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Writing internship vs communications specialist

The differences between writing interns and communications specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a writing internship and a communications specialist. Additionally, a communications specialist has an average salary of $51,023, which is higher than the $37,250 average annual salary of a writing internship.

The top three skills for a writing internship include web content, writing intern and press releases. The most important skills for a communications specialist are customer service, powerpoint, and patients.

Writing internship vs communications specialist overview

Writing InternshipCommunications Specialist
Yearly salary$37,250$51,023
Hourly rate$17.91$24.53
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs48,54742,819
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 84%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

What does a writing internship do?

A Writing Internship is a work experience period offered by employers for students and graduates to gain exposure in the writing industry. The internship period can span from 1 week to 12 months, either voluntarily or paid. Duties of an intern writer include writing and editing articles, conceptualizing new content ideas, ensure on-point branding for published content, and assisting with projects that have shorter deadlines. A Writing Intern is involved in working with customer experience, marketing, and other departments to help produce content marketing materials.

What does a communications specialist do?

A communications specialist takes charge of addressing the public by coming up with various strategic campaigns, newsletters, public correspondence, press releases, and advertisements. Their primary role focuses on promoting, shaping, and enhancing a brand's image through public relations. Furthermore, a communications specialist is responsible for handling any complaints or issues, devising and conducting damage control to resolve bad publicity should there be any. It is also essential for a communications specialist to adhere to the company's policies and regulations at all times.

Writing internship vs communications specialist salary

Writing interns and communications specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Writing InternshipCommunications Specialist
Average salary$37,250$51,023
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $45,000Between $36,000 And $71,000
Highest paying City-Washington, DC
Highest paying state-New Jersey
Best paying company-Google
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between writing internship and communications specialist education

There are a few differences between a writing internship and a communications specialist in terms of educational background:

Writing InternshipCommunications Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 84%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorEnglishCommunication
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyStanford University

Writing internship vs communications specialist demographics

Here are the differences between writing interns' and communications specialists' demographics:

Writing InternshipCommunications Specialist
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 32.5% Female, 67.5%Male, 42.9% Female, 57.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.9% Asian, 5.3% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.9% Asian, 5.3% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between writing internship and communications specialist duties and responsibilities

Writing internship example responsibilities.

  • Manage a website using basic knowledge in HTML.
  • Update website daily, manage Facebook/Twitter/ Instagram accounts.
  • Coach mainly in the areas of poetry, short fiction, and memoirs.
  • Workshop with other interns and program directors to critique and edit fiction, nonfiction and poetry pieces.
  • Conduct interviews with researchers, students, and various faculty members to write articles for biannual alumni magazine.
  • Research new and interesting bands-Write news articles about band profiles and new music releases-Incorporate SEO into articles to improve site optimization
  • Show more

Communications specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage all client data and meeting history in Salesforce.
  • Provision, manage PRI-ISDN and IP installation of AARP state offices for AARP video systems.
  • Manage course syllabi, scientific abstracts, reprints and course development according to all ACCME and FDA guidelines.
  • Manage CRM database and develop key communication items such as email blasts, brochures, flyers, and bulletins.
  • Manage website: regularly update content, implement SEO and monitor website activity.
  • Manage and update written communications on organization's Facebook page and other social media outlets
  • Show more

Writing internship vs communications specialist skills

Common writing internship skills
  • Web Content, 23%
  • Writing Intern, 14%
  • Press Releases, 11%
  • SEO, 8%
  • News Articles, 3%
  • Content Writing, 3%
Common communications specialist skills
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • PowerPoint, 6%
  • Patients, 6%
  • Web Content, 6%
  • Project Management, 6%
  • Press Releases, 5%

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