters working in the corporate world may belong to a number of trade associations that help bring them together with others in the same line of work. The associations also offer conferences, seminars, courses, and professional guidance. Depending on the individual's duties, he or she may belong to any of the following organizations: the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the American Advertising Federation (AAF), the American Marketing Association, the Advertising Club of New York, the Advertising Research Foundation (ARF), Advertising Women of New York, Inc. (AWNY), the One Club, the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), the Association for Business Communications (ABC), and the Association for Women In Communications (AWC).
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