Re: Breaking into the tech writing job market

["Gene Kim-Eng" <techwr -at- genek -dot- com>]

In this case, the original poster did.  It may have gotten lost in
the noise of this old debate, but Vincent *is* a "novice tech
writer," having had no (zero, zip, nada) working experience
as a technical writer, and is asking us for our advice on finding
that first foot-in-the-door position that starts one on the way 
to getting that experience.

Vincent, my advice:  start with something you already know
about.  You don't mention what other work experience you
may have, but as many have mentioned, a lot of us "fell" into
tech writing, often based on our experience and skills in other
areas.  Look for opportunities where you can leverage existing
knowledge.  Non-profit pro bono can be a good starting place, 
and the current job market in your area may offer "internships" 
at no or pathetically low rates of pay that will provide potential
opportunites that experienced writers are taking a pass on.  Also,
take a look at listings for things like "admin/writer" and "assistant/
writer" while you're browsing for internships  They might as well 
go toward furthering the goals of someone who actually wants 
into the field instead of someone looking for "a job, any job."

Gene Kim-Eng



----- Original Message ----- 
From: <eric -dot- dunn -at- ca -dot- transport -dot- bombardier -dot- com>


And who said anything about novice writers? 

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