Another day, another day job
November 30, 2011 5:24 PM Subscribe
Tell me what you know about technical or medical writing.
I’ve seen these questions and certainly will take any advice that’s applicable to me. But of course my question is somewhat different.
I’m looking to change careers and am considering going back to school to learn some new skills. A little background: I’ve been a writer for fifteen years and have a pretty good body of work as a games writer (low-tech games, not video games. I write how-to’s for somewhat complicated parlor, card, and outdoor games, like Canasta or Mafia). I’ve had two “day” jobs in this time: a long stint as a financial editor at an investment bank and a longer stint as a math SAT tutor. I’ve been a SAHM for two years and now need to think about a different kind of bread-and-butter job. My dad suggested technical writing. I’ve done a bit of science journalism and really enjoyed it—but I had to work at a snail’s pace to understand what I was writing about, due to a fundamental lack of science and math education in undergrad (degree was in English).
So, I don’t think I’m really qualified with my current skill-set. (I *am* trying to get more work again in financial editing, but it’s been ten years. I don’t want to resume SAT tutoring—I don’t think I’m a particularly gifted teacher, though I did like showing kids the puzzly/game aspects of the math section.)
My question is: What kinds of technical- or medical-writing jobs are out there, and what sort of classes/degree might I take in New York to learn these fields? I’ve seen this Wikipedia entry and this U.S. News and World Report story on technical writing. I know that Brooklyn College offers an 8-week certificate in technical writing, but I doubt this would be as useful as some engineering classes, or doing a degree as a PA for medical writing (probably overkill), for example.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
I’ve seen these questions and certainly will take any advice that’s applicable to me. But of course my question is somewhat different.
I’m looking to change careers and am considering going back to school to learn some new skills. A little background: I’ve been a writer for fifteen years and have a pretty good body of work as a games writer (low-tech games, not video games. I write how-to’s for somewhat complicated parlor, card, and outdoor games, like Canasta or Mafia). I’ve had two “day” jobs in this time: a long stint as a financial editor at an investment bank and a longer stint as a math SAT tutor. I’ve been a SAHM for two years and now need to think about a different kind of bread-and-butter job. My dad suggested technical writing. I’ve done a bit of science journalism and really enjoyed it—but I had to work at a snail’s pace to understand what I was writing about, due to a fundamental lack of science and math education in undergrad (degree was in English).
So, I don’t think I’m really qualified with my current skill-set. (I *am* trying to get more work again in financial editing, but it’s been ten years. I don’t want to resume SAT tutoring—I don’t think I’m a particularly gifted teacher, though I did like showing kids the puzzly/game aspects of the math section.)
My question is: What kinds of technical- or medical-writing jobs are out there, and what sort of classes/degree might I take in New York to learn these fields? I’ve seen this Wikipedia entry and this U.S. News and World Report story on technical writing. I know that Brooklyn College offers an 8-week certificate in technical writing, but I doubt this would be as useful as some engineering classes, or doing a degree as a PA for medical writing (probably overkill), for example.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Best answer: * The Society of Technical Communication has New York chapter, who might be able to at least give you good advice.
* Community colleges often have technical writing classes. If there is not such a class close to you, you could probably find an online college class. I'm ambivalent about the value for someone with your experience. The best aspect for you might be the networking opportunity with the instructor.
* If you decide to go for a credential, I advise something at least as much about the science or technology as about the writing. I think you've got the writing part covered. A certificate might help you as much as a degree. And unless your confident about specializing in specific field of science, I would advise against committing to a narrow program. Some schools offer individualized programs. I don't know much about New York, but I know a few schools that do this by distance.
* 2- and 4-year colleges often (not always) have sciencey or techy type classes intended for the laymen, such as "fill-in-the-blank-science and society" or "blank-science for non-majors."
* Sometimes universities have various free lecture events. Besides the knowledge dispensed, mingling might help you network.
