3 answers
Cassidy
Student
Concord, North Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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How likely am I to be able to pay off my student debt with a degree in English Rhetoric and Technical Writing?
I'm absolutely going to Appalachian State University for English Rhetoric and Technical Writing. Will I be in debt forever with this degree?
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2 answers
Tom Tate
Copywriter
8
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Tom’s Answer
You are smart to be thinking about the value of your major beforehand. I would recommend searching several job boards and seeing how much technical writers earn. I see attractive salaries for writers, so that is encouraging. You might consider something other than English Rhetoric, though. Search the same job boards for jobs mentioning that specific skill. I'd encourage you to choose something in business as a focus in combination with technical writing. I have never encountered a need or opportunity where English Rhetoric was a requirement, and if I was hiring for a technical writer, seeing that on a resume wouldn't impress me. I'd be more impressed with skills using Adobe Suite and technical writing education. If you love the discipline, take Rhetoric courses as electives and pursue it as an vocation as opposed to a vocation.
Sherri Lomayesva, MA, PMP
Technical Writing, Editing, Content Management
3
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
Sherri’s Answer
Hi Cassidy, your question is important because you need to think about how your degree shapes your future career. I believe that Technical Writing gives you many options for building a solid career.
My long-range plan was to become a Forensic Anthropologist. A writing degree was highly recommended before starting the Forensics program. I completed a Bachelor's degree in English Literature and Composition at the University of Arizona. I applied to the Master's program in Forensic Anthropology run by a well known Forensic Pathologist at the university.
My plan was sidetracked when the Forensics program moved to another state. I changed my strategy and started a career in Technical Writing.
My first job as a Technical Writer was at a healthcare company that made software for medical labs. My role involved writing, editing, and publishing instructions for the medical technicians using lab instruments and software.
The experience that I gained in my first job helped me to expand my skills and progress into senior, principal, and management roles in technical writing. As I progressed in my career, I added Project Management Professional (PMP) and Product Support and Scrum Master (PSPO) certifications to my skill set, to manage technical writing and editing projects.
If you are interested in information about expected salary levels in the US, google "Bureau of Labor Statistics" and search for "Technical Writer" on the website. There is also salary information on similar roles such as Editor, Writer, and Media Communication.
If you are interested in professional organizations that promote writing, look into the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) and the Society for Advancing Business Writing and Editing (SABWE).
Good luck on your degree!
My long-range plan was to become a Forensic Anthropologist. A writing degree was highly recommended before starting the Forensics program. I completed a Bachelor's degree in English Literature and Composition at the University of Arizona. I applied to the Master's program in Forensic Anthropology run by a well known Forensic Pathologist at the university.
My plan was sidetracked when the Forensics program moved to another state. I changed my strategy and started a career in Technical Writing.
My first job as a Technical Writer was at a healthcare company that made software for medical labs. My role involved writing, editing, and publishing instructions for the medical technicians using lab instruments and software.
The experience that I gained in my first job helped me to expand my skills and progress into senior, principal, and management roles in technical writing. As I progressed in my career, I added Project Management Professional (PMP) and Product Support and Scrum Master (PSPO) certifications to my skill set, to manage technical writing and editing projects.
If you are interested in information about expected salary levels in the US, google "Bureau of Labor Statistics" and search for "Technical Writer" on the website. There is also salary information on similar roles such as Editor, Writer, and Media Communication.
If you are interested in professional organizations that promote writing, look into the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) and the Society for Advancing Business Writing and Editing (SABWE).
Good luck on your degree!