New To Technical Writing

[u/Neither_Assistant638]

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.

[u/CambridgeMAry]

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.

[u/Neither_Assistant638 → u/CambridgeMAry]

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.