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.
Portfolio Development, Freelance Writing, Technical Writing, Instructional Design, Legal Writing
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
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Traits
Mariel McSherry
Technical Writer
Global Software Company
University of Arizona 2018
Northern Arizona University, Professional Writing and Educational Technology
Political Science, American Studies
Technology
Communication and Marketing
None Applicable, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Build a portfolio by freelancing on platforms like Upwork to showcase your writing skills and experience.
2. Consider entry-level positions such as paid internships, technical writer roles, or instructional design positions.
3. Explore related fields like proposal writing or legal writing, which may require subject matter expertise but offer entry-level opportunities.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
Before you can start writing professionally, you need a portfolio to showcase your work. This will help you get on freelance platforms like Upwork.
You can also approach companies directly and offer your services. The goal is to build a portfolio so you can land an entry-level position. Employers want to see what you've written, how you write, and how you approach projects.
Freelance writing to build a portfolio is a great place to start. Even writing about challenging topics you don't fully understand can be beneficial. For instance, I initially wrote about pipes, septic tanks, and FAQ pages for moving companies.
I also wrote about legal frameworks, the services they offered, plumbing issues, and how tree root invasions could affect pipes. You don't have to be passionate about the subject matter to generate a portfolio.
The key is to show that you can approach unfamiliar topics professionally, gather information, and produce quality work. It's not just about your individual ideas, but about collaborating with others to create a final product.
Besides freelance platforms, there are paid internships for entry-level tech writers. You can also apply directly for tech writer positions and provide your portfolio, explaining your organizational skills and how you work within a team.
Instructional design is another option, though it's a different style of writing. It involves creating curriculums and documentation for university programs. This field requires knowledge of learning theory and other related areas.
Instructional design is an accessible entry-level position, especially if you have expertise in a program that needs curriculum development or delivery planning.
Proposal writing is also an entry-level field, though it often requires subject matter expertise in the area you're writing proposals for.
Finally, there are legal writers. They review text, like release notes, to ensure legal compliance with company standards. They make sure the content doesn't violate any laws. While I don't know all the specifics, we do have legal writers and a legal team overseeing our documents.
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