Expert: Leslie - 11/20/2006

Question
Dear Leslie,

  Thank-you for your answer.  To follow-up, my graduate diploma covers material found in most MBA programs; the professional writing undergrad covers media writing in all its forms (newspaper, speech, manual, business document etc.) but I remember few of those concrete skills.  
  Unfortunately, I don't have hard tech-writing skills aside from the classroom; as well, many jobs seem to require IT skills (FRAMEMAKER, ROBO HELP) or graphic layout design skills, of which I have little exposure - is such computer program-knowledge required in the majority of business writing positions?  Is there no way around this aside from getting certificates to make me more computer program literate?

Marketing and communications seems more up my alley, possibly doing press releases or the like (updating a web-page); but again, experience with HTTP or another suitable skill seems like a core competency.

I cringe thinking I need to spend more money on education (technical knowledge, computer-literacy); is it the best way to open the door to business writing/communication jobs in reputable corporations?  Also, what general titles would these jobs fall under?

Matt  

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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hello Leslie,

  Recently I returned from working abroad as an English teacher in Japan. I'm nearly complete my graduate diploma in business administration, and I have an undergrad in Rhetoric and Professional Writing.  I enjoy reading, and writing in all its forms, and am looking at a career in business writing. What additional skills should I be building and where should I primarily be looking?  How can I rigorously use my business diploma in a writing capacity?

Thank-you,
Matt
-----Answer-----
Matt,

Sorry for the delay in answering you. I was out of town.

I cannot determine from your description what skills you may have from your degree. Frankly, however, anyone who can write well is welcome in most businesses.

You ability to bridge cultures and language have given you an advantage that many English writers do not have. I would look in the international market for the best paying jobs. Many of the large worldwide firms would find your skills helpful.

You need to pick some area of expertise to narrow your search. For instance, good paying jobs are available in many of the technical writing jobs. Do you have some specialty in a particular technical area? Could you get some experience in these areas?

Another area to pursue is in company marketing and communications departments. The people who put together the sales presentations and websites could use someone with your ability. Have you worked in any of those areas?

I work in training. The ability to write, explain ideas, and  of late, the ability to get this information into an electronic form of delivery are important skills to develop.

Try exploring the market in your area of the country to see which of these jobs offers the kind of work situation and compensation that you want.

Leslie

Answer
Matt,

I wish I could say that jobs in the States are not technically oriented. My work here and my conversations with other writers  have led me to believe that most of the good paying work is technically oriented. I have a friend who finally got a job in a non-technical field after 2 years of searching; she, however, is working on websites preparing (technical) sales information, and she needed to know how to use HTML.

You may have a better opportunity working for firms along the Asia-Pac rim writing for them. Your understanding of the culture and your ability to write and speak American English could make your skills very valuable. I frequently get requests from people from that region who want me to edit their work. The differences in the way Americans speak and use English is often baffling to the Japanese and Chinese. Your work could range from writing directions (once I read that I needed to add one pound of water to the tea) to writing annual reports for the American stockholder audience. For example, I just spent the weekend with a group of Japanese who insisted on writing the presentation speech to a bunch of Americans. We had no idea what they told us. Between the cultural differences and the English translation, we missed the point entirely; although, the Japanese in the audience were quite happy and inspired.

Names for the jobs? The jobs range from marketing to communications officer. The particular names depend on the part of the country and the type of business, and even the industry. Because everyone believes he or she is a natural writer (Just as the same people believe they are natural teachers, and anyone can do it...) finding jobs in smaller companies is rather rare. You may find the job names within larger corporations. Have you looked in the Federal NAICS codes or the SIC codes? That could give you some ideas.

Best of luck to you.

Leslie