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Subject:RE: Advice for a New Tech Writer From:"Leanne Rollins" <leannerollins -at- rogers -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Wed, 6 Apr 2005 10:44:32 -0400
Hi Katie,
Lucky you - just starting out is a really exciting time. I remember my first
TW job fondly.
My advice is to find a job where there is a substantial tech writing team
already in place. Most importantly, look for a strong mentor within the
company - someone with at least 10 years experience in the field. Ideally,
this would be your manager, but if the team has a few experienced individual
contributors, that's great too. In my first job out of University, I managed
to land at a small software dev company where the docs manager really knew
her stuff. I can't tell you how much it benefited me and my career to learn
from someone who knew the field so well.
I think it's also important to find a job where you can write about
something that really interests you. I prefer medical myself, but if you are
fascinated by wireless or accounting software (well, you never know), look
for a company that produces something along those lines.
Leanne
-----Original Message-----
From: bounce-techwr-l-202141 -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:bounce-techwr-l-202141 -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of Katie Jeanne
Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2005 10:15 AM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: Advice for a New Tech Writer
I am a graduating soon with a degree in professiona writing. I am
wondering if anyone has any advice about where to start out as a
technical writer. I do have a little experience writing
documentation, but not very much. What kind of jobs or experiences
should I look for as someone trying to get a good start in the field?
--
Katie
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