Ask STC-Montreal: Tech Writing & Information Architecture
Ask STC-Montreal | Posted September 28th, 2009
Got questions about technical communication? Ask the community of STC-Montreal. Send us your questions for publication. (Questions may be edited.)
Today’s question to STC-Montreal is about technical writing, Information architecture, and jobs in Montreal.
Dear STC-Montreal,
A while back I attended STC’s Intro to Tech Writing evening to learn more about a career in this area. Someone suggested to me that since I lacked a technical background (I have a B.A. in History) my best chances for entering the field would be in finding work writing education/training documentation or SOPs etc.
A few years later, I have some experience in communications writing (mainly for the Web), experience using CMS and have participated in website development projects, on the content side of things. As a result I’ve become quite curious about Information Architecture as a niche of tech communications that holds strong appeal. And, with an eye to pursuing a career in tech writing, I’ve tasked myself with writing instructions for new staff around specific procedures, another useful addition to my CV.
I was hoping someone would be able to answer some specific questions, based on my above-noted interests, skill set and my experiences:
- I may be moving back to Montreal in January and want to know of any specific companies where I’d have the best chance of success in targeting for entry-level work?
- Are there any upcoming networking events for folks in the field that I might attend? (wasn’t able to make the STC wine and cheese unfortunately, but nice pics:)
- Do you know anyone working in the area of Information Architecture who I can contact for more info ?
Glad to know things are picking up Suzanne! Thoughts and suggestions welcome!
Thanks very much, S.
Join the discussion. Leave your ideas and suggestions for S in the comments below.
September 29th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Posted by Jim Royal.
Dear S: To answer your questions in order:
By far the best place to be for entry-level work is in larger companies. This may seem counter-intuitive — why should big companies want junior people? The reason is that large companies have the necessary infrastructure to train and mentor employees. Small companies tend to be sink-or-swim, with no time or budget for training.
Every STC event is a great opportunity to network. But there is also the EAC, PWAC, and AMWA. Many people who attend STC events are also members of these organizations. Periodically, all these organization hold giant schmoozefests in Montreal. Watch the site for announcements.
As for information architecture… Most companies have no idea what that is. The few who do know about IA actively look for those with the requisite experience. The best way to break into the field may be from within an existing job, where you might have enough freedom to explore the IA world as an adjunct to your regular duties.
September 29th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Posted by Milan Davidovic.
“… why should big companies want junior people? The reason is that large companies have the necessary infrastructure to train and mentor employees.”
While this explains why big companies are more capable of taking on junior people, I think more explanation is needed as to why big companies would *want* them.
September 29th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
Posted by Jim Royal.
Milan wrote: “I think more explanation is needed as to why big companies would *want* them.”
Good point. In my experience, larger companies tend to have their own specific internal processes and home-grown tools and technologies. They would prefer to train people from the ground up, and this is easier and cheaper with junior people.
October 2nd, 2009 at 9:41 am
Posted by Simone.
Great tips! And interesting insights on the business and hiring practices… I will certainly watch the site for schmoozefest announcements.
Thanks very much for your comments, S