* To get your foot in the door and a little learning, you might volunteer with a relevant nonprofit group, such as an environmental group or a disease-fighting charity. You could do their press releases and such.
* You might advertise to copy edit papers for science grad students. Then one thing could lead to another.
* You could look for relevant new businesses who might need press releases, etc.
* The entry from the Occupational Outlook Handbook might be useful.
* You could start a blog, and that might draw people to you.
posted by maurreen at 11:42 PM on November 30, 2011
* Community colleges often have technical writing classes. If there is not such a class close to you, you could probably find an online college class. I'm ambivalent about the value for someone with your experience. The best aspect for you might be the networking opportunity with the instructor.
* If you decide to go for a credential, I advise something at least as much about the science or technology as about the writing. I think you've got the writing part covered. A certificate might help you as much as a degree. And unless your confident about specializing in specific field of science, I would advise against committing to a narrow program. Some schools offer individualized programs. I don't know much about New York, but I know a few schools that do this by distance.
* 2- and 4-year colleges often (not always) have sciencey or techy type classes intended for the laymen, such as "fill-in-the-blank-science and society" or "blank-science for non-majors."
* Sometimes universities have various free lecture events. Besides the knowledge dispensed, mingling might help you network.
* To get your foot in the door and a little learning, you might volunteer with a relevant nonprofit group, such as an environmental group or a disease-fighting charity. You could do their press releases and such.
* You might advertise to copy edit papers for science grad students. Then one thing could lead to another.
* You could look for relevant new businesses who might need press releases, etc.
* The entry from the Occupational Outlook Handbook might be useful.
* You could start a blog, and that might draw people to you.
posted by maurreen at 11:42 PM on November 30, 2011
Best answer: I second maurreen's point that you don't need to worry about your writing cred as much as your technical cred. I highly recommend:
- Taking courses in HTML, CSS, and XML
- Learning your way around common authoring tools such as Framemaker and CMS-based tools like Flare and AuthorIT (and becoming an expert Word user, if you aren't already)
- Considering learning the basics of a proramming language like Perl
- Volunteering to write technical documentation for open-source software projects
- Reading Developing Quality Techical Information and skimming the Microsoft Manual of Style for Technical Publications (you should be able to find the third edition online for free)
- Checking out the STC's online certification courses -- they'll give you an idea of the current hot topics in technical writing
- Starting a Twitter account and tweet articles from tech comm blogs -- there are tons of technical writers, UX people, and eLearning types on Twitter
- Joining Technical Writing World
posted by neushoorn at 2:47 AM on December 1, 2011 [2 favorites]
- Taking courses in HTML, CSS, and XML
- Learning your way around common authoring tools such as Framemaker and CMS-based tools like Flare and AuthorIT (and becoming an expert Word user, if you aren't already)
- Considering learning the basics of a proramming language like Perl
- Volunteering to write technical documentation for open-source software projects
- Reading Developing Quality Techical Information and skimming the Microsoft Manual of Style for Technical Publications (you should be able to find the third edition online for free)
- Checking out the STC's online certification courses -- they'll give you an idea of the current hot topics in technical writing
- Starting a Twitter account and tweet articles from tech comm blogs -- there are tons of technical writers, UX people, and eLearning types on Twitter
- Joining Technical Writing World
posted by neushoorn at 2:47 AM on December 1, 2011 [2 favorites]
Best answer: A couple resources that I think should help you (if it is the medical writing):
Previously (and see Tentacle's answer,and upon rereading the answers, Tentacle's was the best and most applicable as to how to get in right now): To get some of the medical writing or medical editing jobs in NYC, you can usually take an in office (sometimes at home) writing or editing test. If you do well, you are part way through the door.
There are some jobs as a writer or editor at medical communication companies where they preferentially hire people with a BA or Masters in English (there are also companies that prefer to hire PhDs, MDs, PharmDs, but you only need one job, so you can ignore those companies).
A recruiter can sometimes help get you in the door and line up a few interviews for you again, you have to do well on the test.
