Expert: Leslie - 5/10/2009

Question
Leslie,

Hope you are doing well.If you remember I asked you on a question on tech writing some time back.I got another internship after that from colorado but i lasted for 3 weeks only as the employer was short of funds.Now I got 3 unpaid volunteer offers in grant writing .I need to ask you that should i accept these offers?Will they contribute to experience in any respect to the technical writing field?Please advice me ?

Answer
Bhawna,

Sorry to learn that the tech writing job did not last. I am sure you are frustrated.

The need for grant writers is great. I have a friend who writes grants, and although it is not his favorite work, he is always working. Successful grant writers have some specialized skills and knowledge in writing. As a novice, you may want to check with someone who you know has been successful.

Typically, grant writing does not pay as well. I am not sure why; perhaps because the people who need the grants do not have much money, the pay is low or perhaps because the process often takes a long time, the company cannot afford the high wages.

Grant writing will not hurt your career unless you are unavailable for regular work or because you are so busy, you fail to look for work.

As you know, writing is writing is writing. Explaining that you have done grant writing may even make a potential employer more interested because you could help the company get grant money.

Good luck.

Leslie