The following question appeared on a mailing list for technical writers that I subscribe to:
Would a technical writing or technical communication graduate *certificate* (rather than a master’s) be useful in trying to find a technical writing job for a university graduate with a B.A. in anthropology from UCLA and no further higher education beyond that?
I replied to the poster and explained that entry-level tech writer jobs are not easy to find at the best of times, and that at the moment they are very few and far between, irrespective of where you are located. From my experience in the field, including experience as a tech writing manager in the past, I’d say that someone hiring an entry-level tech writer is generally less concerned about the candidate’s knowledge of specific tools, and more concerned about aptitude and motivation.
Completing a non-degree level course in technical writing might help a newcomer to the technical writing field find a job because it would demonstrate to employers that they are serious and motivated about pursuing a technical writing career. It would give them some basic insight into what technical writers do – we do a wide range of stuff in a wide range of industries – and could help someone decide whether it’s the career they really want. A cheaper alternative to doing a course would be to buy a textbook and read that (if you haven’t already done so as part of a college module in technical writing). I’d suggest either Technical Communication by Rebecca E. Burnett
Another piece of advice I give to people who want to break into the field of technical writing is to consider preparing their own portfolio of sample technical writing projects. Write a set of instructions for something – explain who would be in the audience for the instructions, what they are trying to achieve, and so on, as well. This could be instructions for an everyday device aimed at a novice user, or instructions for a few features from a software application that they know. Alternatively, the proliferation of Open Source collaborative software projects offers opportunities for new or prospective technical writers to get involved in real product documentation, although this may be a bit daunting for an absolute beginner. Any of these activities would help someone demonstrate to a prospective employer that they are a serious candidate for a technical writing job.
Finally, you should look for a local group for technical writers. As the original poster was based in the United States, I referred him to the Society for Technical Communication. In the UK, a newcomer to the field could contact the ISTC, which also has its own Open Learning courses in technical communication.
Unfortunately, none of this preparation can guarantee anyone a job, particularly in today’s economy. However, it seems to me that at the moment in the UK there are plenty of experienced technical writers looking for work at a more senior level, while some of the vacancies on offer are for junior or entry-level posts. Now might just be the right time to try and make a career move into technical writing.
Good advice, David.
I would only add that a certificate program that included an internship or co-op work placement might be helpful, less for the education than for the work experience and the chance to gain references and contacts within the field.