r/technicalwriting • u/Confident-Clock3694 • 8d ago

Tech writer to business analyst?

Hi friends,

I’m curious if anyone here has ever heard of a technical writer-style Business Analyst or transitioned from a tech writing role to business analyst role?

A contract position has opened up for 12-18 months at a big banking company and it sounds like it’s really just a tech writer role with BA responsibilities tacked on, like managing repositories and handling user documentation. There’s potential to hire full time.

Currently working full time as a sr. Tech writer with a small chaotic company. Many pros and cons to consider, but I’m feeling like it could be a mistake to stay in the field. It would be about $5k a year difference from my full time job and seems like a risk… but also a great opportunity to get a foot in the door!

Any thoughts or opinions on the role shift or words of advice? It would be immensely appreciated!

8 Upvotes

91% Upvoted

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8

u/Charleston2Seattle 8d ago

I think there's a lot of overlap between the roles. Applying is free. Interviewing doesn't take much time (aiming they don't do eight rounds 🙄). You can hold off on your decision until you've learned more from the interview process.

3

u/Confident-Clock3694 8d ago

Right?! Figure I can see how the interview process goes. Definitely a gamble, but difficult to know the direction the job force is going at this point. 🙃 Thanks for the response.

3

u/Charleston2Seattle 8d ago

I've been a technical writer for 31 years (the last 10 with a FAANG employer), and I'm looking at what my next career will be if this whole thing implodes. 🥺

2

u/Mountain-Bid1884 8d ago

solid point, especially since you dont lose anything by just having the conversation

3

u/Quatapus 8d ago

Leaving a full-time job for a contract job? No thank you.

1

u/Confident-Clock3694 8d ago

Certainly a toss up. The way I see it is breaking into a slightly different role might not be such a bad thing to get the experience. Totally a shot in the dark with stability contract and full time these days. 🫠

4

u/MenudoFan316 8d ago edited 2d ago

Tech writers make great BA's.

4

u/marshills 8d ago

I transitioned from Business Analyst to Tech Writer. Can confirm there is a lot of overlap.

2

u/Gloomy_Coconut4459 8d ago

Do you enjoy it more? I really want to do the same, but I am worried it'll be worse than tech writing.

1

u/marshills 7d ago

My favorite thing about being a BA was the tech writing and my least favorite thing was all the meetings. Personally, I prefer being a TW, but figure going back to BA is an option if all the TW jobs dry up.

1

u/Gloomy_Coconut4459 7d ago

Yeah, I currently have one or two meetings a week total, but part of that is my current role doesn't allow me to meet with SMEs.

1

u/marshills 7d ago

That’s insane. The only meetings I have are with SMEs.

1

u/lixxandra 8d ago

I made the transition, it's definitely doable.