This month, technical writers, students, and professionals gathered to discuss career building, networking, and transitioning into technical writing. They focused on volunteering, student insights, job search tips, portfolio development, networking resources, and AI in technical writing. The group included several of this year’s winners of the STC Canada West Coast (CWC) student membership awards.
Volunteering Builds Careers
One person highlighted the value of volunteering. She urged participants, especially students, to contribute by writing for the chapter website or taking leadership roles such as Treasurer or Vice President with STC CWC. Volunteering provides hands-on experience, creates networking opportunities, and provides portfolio pieces.
Insights From Students
Students from BC Institute of Technology (BCIT), Simon Fraser University (SFU), and Mount Royal University (MRU) shared their experiences with technical writing programs. They mentioned the flexibility of online learning and demonstrated how skills from a previous career can transfer to technical communication.
- A student at SFU with a background in the architectural field is pursuing opportunities in technical writing and editing in that field.
- A student with a visual effects background in the movie and TV industry explores new career options through the BCIT program.
- A librarian explained how her editing and technology skills sparked interest in the MRU technical writing program.
Job Search Tips
The group discussed ways to land a first job in technical writing:
- Highlight transferable skills on résumés and in interviews.
- Research industry trends and companies that are starting new projects that might need your skills.
- Conduct informational interviews to find out more about a new field.
Portfolio Development
Participants shared tips for creating strong portfolios:
- Use student projects or past work, while ensuring that confidentiality agreements are respected.
- Show relevant samples during interviews.
- Tailor portfolios to match interviewers’ interests, such as legal documents for lawyers or digital work for tech clients.
Networking Resources
Attendees exchanged resources for networking and career growth:
- Write the Docs: A community and Slack group for advice and connections.
- Business in Vancouver’s Book of Lists: A guide to top companies in various fields.
- Glassdoor: Provides insights into company culture.
- LinkedIn: A professional platform to showcase skills and build connections.
AI and Technical Writing
The group explored AI’s role in technical communication, including Slack’s summarization tools. They highlighted upcoming webinars on AI and documentation as valuable learning opportunities.
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 15, 2025
- Subscribe to receive email announcements of future meetings.
- If you plan to attend, RSVP by 4 p.m. Wednesday, January 15, to receive login instructions.
Date: Wednesday, January 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.
Mark Johnston is a BCIT technical writing student with over a decade of experience turning user requirements into elegant web applications—and now into clear, concise communications.