This month we welcomed technical communicators from Vancouver and Calgary and discussed how fields such as engineering and business analysis can blend in with technical communication.
One proposal writer and business analyst went over her experience working for architecture and software firms: she highlighted the different approaches of creative and high-tech organizations when it comes to dealing with the technological part of the business. She is currently taking the Technical Communication Certificate at Simon Fraser University and is figuring out how to combine her passion for editing, technical writing, and management consulting.
A former librarian and senior technical editor, a visual designer, a senior technical communicator and learning specialist, and a former journalist also recalled how they got involved with technical communication. They agreed that opportunities are available in the technical communication field if job seekers can put their skills to work and look for job titles other than “technical writer,” such as proposal writer, document analyst, specification writer, and IT specialist.
People have noticed during recent job searches that 75% of the openings are hybrid roles, a combination of on-site and remote work. STC members attending the meeting emphasized that the STC website has a frequently updated job bank.
A freelance translator (Spanish to English and French to English) shared how he abandoned a stable career in engineering to pursue his dream of becoming a translator. He commented on how often, as users, we deal with poorly translated manuals, and how he enjoys working side by side with an experienced technical editor, especially when he needs to get out of trouble when dealing with document management software and its sometimes poor customer support. During a recent exasperating struggle to share some files, his colleague was able to solve a problem that tech support couldn’t.
Participants also discussed how beneficial it is to have on your team a technical communicator capable of translating complex processes into understandable words, while mediating between technical experts such as software developers, scientists, and architects, and advocating for the end user.
The Tech Comm Café provides networking opportunities, job leads, answers to work-related dilemmas, and a burst of professional energy to keep you motivated. We discuss technical writing tools and techniques, career planning, portfolios, and anything else related to working as a technical communicator.
We welcome anyone who’s interested in technical communication — contractor, in-house, student, long-time tech writer, STC member, non-member, career-changer, or recruiter. We hope to see you at the next meeting!
Next Meeting: ONLINE on Wednesday, May 15, 2024
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Date: Wednesday, May 15
Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Location: Online via Zoom
Agenda
- Introductions. Take 60 seconds to introduce yourself, your background, current activities. A good chance to try out that new elevator speech.
- Announcements and job leads. If you know of an interesting event or a job opening, or you’re looking for work, share it with the group.
- Brainstorming Q&A. Ask about a work-related problem and discuss potential solutions.
- Speed networking. Make new contacts and discuss your professional backgrounds and goals.
Ernesto Campo is a freelance writer with a background in journalism, marketing, and public relations living in Calgary, Alberta. He recently got his Technical Writing Extension Certificate at Mount Royal University. He is also an author of children’s literature and short stories.