Re: Career Change for Sr. Network Admin

[Lisa Wright <liwright -at- earthlink -dot- net>]

Julie,
If you feel that moving out of network admin and into technical writing 
will make you happier, then my opinion is that you are absolutely not 
crazy. Be happy. Like what you do.

I think an online technical writing course is a great idea, especially 
if you've been out of the classroom for awhile. It can give you a frame 
of reference when someone asks how you might do something. Look for one 
that teaches some form of electronic publishing, such as online help, 
content management, etc. Many of the software vendors have trials and 
tutorials you could work on in a weekend--check job ads in SF or 
wherever you think you might end up to see what would be most effective.

I don't have pointers to portfolio information; you might check the 
archives. My portfolio is a 3-ring that has tabs for different kinds of 
documents, and the documents are in slip covers to keep things neat. The 
binder zips closed so everything stays nice over time. In the pocket is 
a CD with web-based help that I wrote. Lots of people have web 
portfolios, but most of my stuff is proprietary, so I let employers know 
up front that I can't publish my work freely. (I thank Eric and Deb Ray 
for the inspiration for this from their own web page.) It seems very 
old-fashioned, but it works very well. If I were marketing myself  more 
as a contract/independent company writer, I'd probably have a web presence.

For *your* portfolio, use the documents you've written on the job. 
Proposals, admin manuals, whatever you've got. Bind it neatly. Start 
there and keep building.

I believe with your network background, you could be very desirable. 
Security is a very big concern. Companies need people to document 
policies, procedures, and the networks themselves. IT systems complex 
and more vital than ever to business operations. If you understand them 
and can write about them, you are a valuable addition to a team.

Good luck!

Lisa

Julie Schneider wrote: