#21675
Career Outlook for Technical Writers and Editors
The U.S. Dept. of Labor’s 'Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2002-03 Edition, Writers and Editors,' is recommended reading for those considering technical writing as a profession. Some of the main points highlighted in the handbook make interesting reading.
Klariti (2003). Careers>TC>Writing>Technical Writing
#31655
Career Outlook for Technical Writers to 2010
Most professional writing jobs still require a college degree either in the liberal arts with a preference for Communications, Journalism, and English. Competition is expected to be less for lower paying, entry-level jobs. Writers who fail to gain better paying jobs usually can transfer readily to communications-related jobs in other occupations.
Klariti (2007). Careers>TC>Technical Writing
#29743
For many practitioners, technical communication can--and should--be the springboard for a different career. Many technical writers and editors have made transitions to related disciplines from which they can influence industry and academia. They now have titles such as marketing and web content writer, usability lab manager, product marketing manager, business operations strategist, and more. This paper summarizes the career evolutions of the author and several colleagues in technical communication, and provides advice to help readers broaden their career horizons.
Rosenbaum, Stephanie L. STC Proceedings (2004). Careers>TC>Usability>Marketing
#14293
Career Resources: Writing a Resume
The Career Center: Writing a Resume section contains information that can be helpful when you are preparing to write a resume.
Burnett, Rebecca E. Thomson (2001). Careers>Resumes>TC
#18357
Careers in Technical Communication: Usability 
This paper informs students, parents, and professionals within technical communication about the profession of usability. It starts with various research methods and sources of more information. Then the focus shifts to the profession of usability, discussing topics such as: user-centered design, the definition of usability, possible career tracks, educational opportunities, educational requirements, future trends in the profession of usability, and trends within the field of usability. The paper provides an overview of the profession and relevant issues surrounding it, as well as providing sources of additional information.
Berni, Kevin. Mercer University (2002). Careers>TC>Usability
#14969
Careers In Technical Writing: Advising English Majors
Headlines on high technology are attracting the interest of undergraduates who aren't sure what they can do with an English major, of graduate students in English who find college teaching jobs increasingly scarce, and even of college English teachers who are hearing tempting rumors of undreamt-of consulting opportunities. Those of us who teach English in growing centers of high technology find our students and colleagues curious about this lucrative but vaguely threatening new field for liberal arts majors, while technical writing classes designed for science and engineering students are attracting (or stealing) increasing numbers of these majors. This paper provides the necessary background on the technical writing field for college English teachers who need to advise English majors and minors about career choices. My description of the profession is based on my recent experience as a technical editor for over four years. I've brought together surveys in professional journals, occupational literature available in college placement offices, and 1980 census data, as well as the more current monthly publications of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Both the statistics and my own observations confirm that, for English majors and minors with appropriate aptitude for and attitude toward the sciences, technical writing promises a potentially rewarding career.
Norman, Rose L. Modern Language Association (1986). Careers>TC
#30063
The Case for "Technical Communicator"
While we understand how BLS could have stuck with the term 'technical writing' for so long, it's time to change this policy. To that end, STC proposes that the Standard Occupational Classification 27-3042, Technical Writer be replaced with 27-3044, Technical Communicator.
Martin, Maurice and Richard O'Sullivan. STC (2007). Careers>TC
#29216
Certification in Technical Communication 
The debate over certification of technical and professional communicators has occurred with periods of relative intensity and quiescence for more than twenty years. This article surveys the historical developments of the debate; describes the arguments for and against certification; surveys technical communication curricula and theoretical arguments for literacies, standards, and competencies; and examines various efforts to study certification, including a description of published documents regarding certification.
Turner, Roy K. and Charles Paine. Technical Communication Quarterly (2004). Careers>Certification>TC>Education
#13128
Certifying Technical Communicators: An Historical Perspective
STC members have shown interest in being certified as technical communicators for at least 37 years. The Society has made at least four studies of certification. This paper reviews the work of the 1975-80, 1981, 1982-87 and 1994-1998 committees. The three, multi-year studies had essentially the same results; significant numbers want certification, but too few to make a full certification program economically viable. The studies also revealed that creating a certification program might be divisive. The 1982—-87 study revealed an interest by employers in STC having an accreditation program.
Malcolm, Andrew and Lawrence D. Kunz. STC Proceedings (2001). Careers>Certification>TC>History
#18833
The Challenges of Technical Illustration for Customer Documentation in the High Tech Environment
As emerging computer technology and new graphics software packages allow for the creation of illustration and design by individuals without formal training, traditional illustrators from the “pen and pencil” era are continually challenged to compete in the industry. Choosing a career path in the technical documentation field presents a unique set of challenges for the technical illustrator and designer. This paper identijes the role of a technical illustrator and the tools and skills required for success in a high tech environment.
Moore, Donna Lynn. STC Proceedings (1997). Careers>TC>Graphic Design>Technical Illustration
#18850
The Changing Role of the Technical Communicator
How many times have you said, 'I wouldn’t have to write 20 pages of documentation to explain this if the product was designed correctly in the first place!' Given our focus on user advocacy, the melding of the Web and the desktop, and the changes—away from those with which we’ve historically been associated—in the tools we use to develop information, we’re in a prime position to become more involved in product design. This paper briefly describes how the field is changing for many technical communicators and what you need to know to move into this exciting area.
