High tech positions such as web designer, software designer, and technical writer are modern career choices for English majors. This report discusses the qualifications, approximate salaries and what to expect in these three careers.
Technical Writer
Technical writers hold positions with scientific or technical organizations and mostly
produce manuals, proposals or product literature. You might also be responsible for
creating letters, memorandums, writing style manuals, papers, reports, abstracts,
advertisements, speeches, press releases, scripts, charts and tables. Basically, any
and every kind of writing for the company can fall under your realm of responsibility.
Software Design
Software designers with Liberal Arts degrees are the people that design what the software
will look like, not the people behind writing the code. These people design the graphics
and write the text that appears as part of the software. They also design the look
of the software and its packaging. A writer would also write the any kind of reference
software. A software designer may start out as a junior designer and move all the
way up the ladder to software architect.
Web Design
Web designers create the pages, layout, graphics, and text for websites. They don't
run the technology behind the websites; that is for programmers. What web designers
are responsible for is the creation of the look, feel, and navigation of sites and
pages. The bottom of the ladder in this career is the web graphic designer. After
mastering this position, one may move his way up through the ranks and arrive at the
top with the rank of website architect.
Hi-tech training
Many English majors work in technical support, training, and human resources. To learn
more, visit the American Society for Training and Development. [blank target] Founded
in 1944, ASTD is the world's premier professional association and leading resource
on workplace learning and performance issues. It has a searchable job bank.
Skills Needed
Technical Writer
You DON'T need a degree or focus area in science or engineering to be a technical
writer. The majority of tech writers have a four-year degree in English. You must
have a tremendous working knowledge of grammar and have a writing portfolio to show
your prospective employers that you are a capable writing communicator.
Software Design
A bachelor's degree is needed to compete in the software design world. A software
designer also needs to know how graphics work and have training in this area. As any
writer, a software designer should have an excellent working knowledge of grammar
and communications skills. A prospective software designer should have a portfolio
of his work with text and graphics.
Web Design
Most web designers have a bachelor's degree in graphic design or visual or fine arts.
Basic knowledge of HTML coding is required as well as working knowledge of programs
such as:
- Microsoft FrontPage
- Macromedia Director, Dreamweaver, Flash, and Shockwave
- Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and GoLive
- Image Ready
Also needed is an ability to write with grammatical correctness and fluency because even if a website is great to look at, no one will be able to use it unless it communicates effectively. As with all writing jobs, a portfolio of work is necessary or required.
Compensation
Technical Writer
Compensation for technical writers varies according to skill level, industry, location
and company. Salaries can range from $35,000 to $85,000 depending on the amount of
experience the writer has.
Software Design
A junior designer would start out making around $30,000 depending on location and
company. A project manager would make considerably more, usually between $70,000 and
$110,000. At the top of the chain, a software architect could make upwards of $120,000.
Web Design
Like other careers, salaries of web designers vary according to location and type
of employer. Salaries have been on the upswing and are expected to continue to grow
with the Internet and web usage. For now, beginning web designers can expect to make
$30,000 and $45,000. The salary for the highest level web designer, a website architect,
is $70,000-$150,000.
Links
-
www.wetfeet.com
This site gives many career overviews, requirements, job outlooks, career tracks, and compensation levels. -
www.careerplanit.com
This site is also a searchable site that gives details on many careers. -
www.monster.com
This site has a wonderful job search agent and allows you to put your resume on the web for employers to view. - Order High-Tech Careers for Low-Tech People from Amazon.com. Of this ground-breaking book, which has changed the lives of many English majors, the author says, "If you're wondering what on earth you can do with a liberal arts degree, or are contemplating a career change, I'm pretty sure you'll find this book very useful, and fun to read as well. . . . By the way, my college major was French literature."