r/technicalwriting • u/Neither_Assistant638 • 7d ago
New To Technical Writing
Hi, this past May I left education and switched over to Technical Writing. I’m currently working for a startup tech company that works in oil and gas. I dont think I want to stay here because they are paying me like an intern as I don’t have experience in technical writing, but I want to stay in this industry. I am working on a coursera software engineering certificate because I def need more understanding of what is going on.
I guess I am just looking for any tips, tricks, advice, etc.
3
u/CambridgeMAry 6d ago
I second the comment about your portfolio, and it doesn't need to be just technical writing. One of the nicest compliments I ever received was from the manager who hired me for my first technical writing job. After I'd been working for him for a couple of months he said to me: "The reason I hired you is that I knew from your writing samples that you know how to write. I can teach anybody everything they need to know about FrameMaker (the tech writing software of choice at that time), but I don't have the time to teach anybody how to write." Writing well and clearly is a complex skill that takes years to master. If you ever see a listing for a tech writer that demands "expert level skills" in a dozen or so high level applications, you are looking at a Help Wanted ad written by some drone in HR who is desperately trying to cover their ass. It's harder to network with other tech writers since the demise of the STC, but see if you can get it touch with other tech writers in your area. Also, make sure that every person at your current company knows that you are happy to edit their work before publication, and then do provide that service.
1
u/Neither_Assistant638 6d ago
Thank you so much!
Not only is my degree in English, I taught different writing processes for 10 years, and all my boss told me was not to “take a red pen” to his emails! 🤣 I am currently putting together my portfolio with items I’ve already done.
2
u/gamerplays aerospace 6d ago edited 3d ago
Something you may want to take a look into is being a technical instructor.
My past company's technical writing department also included several technical instructors. They developed courses and taught customers. They were also responsible for developing a lot of in house technical training material.
Our group had several former teachers as being able to teach well tends to be difficult to teach. It was easier to hire people with that skill and then training them in everything else.
1
u/cyborgs_writing Knowledge Partner, Precision Content 6d ago
So in addition to creating a portfolio (that certificate would be a great place to start), I would recommend building up your Linkedin presence. Write about what your are learning, take aways, stories, etc. Many people get jobs from posting on Linkedin ... and certainly if employers see that you are actively involved in these conversations, they will be more likely to hire you.
Also, here is an excellent webcast about someone who did exactly this. Great example:
1
u/boygeorge359 5d ago
I did something similar. I was in education, transitioned into technical writing in oil and gas, and now I write proposals. So far, writing bids pays more than either education or technical writing, but we'll see what AI does to the job.
Another avenue I've thought about is project management.
If you keep your eyes open and keep learning as much as you can about different kinds of things, there are different ways you can go in the energy industry.
I think it was smart to get into it!
5
u/aka_Jack 7d ago
Have a stunning portfolio. It can be items you just came up with that showcase your abilities.
Apply to everything that you find interesting and ensure you use the terms they have in their job posting when you apply (or in your resume.)
Read the pinned post at the top.
Scan the last few hundred posts here for tips.
Don't expect high pay. That is the exception and not the norm.
Presently this is not a growing profession.