Career change to tech writing

[strickla at airmail.net]

Adrienne,

Technical writing is a good profession that you do not need a
certification or degree in technical writing to enter. Although being run
through some procedures may be helpful, I believe that you can waste a lot
of time and money taking courses when you could be pounding the pavement,
looking for clients or agencies. I have never been asked if I have a
certificate in technical writing -- all most clients are interested in is
what my experience has been.

Bob Strickland

> Browsing through the recent archives, I can see that it's been *at least*
> a
> week since a newbie has appeared asking for help, so...consider me this
> week's offering. :)
>
> My background: I have 75% of a BA in journalism, a full BA in sociology,
> as
> well as more than 10 years' work experience in a variety of administrative
> functions, including proofreading for a couple of small local papers way
> back when.  Currently I work for a small insurance trust, where I do the
> occasional "technical" writing, including explanatory documentation for
> our
> customers, our plan documents, and a company procedure manual.  It's been
> a
> long road for me to discover technical writing as a doable career choice
> for
> a quasi-geek; until recently I did not have the proper focus, but now that
> I
> do I'm dedicated to going for this with guns a-blazin'.
>
> Based on the research I've done so far, it seems to me that the best place
> to start would be with some "re-education": namely, a certificate program
> in
> technical writing and editing.  While I feel confident that I can parlay
> my
> experience and skills into transferable assets, I understand (having
> worked
> for a time in HR) the importance of appropriate credentials.  My question
> to
> you all is, am I close to the mark on this?  I'm looking into my local STC
> chapter, as well as open-source and shareware work, but I really believe
> that an educational program is important, especially for someone changing
> careers.
>
> This is a great website and list, by the way - thanks to all who
> contribute
> to it, and I look forward to communcating with you in the near future as a
> peer. :)
>
> - Adrienne Kelley
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