TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
>1. What do you wish you had known about the field of technical
>writing *before* you entered it? (This information could range from
>specific writing practices or dealing with deadline pressure to the
>necessity of *asking* companies at job fairs if they need technical
>writers, as was discussed recently.)
I'm one of the ones who fell into this field without looking.
I came about eleven years ago with:
- decent wordprocessing skills (now I would need broader computer skills)
- a great love of English and significant skill in making it work
- pleasure in learning complex stuff quickly
- a personal contact who linked me up with my first job
- willingness to prove myself at a low salary for six months
These sufficed for me. Sometimes I still pause and savor the delight of
having discovered this profession.
>2. What advice would you give an aspiring technical writer?
Consider it your mission to do as much as you can toward putting the
technical support staff out of business.
K Watkins
kwatkins -at- quickpen -dot- com
speaking for myself, not my employers
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