As a heads up ,most medical communication companies can be insane in terms of the hours that you work; I know people who work weekends, evenings, pull all nighters, all while on salary. Some places have very high turnover rates. I knew this before I did it myself, but my plan was to do it at a company for a few years max and then get out.
Now in terms of training. I can't imagine that a class will help you get into this field. Instead, teach yourself. If you want to the editing route (this may be an easier way for you to get in---most these pple have a BA and not a higher degree, and learned on the job--you also already have years experience as an editor for another field), then pick up the AMA Manual of Style and become familiar with it. Or as an easier start, google AMA Manual of Style guide and you can usually find summaries online and teach yourself some of the basics. Take a look at some published primary and secondary articles, too, to see the writing or how it is applied (if you don't have access to this, memai me, I can send you a few articles).
If you want to do the writing route, my best guess is that someone may hire you to do copywriting; to be honest, it is usually material to teach physicians (think large flashcards, pictures, but it includes text).There may be a slightly steeper curve if you have no background in science at all; however, I've known people who were very diligent and gotten in (as in they looked up every single word and continued onwards.I think knowing very basic stats would be helpful (as in P<>
If you really want to go the medical communication writing or editing route ,memail me and I can point you to a PDF online that lists tons of companies with many in NYC. I'd start there and email your cover letter with a statement that you are looking for a job. Right now is the busy season, so if you were to be hired, it would be most likely between October to December. I'm pretty sure that I know the names of a few companies where they prefer to hire pple with a BA.
Feel free to memail me if you have more questions. Good luck.
posted by Wolfster at 11:16 AM on December 1, 2011 [2 favorites]
Previously (and see Tentacle's answer,and upon rereading the answers, Tentacle's was the best and most applicable as to how to get in right now): To get some of the medical writing or medical editing jobs in NYC, you can usually take an in office (sometimes at home) writing or editing test. If you do well, you are part way through the door.
There are some jobs as a writer or editor at medical communication companies where they preferentially hire people with a BA or Masters in English (there are also companies that prefer to hire PhDs, MDs, PharmDs, but you only need one job, so you can ignore those companies).
A recruiter can sometimes help get you in the door and line up a few interviews for you again, you have to do well on the test.
As a heads up ,most medical communication companies can be insane in terms of the hours that you work; I know people who work weekends, evenings, pull all nighters, all while on salary. Some places have very high turnover rates. I knew this before I did it myself, but my plan was to do it at a company for a few years max and then get out.
Now in terms of training. I can't imagine that a class will help you get into this field. Instead, teach yourself. If you want to the editing route (this may be an easier way for you to get in---most these pple have a BA and not a higher degree, and learned on the job--you also already have years experience as an editor for another field), then pick up the AMA Manual of Style and become familiar with it. Or as an easier start, google AMA Manual of Style guide and you can usually find summaries online and teach yourself some of the basics. Take a look at some published primary and secondary articles, too, to see the writing or how it is applied (if you don't have access to this, memai me, I can send you a few articles).
If you want to do the writing route, my best guess is that someone may hire you to do copywriting; to be honest, it is usually material to teach physicians (think large flashcards, pictures, but it includes text).There may be a slightly steeper curve if you have no background in science at all; however, I've known people who were very diligent and gotten in (as in they looked up every single word and continued onwards.I think knowing very basic stats would be helpful (as in P<>
If you really want to go the medical communication writing or editing route ,memail me and I can point you to a PDF online that lists tons of companies with many in NYC. I'd start there and email your cover letter with a statement that you are looking for a job. Right now is the busy season, so if you were to be hired, it would be most likely between October to December. I'm pretty sure that I know the names of a few companies where they prefer to hire pple with a BA.
Feel free to memail me if you have more questions. Good luck.
posted by Wolfster at 11:16 AM on December 1, 2011 [2 favorites]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by unknowncommand at 7:12 PM on November 30, 2011