The July 21 Tech Comm Café discussed interesting topics for aspiring technical communicators. In attendance were technical writing students, a technical writing business owner, a college English teacher who is also studying for a technical writing certificate, and people working in the field. The various backgrounds allowed for great exchanges of knowledge and experience, as we all seek to forward our careers in the field.
The group touched on the roles of technical writers in specific industries. A technical writer might work in a variety of industries, specializing in one field or generalizing across multiple fields. Some subject specialists are not great writers, so they appreciate someone who is trained and skilled in writing.
Writers shared tips on how to write about a technology you do not understand. It can be helpful to ask questions you “sort of” know the answer to. Although writers meet with a subject matter expert to learn about the technology in question, it is important to do research before meeting, to make better use of the expert’s time.
The group heard about some benefits of owning a technical communication business. Instead of having to meet an employer’s list of qualifications, for example, you can market services to potential clients in areas that interest you. You can often charge a higher rate because your qualifications are a better match for the project.
On the subject of pay rates, however, it is hard to know what is reasonable or the norm, since salary is rarely discussed among employees and contractors. Salary ranges and hourly rates are available online, but our expectations — and requirements — as employees or job seekers are also based on industry, work environment, and other factors. For example, you might be willing to accept a lower rate in return for more vacation days or the convenience of working remotely. Or, you might want to charge more for a difficult client or a tight deadline.
For new technical writers trying to build a portfolio, consider rewriting one of the company’s existing documents to show your skills, and include relevant school projects, pieces from non-technical-writing jobs, and voluntary writing projects.
We also looked forward to upcoming events. The Canada West Coast chapter will offer a webinar about microcontent on September 18. The STC’s Instructional Design and Learning (IDL) community of practice is hosting a session called “What’s Up with Slack?” on August 6. You don’t need to be an STC member to attend these events.
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, August 18, 2021
• Subscribe to receive email announcements of future meetings.
• If you plan to attend, please RSVP by 4 p.m. Wednesday, August 18, to receive login instructions.
Date: Wednesday, August 18
Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Location: Online via Zoom
Agenda
1. Introductions. Take 60 seconds to introduce yourself, your background, current activities. A good chance to try out that new elevator speech.
2. 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.
3. Brainstorming Q&A. Ask about a work-related problem and discuss potential solutions.
4. Speed networking. Make new contacts and discuss your professional backgrounds and goals.
Ruth-Anne Klassen is a student in the Technical Writing Extension Certificate at Mount Royal University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and currently works as a retail cashier in Calgary. In her free time, she likes to go for walks, read novels, support local restaurants, and spend time with family.