Career/Job Info

So, You Wanna be a Tech Writer?

Here's some information about how to become a technical writer.

• Here's a site that gives a lot of information in one spot about becoming a tech writer. It's a great spot to start a search for information. http://www.microsearchsf.com/breakin.htm.



• There's a techwriting newsletter that About.com emails once a week. Here's the address: http://techwriting.about.com/mbody.htm. Subscribe to this newsletter for current information.



• Check out the International STC website for great information. Lots of links. You'll find it at www.stc.org.



• On the International STC website, you'll find a link to the TECHWR-L listserv. Join it and read what issues and concerns techwriters around the world are writing about.



• Write, write, write and build up your portfolio. Perhaps write some documentation on your own, like how to set the time on your VCR or something technical like that. Once you write it up, design it in a nice layout and include it in your portfolio.



• Join the STC (www.stc.org) and go to the meetings to network. Meet other technical writers and find out what they did to get where they are.

Good luck. We're in a great market for technical writers and there's plenty of work. Join us!