Synergistech's advice for Communicators in Transition

The majority of today's experienced technical communicators stumbled into the profession and have made their own maps. With the many recent changes both in the Bay Area high-tech industry and the global economy, most have wondered whether it's time to embark on a new journey.

The answer is not always 'no.' Globalization and the advent of formally trained young technical communicators eager to make their mark has changed the landscape, raising expectations while reducing wages at the less-specialized end of the professional spectrum.

There's plenty of opportunity left to make a difference, but veterans need to specialize to merit top dollar. These articles seek to provide realistic guidance to newcomers as well as those tired of the tech trek. Please let us know whether they've helped you.

Getting Experience when you have none: Escaping the Catch-22 — practical advice for those seeking to enter the technical communications profession but lacking work experience, updated and more relevant than ever

Getting Specific about what you want in your next Tech Pubs job — important questions that will help us match you with the right job

Thriving in the Oncoming Lane: creating fulfilling work in the high-tech industry — how to avoid becoming roadkill on the Information SuperHighway

Contracting Misperceptions — read this before deciding you want to be a contractor when you grow up

Communications-related Professional Organizations — a long list of organizations that advance the careers of technical communicators

Technical Communications Educational Resources in the San Francisco Bay Area

Help update the Bay Area Networking Guide (BANG) — Project Coordinator and Researchers needed

Learning what the Natives know — Researching your target market using the technical trade press, online training, company research tools, and more

Technical Communications Internships — what, why, where, and how?

Evaluating your values, motivations, and needs — Career assessment and exploration resources, free and otherwise

Technical Communications compensation surveys — local certificate and degree programs, online curricula, and more

When to Trade Up — determining the right time to move on from a job that isn't helping your career (c. 2005, presentation and speaker's notes )

Dealing with Recruiters and Negotiating Compensation — understand the role, motivation, and background of recruiters and HR folk so you can more efficiently and reliably get what you want

Career Paths for tired Tech Writers — actual 'next careers' for some of the Bay Area's Dot-Bomb refugees

Synergistech's Career-Coaching service — benefit from Andrew Davis' insights, strategies, experience, and connections to optimize your technical communications career path

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