Ames, Andrea L. STC Proceedings (2002). Careers>TC
#14961
For years, would-be employees have undergone scrutiny by employers during the interview process. In addition to our resume, we have to provide personal and professional references. We have to pass drug tests and personality tests. We have to prove our education and in many cases, whether or not we actually served in the military. It's all for a good cause of course, but rarely is the topic of employer suitability mentioned in the Job Hunting context. These last few years have been unprecedented in regards to company ethics and business practices. One doesn't have to look far to hear a sad tale of over-promised benefits, stock, and promotions from companies who are now nothing more than memories. The ongoing telecom scandals have even further rocked our beliefs in the stability and ethics of Corporate America. With all the recent layoffs and 'restructuring' now is a great chance for employees to take time out to evaluate their next employer. employee happiness is possibly the most important area of a person's overall professional satisfaction. Thus, it is not to be taken lightly. Nothing else matters if you go to work for the wrong company - not even if you've been out of work for a year and you simply need the money. Sooner or later, you'll be back in the same jam.
Souther, Christopher. GaryConroy.com (2002). Careers>Interviewing>TC
#20840
Coach Your Staff to Better Performance
Use coaching techniques to help employees reach more ambitious goals, faster and easier, or overcome performance problems. The coaching model is both an attitude and a way of communicating. Use coaching techniques to inspire and motivate people to accomplish more, with less stress and greater satisfaction. A coaching relationship supports the self-worth of each individual and provides a range of benefits to an organization. Coaching empowers others to seek and deliver their best.
Agnew, Beth. STC Proceedings (2003). Careers>Management>TC
#19848
Combating Isolation as a Self-Employed Technical Communicator: Beyond Working Hours
Small, independent business owners never really stop thinking about their businesses; after all, your latest and greatest client may be on the stair stepper next to you at the gym. However, you know that sometimes you need a change of scenery, a change of activity, a chance to unhinge the hips that sometimes feel they are permanently fixed in a sitting position. Plus, occasionally, it’s necessary to realize that there is a world out there that is full of interesting things that have nothing to do with publication deadlines, document management, or online help. Yes, really, there is.
Teich, Thea. STC Proceedings (2000). Careers>Freelance>TC
#21571
Communicating What You Do That's Special
Designed for technical communicators with one to five years of working experience, this workshop enables participants to successfully demonstrate the value of their work by drawing on personal experiences to describe their capabilities and approaches. Specifically participants will effectively muster facts, figures, and metaphors to convince an employer (supervisor, colleague, project director, or whomever) that he or she can: come into a project “cold”; complete a front-end analysis of needs; develop an appropriate approach; and perform to specified standards, regardless of subject matter. Further, this workshop aims to build self-esteem by highlighting the added value that a technical communicator brings to a project by representing a special perspective.
Huff, Claudia H. STC Proceedings (1994). Careers>TC>Rhetoric
#30835
Competentieprofiel Technische Communicatie
STIC-leden kunnen zich uitstekend vinden in het competentieprofiel voor de Technisch Communicatie-specialist. Dat blijkt uit de resultaten van de enquête die de werkgroep Opleiding en Trainingen in het najaar 2007 aan de STIC-leden voorlegde.
#23527
Creating a Winning Portfolio: Tips for Technical Communicators 
A competitive market demands job seekers do more than just send out resumes. Portfolios showcasing your work can help sell you to potential employers before, during and after interviews. How many people here have a paper portfolio? How many have an online portfolio?
Janczy, Amy. STC Four Lakes (2003). Careers>Portfolios>TC
#20138
Cultivate Career Skills through Volunteering
Describes how technical communicators can develop their skills and make themselves more marketable through volunteering.
Swindle-Troell, Elizabeth F. Intercom (2003). Careers>TC>Volunteering
#23428
Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a contracting technical communicator? What is a typical day like? What background brings someone to technical communication, and how does that experience play out on a daily basis? Here are some glimpses.
Priore-Garlock, Carmel. TC-FORUM (2000). Careers>TC
#22613
A Day in the Life of a Senior Technical Writer
Any technical experience helps, because once you have a little, it's easy to get more. For example, if you understand the basics of programming, it's easier to learn about additional languages. Once you know the basic terminology, it's easier to learn more and you have the words to ask the right questions. I've found that degrees are not required if you can perform, but a technical or writing degree is always welcomed.
Sereno, Lynda. Binary Girl (2000). Careers>TC>Writing>Technical Writing
#18356
Defining Technical Communication: Management
Management of technical communication is a very broad field, consisting of everything from self-management to managing an entire department or cross-functional team. Though the field of management is generally the same in all occupations, managers in technical communication deal with slightly more technical material than those in business. My research has led me to view management of technical communication in terms of small, medium, and large-scale managerial job functions.
McRae, Chris. Mercer University (2002). Careers>TC>Professionalism
#18361
Defining Today’s Workplace: Employment Options for Technical Communicators
A document about employment options for technical communication students.
Bommarito, Julie. Mercer University. Careers>TC>Presentations
#10567
Offers a large database of jobs for Software Developers and IT Professionals with the option to sign up for an email notification of the latest additions to the database.
#28188
Developing Technical Curiosity: A Marketable Skill
Every technical writer should have strong writing skills. Just as important, in my judgment, is a keen sense of technical curiosity. As a hiring manager, I look for it in every job applicant I interview. If you do not have this sense naturally, you can develop it.
Harvey, Michael. Carolina Communique (2003). Careers>TC>Collaboration
#24429
Diversity in Technical Communication: A Work in Progress
This paper documents the beginnings of an effort to increase the diversity of technical communicators in the Pacific Northwest. An ad hoc committee of technical communicators came together for this purpose because they believe that greater diversity will help technical communicators better understand and reach audiences from a wide variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds. The committee is using the STC International Student Technical Writing Competition as a tool for introducing technical communication as a career choice to people of color at the high school level.
Cheirrett, Peg A. and Bruce R. Gibbs. STC Proceedings (1995). Careers>TC>Ethnic
