A curriculum vitae highlighting the transition from an academic role to a technical writing career requires a strategic reframing of skills and experience. For example, teaching experience demonstrates communication and instructional design abilities, while research publications showcase analytical thinking and writing proficiency. Course development can be presented as project management, and committee work emphasizes collaboration and problem-solving.
Effectively showcasing these transferable skills is critical for career changers seeking to enter the technical communication field. This approach enables hiring managers to recognize the value of an academic background within a different professional context. It demonstrates a candidate’s capacity to adapt and learn new technologies, while highlighting existing expertise in clear, concise communication. Historically, academics have transitioned into technical writing due to the shared emphasis on precise language and the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences.