You usually do not need a formal journalism degree to write puff pieces online for major outlets, but you do need strong writing skills, a clean portfolio, and evidence that you can match a publication’s tone and audience. In practice, editors tend to care more about experience, reliability, and pitch quality than about a single credential.

What helps most

  • A portfolio of published work, especially features, profiles, or branded content.
  • Strong grammar, headline writing, and the ability to write in a polished, outlet-friendly voice.
  • Research skills and the judgment to avoid obvious hype or unsupported claims.
  • Familiarity with the outlet’s style, audience, and preferred story format.
  • Speed, responsiveness, and the ability to take edits well.

Qualifications that can help

A degree in journalism, communications, English, media, or a writing-heavy subject can help, but it is usually not mandatory. Some writers also come in through internships, freelancing, blogging, or related PR/content roles rather than a traditional newsroom path. For more specialized beats, subject knowledge can matter too, especially if the outlet expects you to write confidently about a niche field.

For “puff piece” work specifically

Outlets and editors usually want the piece to feel like a feature, not an ad. That means the writing should have a clear angle, a human element, and enough facts or reporting to make it credible rather than promotional. If the story reads like marketing copy, it is less likely to be accepted.

Practical path in

  1. Build 5–10 strong clips that show range.
  2. Write in the style of the outlets you want to target.
  3. Learn how to pitch a clear angle in a short, specific email.
  4. Start with smaller publications or freelance assignments, then move up.
  5. Keep a simple website or portfolio page ready to share.

Bottom line

The real qualification is usually proof you can write publishable copy , not a specific diploma. A degree may help you get in the door, but a strong portfolio and good editorial instincts matter more for landing this kind of work.

Would you like a sample pitch email for this kind of assignment?