Engineers who are considering a career change--and who have a passion for writing--should seriously explore the technical communication profession as a viable option. With an improving economy, there is a growing need for technical writers with strong technical backgrounds. If you are interested, contact JPG at info@jpgassoc.com and ask us to send you information on [...]
Due to the ever-improving opportunities in the economy for tech. comm. professionals, undergrads in tech. comm. programs should start building a visible presence and awareness in the marketplace at least 12-18 months in advance of graduation. This includes: establishing a LinkedIn account, attending in networking events, talking to experienced peers, joining professional communication organizations, and [...]
Can engineers be good technical writers? Contrary to many opinions from technical communicators, engineers (and other technical specialists) engineers who make the switch to technical communication turn out to be some of the best technical writers we know. Those who have a talent or passion for writing, and who update their skills by enrolling in [...]
If you are an engineer, programmer, service technician, life sciences professional, research scientist, or educator, and are seeking an entirely new career path, please consider the Technical Communication profession. JPG offers free seminars on how to transition into the technical communication profession. For more information on how to make a successful transition, please contact: info@jpgassoc.com
The emergence of social media has created an entire new subset of professional opportunities for technical and marketing communication graduates entering the workforce in 2015.
Here is some advice to those who are sending out lots of resumes, but not getting interviews: 1) try changing your resume format--the way the information is presented, 2) re-read your resume & see if you have any grammatical, punctuation, or spelling errors, and 3) determine if your content has too much or too little [...]
While enrolled in a technical communication university program, we encourage tech. comm. undergraduates to pursue paid or non-paid working opportunities that provide experiences and transferable skill sets that increase their marketability upon graduation. Suggestions include: 1) PT work at school newspaper or publication, 2) summer corporate internships, 3) volunteer and/or pro bono projects.
Following a job interview, be sure to devote adequate time and energy to the follow-up process. 1. Communicate appreciation and interest with an email or letter. 2. Offer to answer additional questions, provide additional samples, and/or offer list of references. 3. Be accessible by phone, email. 4. Return emails or calls promptly. 5. Check back [...]
Future trends in Tech. Comm.: Tools & methodologies will continue to evolve, change. More access to cloud-based tools. Delivery to personal devices will be a higher priority. Paper will not go away entirely. Writers will increasingly become project managers. Changing technology will require periodic retraining. Virtual office should get stronger. Although more technical writing jobs [...]
Communication is important when seeking new job opportunities: 1) Have all vital contact information on resume, 2) Check e-mail and voice mail on a regular basis, 3) Return e-mail inquiries and missed phone calls promptly—sometimes a day or even hours can make the difference, 4) Be proactive and check in with your agencies or contacts [...]