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Mariel, Technical Writer at Global Software Company: Advize Career Interview
A career in technical writing offers a dynamic and globally connected experience, as evidenced by this interview with a professional at a leading software company.
The path to success involved diverse early experiences, from retail to freelance writing, building valuable skills in communication and adaptability.
The day-to-day work is varied, demanding meticulous attention to detail and the ability to transform complex information into engaging content.
Success requires embracing challenges like navigating steep learning curves and mastering remote collaboration.
However, the rewards include constant learning, contributions to product design, and a collaborative environment fostering innovation.
Aspiring technical writers should develop a portfolio, build strong relationships, and cultivate resilience, recognizing the industry's value for imagination and problem-solving skills.
This career path proves that a background in literature can, with proactive effort, lead to a fulfilling and impactful career in the tech industry.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Mariel McSherry
Technical Writer
Global Software Company
University of Arizona 2018
Northern Arizona University, Professional Writing and Educational Technology
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Political Science, American Studies
Technology
Communication and Marketing
None Applicable, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
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Career Path of a Technical Writer at Global Software Company
Mariel's career path showcases a blend of diverse experiences, starting with retail and coffee shop jobs where they honed bilingual skills and discovered a passion for diverse cultures. This led to roles as a writing tutor and freelance writer, culminating in a tech writer position at Komatsu, a year teaching English in Madrid, and their current role as a technical writer at a global software company, all underpinned by volunteer work teaching English to a refugee family.
Main Responsibilities of a Technical Writer at Global Software Company
Mariel's role as a Technical Writer involves creating "interface text or UI text" for in-house applications, closely collaborating with software engineers across diverse scientific fields and nationalities to ensure clear and consistent documentation. A significant aspect of their work includes navigating language barriers, "listening really really well," and managing multiple publications annually, while also contributing to ongoing research and development within the company's documentation center.
A Day in the Life of a Technical Writer at Global Software Company
A technical writer's day-to-day tasks vary greatly depending on the software development life cycle stage; the process, from gathering "release notes" to creating detailed online help documentation ("a web of information"), can take four months and requires adapting to constant changes, with no two days ever being the same.
Most Important Skills For a Technical Writer at Global Software Company
For a technical writer, the most crucial skills are adaptability ("rolling with change"), meticulous attention to detail, and knowing when a project is truly complete, even with extensive documentation. Successfully navigating this role also requires the ability to make complex information engaging, fostering a positive work environment through humor and genuine curiosity about colleagues and their expertise.
Favorite Parts of Being a Technical Writer at Global Software Company
Mariel, a technical writer, thrives on the diverse, global team and the constant learning involved in her role, stating "every single day is different," as she tackles challenging technical concepts and contributes to product design through user feedback and problem-solving, even occasionally uncovering defects. This multifaceted work allows for deep focus and the development of valuable life skills, complemented by a balance of physical activity that helps maintain concentration.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Technical Writer At A Global Software Company
Mariel's biggest challenges as a technical writer involve navigating the steep learning curve of a new company's processes, "understanding products," and "gathering information," particularly during the initial six months. Further challenges include mastering remote collaboration, balancing perfectionism with realistic expectations, and achieving work-life balance in a field where "you can edit something forever."
Favorite Parts of Working in the Software Industry as a Technical Writer
Mariel, a Technical Writer, enjoys the flexibility inherent in the publishing process, emphasizing that "there's no one way to write," allowing for individualized project design and iterative process improvement. This, coupled with the global, multicultural collaboration within the tech industry, creates a uniquely rewarding and unifying experience.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Software Industry, According To A Technical Writer At Global Software Company
Technical writers who thrive are "endless problem solvers" and "thorough," demonstrating a dedication to improving processes and a forward-thinking mindset; the industry also attracts diverse personalities, from "overthinkers and perfectionists" to those who achieve seemingly impossible feats with surprising efficiency.
What a Technical Writer at a Global Software Company Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Software Industry
Mariel, a technical writer, advises aspiring professionals to embrace the learning process, emphasizing that "it's okay to be a masterpiece in a work in progress," and to not undervalue the power of imagination—"the ability to imagine something that is not real is a very valuable and incredibly important skill"—as crucial for innovation in the tech world. Seeking help and asking questions are also key to success, as "people want to help you succeed."
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Technical Writers
To enter the technical writing field, building a portfolio through freelance platforms like Upwork is crucial, even if it involves writing about unexpected topics—"like pipes and septic tanks"—to showcase adaptability and professional writing skills. Entry-level opportunities also include paid internships, direct tech writer roles, instructional design positions (requiring curriculum expertise), proposal writing (for subject matter experts), and legal writing, ensuring compliance with company standards and legal requirements.
Significant Career Lesson from a Technical Writer at Global Software Company
Mariel's significant career lesson centers on discerning "what people mean" beyond their words, especially across cultures, and building strong relationships with colleagues, even remotely. This, coupled with the ability to "roll with changes" and tackle seemingly insurmountable workloads, has proven crucial to their success in navigating the challenges of a technical writing career.
College Experiences That Helped A Technical Writer At A Tech Company Succeed
Despite facing negativity regarding their literature degree, the interviewee proactively countered this by "maxing out every opportunity," gaining certifications, building a diverse writing portfolio through various jobs (even "writing about plumbing pipes"), and maintaining strong relationships for support during challenging times. This proactive approach, fueled by resilience and a willingness to take calculated risks, ultimately led to a successful career in technical writing.
How Identity Has Influenced a Technical Writer's Career at Global Software Company
Mariel, a Technical Writer, feels fortunate to work in a company experiencing a rise in women in tech, allowing access to supportive resources like a global women in tech group where "voices from all over the world have space to talk about issues." This group, inclusive of male allies, provides a safe space to navigate challenging situations and amplify their voice within the tech industry.
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