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.
C. Crowley asked: I have done non-computer writing in the past (aerospace)
and would like to
do more of it--not aerospace though. Anyone on this list who is documenting
non-computer stuff (science, industrial equipment, whatever)--how'd you get
into that? What are the qualifications? How did you find your job?
I am a technical writer in manufacturing. This is my third technical
writing job in my almost 5-year career. I have had 2 permanent positions
and one contract position. Both times I changed jobs, I did so of my own
accord. The first time was for a 50% (!!) pay increase. The second time
was partly because I didn't enjoy it as much (telecom), and also because,
as a single mother of three, I was a little frightened by the possibility
of not having a job after my contract ended, so I moved back to permanent
status.
The first company I worked for manufactures SMD taping devices for the
semiconductor industry. Fascinating machines! They take a tape that looks
like movie projector film but with embossed pockets, put in parts, and seal
them with cover tape.
The company I work for now manufatures liquid packaging machines. Remember
back to your grade school days, when you got a morning milk break. Our
machines fill and seal cardboard cartons (in all sizes, not just the little
school-size) of milk, juice, fabric softener, etc. These machines are
extremely complex, and I think they are fun to watch in action (yeah, I'm a
geek.... lol).
Both of these jobs are far from the software industry. There is a
previous post I made in the archives at: http://www.raycomm.com/techwhirl/archives/0105/techwhirl-0105-00110.html
which gives more detail about how I got the jobs, so I won't repeat all of
that here. But, I want to emphasize that I got at least two of the three
jobs because I had CAD experience. If you know or can learn how to read
blueprints, that is another plus.
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