Career change to tech writing

[Ken Munro]

Hi.

I would say you already have quite a bit of writing education, and
even some technical writing experience, so I doubt that you need a
whole certificate or degree in technical communication to build a
career in it. I would put my efforts into finding the work rather than
training. Better to get paid rather than to pay out. I think it makes
more economic sense.

You might find specific courses helpful, but I would expect you would
find an entire certificate program to be unsatisfying.

Good luck.

Ken

--
website: http://www.kenmunro.com/
podcast: http://www.kenmunro.com/kenmunro.rss

On 7/26/06, Adrienne Kelley <puckishone at gmail.com> wrote:
> 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