2025 October Contest Prompt

What’s the Coolest Career Ever?

Time for a new kind of storytelling — journalism meets dream job inspiration.

For this contest, you’ll interview someone who has your dream career and write an article about them. Your goal is to show readers why this career is fascinating and who this person is beyond just their job title. Your article must be under 1,200 words.

This is your chance to channel your curiosity, writing talent, and people skills into one powerful piece of nonfiction.

Need a definition to guide you? A feature article is a type of journalism that blends facts with storytelling. It focuses on real people and real stories, using quotes, observations, and vivid language to bring someone’s experiences to life. Great feature articles don’t just inform—they inspire.

So, who will you interview? A game designer? A forensic scientist? A Broadway actor? A museum curator? A social entrepreneur? You’ll craft a profile that not only shows what they do but why it matters.

One important rule about your article’s theme: You must include a personal reflection on why this career excites you. What about this path lights a fire in you? What does it say about your values, your interests, or your future goals?

The winners will combine sharp interviewing, colorful storytelling, and thoughtful self-reflection. We can’t wait to see what careers you uncover—and why they matter to the next generation of changemakers.

Who can apply?

  1. You must be enrolled in a YEARLY membership with Teen Journal Program. Click here to apply for the program to participate in writing contests. To learn more about the program, call 847-602-0367 or email leadingteenwriters@gmail.com

  2. First Division Contest: 6-7th grade

  3. Second Division Contest: 8-9th grade

  4. Third Division Contest: 10-12th grade

When is the deadline?

  1. Essays due October 31st, 2025 at 11:59pm

  2. No late submissions accepted

What are the guidelines?

  1. Article must be around 1,000-2,000 words

  2. You must interview only 1 person

  3. This must be a new story that has not yet been published on the Teen Journal

  4. Email leadingteenwriters@gmail.com for any more questions

How do I apply?

  1. Submission form will be available September 2025

What are the prizes?

  1. First Division Contest: 6-7th grade

    1. 1st place: $20 + 2,000 points

    2. 2nd place: $10 + 1,000 points

  2. Second Division Contest: 8-9th grade

    1. 1st place: $20 + 2,000 points

    2. 2nd place: $10 + 1,000 points

  3. Third Division Contest: 10-12th grade

    1. 1st place: $20 + 2,000 points

    2. 2nd place: $10 + 1,000 points