Professional Bloggers and Podcasters
Career summary
Professional bloggers and podcasters write and deliver information. They cover a variety of topics. Their products are usually delivered via websites.Personal blogs (short for web log) have become popular in recent years as have podcasts (audio content that you can listen to online). Blogs and podcasts are accessed on computers and mobile devices.
Blogs and podcasts cover a variety of topics including politics, the environment, business, and movies. Bloggers and podcasters write and talk about subjects they are passionate about.
In most cases, bloggers and podcasters make money when people visit their website and click on ads on their site. To bring users back to the site often they post new items frequently. Some people subscribe to blogs and podcasts. Subscribers are notified every time new content is posted or delivered so they know when to return to the site.
Professional bloggers and podcasters may also work for media outlets where they write columns or host radio programs.
Some bloggers and podcasters offer ways for readers and listeners to participate in live online discussions. They answer audience questions.
Related careers
This career is part of the Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications cluster of careers.
Related careers include:
Education and training
Educational programs
The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.
Programs of study directly related to this occupation
Other programs of study to consider
- Broadcast Journalism
- Creative Writing
- Mass Communication Studies
- Public Relations
- Radio and Television
- Web Page and Multimedia Design
Training
To work as a professional blogger and podcaster, you typically need to:
- be a good writer;
- be self-motivated;
- be a good self-promoter;
- understand and know how to use the Internet and blogging/podcasting software; and
- be knowledgeable about a particular subject area.
Education after high school
There is no one way to become a professional blogger or podcaster. In most cases, bloggers and podcasters get their start by working a day job and promoting their blog or podcast in their spare time. Theoretically, you can become a professional blogger and podcaster with any level of education. However, because of the demand for polished writing and expertise in a subject area, most professional bloggers and podcasters have a college degree.
Work experience
In general, your day job may be what gives you the expertise you blog about. Writing, marketing, and website development experience is very helpful.
Helpful high school courses
In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements .
You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.
Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:
- Creative Writing
- Journalism
- Computer Science
- Graphic Design
The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.
You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.
Things to know
In the last few years, there has been an explosion in blogging and podcasting. Many people do these activities without a desire to make money. Becoming a professional who makes money just off blogging and podcasting is extremely difficult.
Other resources
Editorial Freelancers Association
266 West 37th Street, 20th Floor
New York, NY 10018
Monkey Bar Blogging
National Association of Science Writers
PO Box 7905
Berkeley, CA 94707
510.647.9500
National Communication Association
1765 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
National Federation of Press Women
140B Purcellville Gateway Dr. Suite 120
Purcellville, VA 20132
804.746.1033
256 West 38th Street, Suite 703
New York, NY 10018
Pew Center for Civic Journalism
1615 L St. NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
Project for Excellence in Journalism
1615 L Street NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
202.419.4300
Society of Professional Journalists
Eugene S. Pulliam National Journalism Center
3909 North Meridian Street, Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46208
317.927.8000
The Writer's Garret
1250 Majesty Drive
Dallas, TX 75247
References
Career cluster
Career path
- Artistic
DOT occupations
Holland occupational cluster
- Artistic/Investigative/Enterprising
COPSystem
- Communication