RE: Breaking into the tech writing job market

["Mike Schmidt" <mschmidt -at- weathercentral -dot- tv>]

I have a degree in Music Education. I literally walked into my first
tech writing employer off the street. I was familiar with the products
they made and I have a grasp on the language. I had no computer skills,
but I could type. I convinced them.

I use my lack of expertise on a product to help. I figure that if I can
understand it, I can make others understand it. Others who also might
not hold degrees in the field. Right now, it's TV weathermen and women.
They're not necessarily computer literate, so my directions (and my lack
of weather knowledge) are basic, easy to understand, and user friendly.

Works for me.

Good luck.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+mschmidt=weathercentral -dot- tv -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+mschmidt=weathercentral -dot- tv -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com]
On Behalf Of Vincent Marianiello
Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 2:57 PM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: Breaking into the tech writing job market

Greetings all,

 

I'm new to the list and have a question (somewhat related to a previous
discussion about certification)  for all you tech writing veterans:

 

How does one get that first tech writing job without the experience?

 

I have a Masters in English, but apparently that doesn't mean much to
potential employers. It seems that there's no such thing as an entry
level
tech writing job (all the job listings I've seen demand 5+ years of
experience) so how in the world would someone, fresh out of college,
embark
on a tech writing career?

 

I'm sure this may appear as a rather dumb question but, being new to the
scene, I haven't a clue. The headhunters I've talked to make it sound
like
one needs a science degree to be a technical writer; firms want
engineers
who write, not writers who write about engineering. I've read in other
places that a good way is to do pro bono work for non-profits. Any other
advice, suggestions, ideas?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Vincent Marianiello

vincent -dot- marianiello -at- gmail -dot- com

 

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