The Power of the Written Word

For Christians, doing good means loving one another and serving others. There are many ways people can do good for their community and make it a career. Surprisingly, one way people can do good is by having a career in professional writing because words have the power to change lives.

Erik Ketcherside is a retired copywriter for Grand Canyon Education (GCE). His primary client, Orbis Education, allowed him to promote and advertise nursing programs across the United States. Throughout his career, his work made him feel good about his impact on the world. “I do my best work when I write something for what I truly believe in.”

As a writer, his work makes him feel good about his impact on the world. Here are a few writing professions that can make the most impact.

Grant Writing

Grant writing is one of the most prominent ways writers can create an impact. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, grant writers “research, draft and submit proposals that help organizations or individuals receive grant funding.” A grant writer’s primary job is to help a nonprofit organization receive funding. It is a competitive field because of the hundreds of grant proposals funders receive daily. Despite this, a nonprofit can benefit significantly if a proposal is successful. Not only will they stress less about finances, but they can carry out their mission to better the world. This is what makes grant writing such a rewarding profession.

Copywriting

Copywriting is another writing profession that can change many lives. A copywriter prepares “advertisements to promote the sale of a good or service. They often work with clients to produce written content, such as an advertising slogan.” Copywriters focus on innovative techniques to develop advertising campaigns through various multimedia channels.

Unfortunately, people see the advertising industry as dishonest and ruthless. Ketcherside doesn’t see copywriting this way. As a copywriter, he believes that good can come from working in advertising. He says, “I really believe I was doing good because I believe in the product.” Words have the power to change lives and raise awareness. When writing good copy, copywriters help people raise awareness of a product and service. Ideally, the copy may allow people to take action on an important cause they believe in. 

Journalism

Journalism is a popular profession that changes lives. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics explains reporters and journalists “keep the public updated about current events and noteworthy information. They report international, national, and local news for newspapers, magazines, websites, television, and radio.” True journalism is rooted in the pursuit of truth, even when it challenges personal beliefs. 

Before working as a copywriter, Ketcherside was a journalist. “When I was a journalist, I had to write about stories I didn’t really care about. I had to write some stories about some people I really disliked, but I had to treat them fairly.” Journalists must give everyone a chance to tell their stories. Because of this, journalists serve others by providing a voice to those who can’t have one.

No matter what career a writer chooses, Ketcherside advises people to find a mentor. He says, “Find people on the job that you can learn from. I would not be doing the things that I am doing today without some very unselfish, giving and lovely people.”