4 answers
Karri
Student
Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
598 views
Hi there! I'm looking for a profession that I can write user manuals for software, make tip sheets, Evergreens, knowledge base articles, etc. I have experience in this just from working in previous jobs, but would like to know where I'd be able to get infi to do this exclusively without having to start my own business. Any advice is appreciated! Thanks!
Hi there! I'm looking for a profession that I can write user manuals for software, make tip sheets, Evergreens, knowledge base articles, etc. I have experience in this just from working in previous jobs, but would like to know where I'd be able to get infi to do this exclusively without having to start my own business. Any advice is appreciated! Thanks!
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4 answers
Michael Richtberg
Product management & engineering
19
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Michael’s Answer
This field is known as "technical publications" in the tech industry. It's a vital piece in the puzzle of creating a comprehensive product. Sure, it demands strong writing abilities, but it also calls for a solid grasp of technology. After all, you're the one who has to guide the end user through the how-to. Assisting a new user in understanding how to use a product involves the art of transforming intricate functions into simple, easy-to-follow steps. This makes it easier for them to understand and use the product effectively.
Get a well rounded technology education (a four year college degree)
Hone your writing skills
Read technical publications from various industry sources
Michael recommends the following next steps:
Robert Epstein
General Manager
85
Answers
Naples, Florida
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hi Karri,
Being a technical writer can be a very worthwhile profession. For many years I was a tech writer for a medical software corporation, as well as a tech writer consultant with my own business.
The perfect place to start is contacting the Society for Technical Communication online. They have courses you can take and a wealth of other practical information. You could also contact the STC’s local branch to see if you can attend one of their meetings. There are a huge number of companies looking for tech writers, especially if you have direct experience with the technology you’ll be writing about. Also, your writing skills must be excellent, e.g. grammar, punctuation, etc.
Best of luck to you!
Being a technical writer can be a very worthwhile profession. For many years I was a tech writer for a medical software corporation, as well as a tech writer consultant with my own business.
The perfect place to start is contacting the Society for Technical Communication online. They have courses you can take and a wealth of other practical information. You could also contact the STC’s local branch to see if you can attend one of their meetings. There are a huge number of companies looking for tech writers, especially if you have direct experience with the technology you’ll be writing about. Also, your writing skills must be excellent, e.g. grammar, punctuation, etc.
Best of luck to you!
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
351
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Karri, this is an excellent question and a much needed skillset. Every software company I know - including my own - have staff to produce the type of documents you mention. But this type of role goes by many names, such as documentation, technical writing, or sometimes internal communications. Also tricky is where to find them in the organization as they may be part of Communications, Marketing, or Sales.
A good first step might be to set up agents on job search sites to see what nomenclature is most prevalent - I have two sample searches linked below. The results aren't great so the search terms need refinement. I would also suggest putting the same question out to your network.
I think there is a lot of opportunity out there without your starting your own business. Good luck!
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/technical-writer-jobs-pennsylvania/?currentJobId=4091483108
Glassdoor - https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/pennsylvania-technical-writer-jobs-SRCH_IL.0,12_IS3185_KO13,29.htm
A good first step might be to set up agents on job search sites to see what nomenclature is most prevalent - I have two sample searches linked below. The results aren't great so the search terms need refinement. I would also suggest putting the same question out to your network.
I think there is a lot of opportunity out there without your starting your own business. Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Alex Watler
Product Manager
6
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Hi Karri! With interests and skills like the ones you mentioned you'll have no shortage of opportunities you can take your career. I see other folks have mentioned technical writing as one avenue but I'll also highlight Product Management and/or Product Marketing as other exciting options. I have done both of those roles and the responsibilities definitely fit some of the skillset you mentioned.
Getting into the software space itself is the best start you could have and then find whatever opportunities that resonate with you. It's always hard to say exactly what job is the best fit since the answer is usually many! However, you won't know all the options until you get more exposure to what's out there.
Best of luck in your career journey and you can be confident that the skills you have will only increase in value as you continue to grow!
Getting into the software space itself is the best start you could have and then find whatever opportunities that resonate with you. It's always hard to say exactly what job is the best fit since the answer is usually many! However, you won't know all the options until you get more exposure to what's out there.
Best of luck in your career journey and you can be confident that the skills you have will only increase in value as you continue to grow!