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Subject:Liberal Arts background From:Rebecca Carr <rebecca -at- WHITE -dot- SC -dot- TI -dot- COM> Date:Wed, 10 Sep 1997 19:04:48 -0500
9-10-97
Chaim:
A liberal arts background is great for a tech writer. Most of the people I
know who are tech writers have liberal arts degrees, ranging from art and
music to english, history, and sociology. The key is to supplement your
knowledge with computer science courses, electronics training, software
training, etc. Taking the technical writing course at a junior college
was a great idea. Often you can get in the door at a lower rate, get the
experience, then ask for an increase or go on to a better situation.
The part-time editing job is an excellent way to get started in a
technical writing career. Continue to look for that first writing job,
either part time or full time.
There is a good market for tech writers right now, especially in the
Northeast, California, Florida, and Texas (Dallas Metroplex).
Don't give up, just get some pertinent training and that first job.
After that, it will be easy... if you are good at it and if you are
confident and assertive. Also, a good resume and cover letter opens
many doors.
No, every employer does not want a technical background...at least not
here in the US. But they do want knowledge specific to their business,
(digital electronics, computer skills, software packages (FrameMaker,
MSWord, Interleaf, graphics packages. etc)
Best of luck to you. You may find that down the road, you can combine your
interest in political science with the skill of technical writing.
Remember that good communicators are needed all over the world. You just
have to find your niche.
Becky
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