There’s been two things that I’ve always loved: science and writing. Science because of how fascinating it is to discover things you probably didn’t even consider before because of the intellectual stimulation and its ever-changing nature.
And writing? Well, it all started when, as a teenager, I started experiencing depression episodes. I saw the characters in certain cartoons writing in their diaries, and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. Twenty-five years and countless notebooks filled with scribbles later, writing is not just my most important career skill; it’s my therapeutic outlet and something I look forward to doing every day.
The good news? Scientists need to write to succeed. A lot.
During my PhD years, I put all my hard-earned skills into practice to publish in peer-reviewed journals that only technical audiences would read. However, after transitioning out of my academic career, I started experimenting with what else I could accomplish with my writing. From grants to policy documents, the world was my arena.
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Eventually, my writing adventures took me to Medium. I soon realized that this was the best platform to combine my two passions, science and writing, while fulfilling my call in life: bridging science with non-technical audiences.
I started experimenting with tone and topics until I found myself making good side-hustle money writing on the side. How on Earth was I hitting $2,000 or even $3,000 in months?
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So, you’ve heard people are making money on Medium, and you’re wondering, “Is that even possible?” I get it.
If you’re a scientist or someone with a good understanding of how science works, and you’re thinking about dipping your toes into the world of science communication, I have something for you.
Maybe you’ve seen colleagues posting on social media about their research, or perhaps you’ve read a captivating article that explained a complex topic in a way that even your aunt could understand. And now, you’re wondering: Can I do that, too?
Spoiler alert: Yes, you absolutely can. And you should!
Communicating science isn’t just about making your or other scientists’ research accessible; it’s about connecting with people, sharing your passion, and, let’s be honest, boosting your career.
The best part? You don’t have to be the most experienced writer to start. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you write your first science communication article with ease so that you can decide whether science communication is something worth exploring either as a side hustle or as a career on its own.
Read the full article in the link below... |