August’s Tech Comm Café featured a multi-faceted discussion of the technical writing industry on the minimalist, pillow-seat benches of a Japanese restaurant. Topics included software, new opportunities, API, career advice, networking, and more.
Photo credit: Beverlee Bishundayal
Those immersed in the industry discussed the latest tools of the technical writing trade, including software for facilitating technical writing projects, such as Adobe FrameMaker and DITA (Darwin Information Typing Architecture). DITA in particular is prevalent in the industry, so it’s important to know how to use it. We also touched on various animation/video/screen-capture software products, such as Camtasia, and a free alternative, ShareX.
Then, the discussion turned to new opportunities in the burgeoning marijuana industry, where writers are needed to lay out control systems, updating the often outdated, clipboard-based, printed checklist procedures in favour of internet-connected, tablet-based ones.
We discussed how to parlay one’s unique educational and work background into a new career in technical writing. In terms of software writing, application programming interface (API) documentation was recommended for writers with a programming or computer science background, while end-user documentation and online help are more suitable for those wanting to write for a general audience. For people with a teaching background, instructional design — writing for educational products, such as courseware or textbooks — could be a good choice.
One technical writer who primarily works remotely has found websites such as Flexjobs.com, Remote.com, and Writethedocs.org useful when looking for remote work. Some gig-based websites, such as Fiverr.com and Upwork.com, could be helpful for people looking for a little side money.
Meeting specific industry contacts can help newcomers learn more about our field. The STC Canada West Coast chapter offers an information interview service to both members and non-members; it matches you with a senior technical writer who can answer your questions. Other sources of networking were also recommended, such as meetups organized online for any specific field of technical writing.
Another suggestion for an aspiring technical writer to get a foot in the door: volunteering is a good way to meet other writers, network, ask questions, and demonstrate your skills.
Participants also shared tips on résumé writing, such as outlining specific skills and achievements instead of merely one’s work experience, job titles, and education. Even if you’ve never held the title of Technical Writer, you probably have experience in communicating clearly, collecting and organizing information, working on a team, learning new things quickly, and other skills that are valuable to employers. Using statistics to specifically demonstrate how you contributed to your workplace, such as increasing productivity or decreasing expenses, was also highly recommended.
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 Meetings
- Vancouver-area Tech Comm Café: September 18. Details below.
- Victoria Tech Comm Café: Sept 28.
- Subscribe to receive email announcements of future meetings.
Next Vancouver-area Tech Comm Café: Wednesday, September 18, 2019
If you plan to attend, please RSVP by 4 p.m. Tuesday, September 17.
Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Time: 6:30–8:00 pm Pacific Time
Location: Ebisu on Broadway Japanese restaurant, #12 – 601 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC. Check their website for menu and pricing.
Ebisu on Broadway is one block west of Cambie Street, on the northwest corner of Ash Street and West Broadway. Enter from the plaza on Broadway. Broadway-City Hall SkyTrain station; parking under the building or on nearby streets.
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. Spend a few minutes with a new contact, exchange business cards, and discuss your professional backgrounds and goals.
