columnist
Key facts
Do you have a strong opinion and a knack for writing? As a columnist, you can share your insights on current events and build a dedicated readership. This role combines research, analysis, and compelling storytelling to shape public discourse.
Columnists are writers who regularly contribute opinion pieces to newspapers, journals, magazines, and online media platforms. They typically focus on a specific area of expertise or interest, developing a recognizable writing style and a loyal following. The work involves staying informed about current events, conducting thorough research, and crafting well-reasoned arguments to present a unique perspective.
- • Researching and analyzing current events and trends within a chosen area of expertise.
- • Developing original opinion pieces and articles, adhering to publication guidelines and deadlines.
- • Crafting engaging and persuasive writing that resonates with a target audience.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Legal, social and cultural professionals — 186 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Italy.
Longest-running shortage: Italy, 2 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Could columnist fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
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Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Integrity?
Future Outlook for columnist
The outlook for columnist reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could columnist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could columnist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- follow ethical code of conduct of journalists
- evaluate writings in response to feedback
- participate in editorial meetings
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- study topics
- stay up to date with social media
Tasks most exposed to automation
- consult information sources
- follow the news
- apply grammar and spelling rules
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Arts, Entertainment, & Design
A typical day as a columnist
09 09:00 · Morning build contacts to maintain news flow
10 10:30 · Mid-morning evaluate writings in response to feedback
12 12:00 · Midday follow ethical code of conduct of journalists
14 14:00 · Afternoon follow the news
15 15:30 · Late afternoon participate in editorial meetings
17 17:00 · Wrap-up stay up to date with social media
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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digital journalism
The process through which the editorial content is produced through digital media and distributed through the Internet.
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ICT software specifications
The characteristics, use and operations of various software products such as computer programmes and application software.
- copyright legislation
- editorial standards
- grammar
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participate in editorial meetings
Participate in meetings with fellow editors and journalists to discuss possible topics and to divide the tasks and workload.
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develop professional network
Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up to date on their activities.
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build contacts to maintain news flow
Build contacts to maintain a flow of news, for example, police and emergency services, local council, community groups, health trusts, press officers from a variety of organisations, the general public, etc.
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consult information sources
Consult relevant information sources to find inspiration, to educate yourself on certain topics and to acquire background information.
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follow the news
Follow current events in politics, economics, social communities, cultural sectors, internationally, and in sports.
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apply grammar and spelling rules
Apply the rules of spelling and grammar and ensure consistency throughout texts.
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use specific writing techniques
Use writing techniques depending on the type of media, the genre, and the story.
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present arguments persuasively
Present arguments during a negotiation or debate, or in written form, in a persuasive manner in order to obtain the most support for the case the speaker or writer represents.
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study topics
Carry out effective research on relevant topics to be able to produce summary information appropriate to different audiences. The research may involve looking at books, journals, the internet, and/or verbal discussions with knowledgeable persons.
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evaluate writings in response to feedback
Edit and adapt work in response to comments from peers and publishers.
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stay up to date with social media
Keep up with the trends and people on social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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follow ethical code of conduct of journalists
Follow the ethical code of conduct of journalists, such as freedom of speech, right of reply, being objective, and other rules.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
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Where does columnist fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of areas of expertise do columnists typically specialize in?
- Columnists can specialize in a wide range of areas, including politics, economics, technology, culture, sports, or even lifestyle topics. The key is to choose a subject you're passionate about and have a strong understanding of.
- How do I build a readership as a columnist?
- Consistency is key. Regularly publishing high-quality, insightful content helps build a loyal following. Engaging with readers through comments and social media can also strengthen your connection with your audience.
- What’s the typical work arrangement for a columnist?
- This role is typically an employment position, meaning you’ll usually work as an employee for a publication or media organization. While freelance opportunities exist, the primary work arrangement is employment.
- Columnist — is there a shortage in Europe?
- No. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a surplus was reported in 9 of the 10 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia and 5 more. One country reported a shortage. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Columnist — what does it pay in the United States?
- $60,280 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $35,280 to $105,390. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.