"It’s like going to school and getting paid for it," Robert Strauss beamed as he related the many perks of being a professional writer. Addressing a crowd of roughly fifty Drexel students and faculty members, Strauss eagerly discussed the various opportunities available for young writers entering the professional world.

On February 13, the Department of English and Philosophy and Magnificent Minds hosted "Writing as a Career" in the Living Arts Lounge of the Creese Student Center. The event was designed to be a chance for students to get real-world advice from professionals in the field of writing. Freelance Writer Robert Strauss, Drexel Graduate Stacy Stanislaw, Editor for Healthcare Communications Publisher SLACK Incorporated Henry Singer, and Senior Writer for the Philadelphia Weekly Steve Volk, were all present to speak on behalf of the writing community.

"I don’t think schools do a particularly good job of making writers aware of their many opportunities," Singer stated as he enthusiastically informed students of lesser-known opportunities in the field.

Singer revealed that jobs with trade presses pay up to thirty per cent more than entry-level reporting jobs for newspapers, and these jobs are far more accessible. SLACK Incorporated prints 30 to 40 medical journals per month, and consequently offers numerous opportunities to young writers in the field.

As a local editorial assistant, Stanislaw also encouraged students to look to the numerous medical publishing companies in Philadelphia. She told her audience not to be intimidated by this process and insisted that a medical background is not necessary to secure an entry-level position at a publication specializing in medicine and science.

All four speakers offered extensive advice on how to approach a career in writing.

"Know as many people as you can," said Volk. "Strive to be low-maintenance."

The Philadelphia Weekly writer told students not to pester editors by constantly requesting topic changes and other trivial matters. He insisted that an individual must be responsible for making deadlines and paying close attention to editing details is highly-regarded. Volk also noted that pitching story ideas is a wise move for any young writer.

Singer advised the audience that, as medical writers, they must act as informed, knowledgeable voices and should stay heavily immersed in their research before moving to other topics.

Stanislaw told students to respect Public Relations employees, as well, because they are a constant source of valuable information.

All of the writing panelists made it clear that the professional world is brutally honest, and young writers must not become discouraged if their work is criticized or altered.

The discussion also focused on the changing atmosphere of professional publications. Volk noted that reporters are now referred to as "producers" and are expected to have experience with many different forms of media.

Singer stated that editors need to be desktop publishing experts and that the print, broadcasting, and online worlds are continually merging. Despite such transformations, both trust that newspapers and other print sources will not be going out of style soon.

Singer confidently asserted, "There is a tangible experience that goes along with the print piece, and that’s probably never going to go away."

The panel discussion ended with a focus on possible internship opportunities. Both Volk and Singer encouraged students to speak with them after the event and to pick up business cards. Singer stated that all of his interns are invited to editorial staff meetings and that this is an incredible learning experience for any inexperienced writer.

"The biggest mistake that most interns make," Volk noted, "is that they don’t take full advantage of the internship experience."

Both Volk and Singer were intent on encouraging students to appreciate and utilize knowledge gained from internship experiences.

The "Writing as a Career" event was highly motivational. Students leaving the Living Arts Lounge appeared energized and ready for the challenges of a forthcoming afternoon. The four speakers had made it clear that professional writing is a rapidly expanding career opportunity, but they also wisely insisted that students not expect to graduate and immediately find work. Being a writer requires immense concentration and meticulous attention to detail, the same requirements that apply to any young professional seeking work.

"If you want to work forty hours a week," Stanislaw warned, "you’ve got to start looking for a job forty hours a week."