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."
Communication, Problem-Solving, Teamwork, Creative Imagination, Career Development
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
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. It's okay to not be perfect when starting a career as a technical writer; companies want to help you succeed and grow.
2. Don't hesitate to ask questions and utilize available resources; your questions are important and not a nuisance.
3. The ability to imagine and create something unreal is a valuable skill in tech, allowing for innovation and improvement of products or processes.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
You don't need to be perfect when entering a company as a new person or a new writer. People are there to help you, and they don't expect you to be perfect.
It's still a process, and you're still climbing a learning curve with everyone. It really doesn't stop, so it's more of a welcome to learn and grow. You aren't expected to be a product of what you've done already.
It's okay to be a masterpiece in progress at the same time. If your company cares about you, they want to help you succeed. If you're intimidated by a project, they don't want you to fail.
They want you to do your job well. So, use your resources. I wish people had told me that it's okay to ask questions. You are not a nuisance.
Go to that person's desk and ask, "Do you have a minute to talk about this really small thing?" It is important.
Don't minimize your role, even if you're not a developer. Your role as a writer in the tech world is very important.
The ability to imagine something that is not real is a very valuable and incredibly important skill. That's what creates the future, and every professional is doing it every day. That's how you create new things and innovate.
Anyone who dismisses someone who studied literature or art, or spends time in non-real worlds, is missing the point. It's an incredible and powerful skill to imagine something and have it feel real. Then you can work towards it and refine the details.
You can apply this to an application, a hardware device, or even how you manage a large project like an underground mine. Professionals imagine things that aren't real every day.
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