Miguel Said:

Majoring in Creative Writing, what's another major I could get along with it?

We Answered:

Take it from another creative writing major - every field needs good writers. The key is to make sure you have lots of work experience in the form of part-time jobs, internships, and volunteer work. Those and the simple fact you have a degree will do a lot more to boost your chances of getting hired than your field of study.

If you're looking to go into advertising, though, you might want to consider some business electives. Also, don't give up on journalism if you don't want to focus on politics; there's plenty of call for science and industry specialists. It all depends on what interests you most.

April Said:

Do you have any ideas for jobs in the hospitality industry that require language skills?

We Answered:

You could work at a hotel in an international tourist hot spot! I bet there are tons of careers available.

Speaking another language is a big plus in almost any field.

Sergio Said:

What are some unlikely jobs/careers that require writing skills?

We Answered:

A good majority of jobs beyond retail and fast food require writing skills of some sort. You are going to have to be far more specific here.

Dale Said:

What kind of sales job would require complex thinking, and great language & writing skills?

We Answered:

I'd highly recommend technology sales, which is one of the higher paying sales jobs out there and requires some understanding of technology (although not as much as you'd think). Your IQ will potentially help you in digesting the product, understanding the customer's need and writing proposals, but the reality is you don't need a high IQ to do these things, and a high IQ can sometimes interfere with listening (I've seen a lot of smart people who think they know more than the client and simply stop listening to what the client is saying between the lines). Most important in sales is making the calls, knowing how to ask questions and following up. Regardless of the job, even if you sell to one company, sales is still dependent on the dials you make. I sell to one company and I can make 50 calls a day to the various people who work there -- in fact, complex sales can require many more calls because it requires much explanation, proofs of concept and there will be many decision makers involved who all want their own specific information.

Some good sales sites with good information are salesguy.org, which has good research (including top hiring criteria and sales traits) and a good newsletter, and millerheiman.com, which puts out good advice in their newsletter. SPIN selling is a good book for learning how to ask questions and probe.

Daisy Said:

Jobs that don't require "strong organizational skills"???

We Answered:

I have found that the "strong organizational skills" aren't necessarily about having a neat desk, it's about being able to do your job efficiently. If you looked at my desk, you would never claim I am the most neatest person in the world BUT if you ask me where we stand this quarter in sales, I can immediately give you the figures. During an interview don't be afraid to ask how they define that term so that you can get a better idea of what they are looking for. I bet you'd be surprised to find out that you actually do have strong organizational skills.