Three Steps to Build a Career in Technical Writing
In my previous article I described who is a technical writer. Now I want to help you puzzle out how to start your career as a technical writer.
Step #1
You decided to become a technical writer. First of all you should get a bachelor degree because usually technical writers have a college degree. A relevant degree is also welcome. You should select an option for your degree that you’re interested in. It can be a medical, scientific or technical option. You can choose another field for a double major in writing. It can be graphic design, biology, engineering or computer science.
If you have a degree, you can get certification in technical writing. Moreover communications or journalism classes will help you train in writing and you’ll get practice. If you’re busy for evening classes, there are many online programs on the Internet. You may spend your free time to build your skills.
But it’s not enough to get certification. You should improve your skills. This work isn’t about only writing. Technical writers prepare documents with videos, pictures and diagrams. It requires knowledge of programs such as Adobe FrameMaker, Microsoft Visio, Microsoft Office Suite and so on. Knowledge of code (C++, Python, HTML) will be also helpful.
Moreover you should know grammar well. Technical writing for dummies by Sheryl Lindsell-Roberts contains necessary grammatical rules for technical writers.
Increase your experience. Find voluntary work in local businesses. Of course this work will be for free. But in the future you may get contract work in the company where you work as a volunteer.
Step #2
You worked as a volunteer, got experience. Now it’s time to build your portfolio. It should contain writing examples that will display your skills.
If you don’t have any examples, write an article. Choose a product and rewrite a manual. You may create a blog and review new products. Share your work on social media to show potential clients what you’re worth.
Step #3
Find like-minded people. You may join an association. It can be really useful because associations often set up monthly meetings and conferences. Moreover they provide webinars and online courses. For example, Society for Technical Communication. There is a job bank on this site.
Similarly, the Institution of Engineering and Technology. You may find conferences, seminars, courses and lectures there. Meetings and seminars will help you widen your network of contacts and upgrade your communication skills.
In order to make your searching for a job easier, seek out specific websites. For example TECHWriters
How did you become a technical writer? What did help you? Share your stories!