This month we discussed some good volunteer opportunities to demonstrate your technical writing and develop a portfolio. The STC offers some on its Write for Us page. These could include writing articles or documenting a webinar. Volunteering is a good way to build a network and a portfolio. You could also find an organization’s poorly written website or publication and offer to help. Other volunteer opportunities are available through STC special interest groups (SIGs), which often need help.
Other tips for getting started included developing “domain knowledge,” an area of expertise that can help you secure a place in that field. Examples included finance or cybersecurity (although the latest developments in cybersecurity went over the heads of some participants), but any interest or hobby can be parlayed into a technical writing specialty. It doesn’t have to be a one-to-one correlation with the project; someone gave the example of a general interest in boats leading to projects about shipbuilding.
If you want to be more of a generalist, emphasize your capacity for research and love of learning in your job applications. In fact, technical writing is a great field for people who like to learn a variety of subjects. Someone gave the example of how they learned about diamond and gold mining through technical writing projects.
Another advised the group not to be afraid of contracts as they are also a good way to get started.
Participants were graduates of many different technical writing programs but all agreed that you don’t usually need any kind of special technical writing credential. A degree in any field and some relevant writing samples should be enough to get started — although government positions sometimes have more rigorous requirements.
Some participants shared useful courses on topics ranging from tech-sector marketing to API (Application Programming Interface) writing, where there is a high demand. Check LinkedIn and local companies and colleges for convenient and sometimes free classes to help you get started.
Someone asked about the benefits of being an STC member. They include access to a job bank and salary survey as well as discounts on computer and office equipment, software, conferences, and webinars. The annual STC conference offers opportunities to network and learn more about technical writing, and student volunteers receive free registration. In May 2023, the conference will be held in Atlanta.
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, January 18, 2023
- Subscribe to receive email announcements of future meetings.
- If you plan to attend, RSVP by 4 p.m. Wednesday, January 18, to receive login instructions.
Date: Wednesday, January 18
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.
