Expert: Leslie - 2/4/2009

Question
QUESTION: Dear Leslie,

I have just started my career as a technical writer.I need
some guidance on this.I was looking for somebody who has
already been in to this profession .I have my PhD.Degree in
English .Then I know MS office,Graphic Designing
tools.Currently I am working for an internship at American
Red Cross to gain some experience.I have also created my 2
samples of manuals to help in my career.Currently I am
learning Adobe frame maker online.I do not have any
technical degree .With all this qualification what type of
jobs should I be looking for?What can be the best thing for
me to do in technical writing as it has many fields
technical and non technical.I am desperately looking for
some job to start my career in Nebraska as I am located
here.Please guide me the best way to make my  Resume more
reachable.Am I fine to start a career in technical writing
with all my qualification?I would be waiting for your reply
eagerly.

ANSWER: Bhawna,

Wish I could offer you some easy answers for your questions.

Your internship should give you some good idea of what to expect during your career. If nothing else, American Red Cross should be interesting work.

Your saying that you do not have a technical degree may be a career limiter. Many of the technical writers are proficient in some aspect of technology, and they write to that topic. The money, as you can imagine, is with technology because it needs explanation and training. Sadly, many people without your skills or education are writing manuals and other documents. You may find that all your hard work is for naught.

I found that DICE offers jobs in technical writing. Many of the jobs are in California, but more and more, the businesses understand that working remotely is cheaper for both parties.

Another source for information is Society for Technical Communication. http://www.stc.org/ As a member they offer jobs, tips on writing, etc.

You may want to check with firms that write textbooks. You may have to start as an editor, but the experience and the ability to work from home may be an advantage for now.

I believe that STC will be able to offer you more information than I can.

Good luck. I will look for your byline.

Leslie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Leslie,

Do you think that I should not hope for a bright future in
technical writing because of being non-technical.What
should I do?Should I do some online course in technical
writing or learn some particular technical area and become
expert in it.If so,what area would you suggest?Actually few
days back I got a job call for technical writing but it was
very far so I declined the offer.I have copy editing
experience as well in India as I worked there for a
year.What do you think I should do?

Answer
Bhawna,

"Do you think that I should not hope for a bright future in
technical writing because of being non-technical."

I don't think you should give up. If you acknowledge, however, that finding a job may be challenging, you may reconsider some of your options. For example, as I mentioned, California has many of the technical writing jobs. If you were able to live in or travel to California, your opportunities for jobs in technical writing would increase. With the job market as it is and with businesses cutting back on costs, being local talent would make your services more affordable.

Technical writers with experience are more valued than those without experience, as you have recognized. Your two manuals and your internship are steps in showing potential employers that you have experience. When you apply for a job, the potential employer will compare your experience level to the other applicants and look at the cost of using your services, whether as an employee or contractor. The potential employer is likely to select the best bargain. Could your services be the best bargain?

You mentioned that you worked overseas. That may be a great advantage. I know of several firms who have "farmed out" course development and other writing services to India. With your international experience and your degrees, you may be a valuable interface between the businesses and the cultures. Clearly, looking into jobs in the text book publishers could be a wise move.

Bhawna, I cannot tell you what to do. Not only do I not know you except from your question; your ability, your circumstances, and your needs are a mystery to me. If I were to offer you a course of action, I would be misleading you. You might enjoy teaching English at a local college, which is an option. You could find that you like science and begin science writing. The most I can offer you is suggestions of where you might find answers. The previous answer I sent has resources where you might start searching for those answers.

Once again, good luck on your quest. Try viewing your career search as an expanding research project. Follow the leads and get more information, so you can make an informed decision.

Leslie