Learn by joining professional organization

Two years ago I found myself tossed into the simmering stew of unemployed journalists for the third time in two years. This, plus the fact the job market overflowed with young piranhas and old crocodiles in the same trade, told me it was time to make a career change. Obviously I needed a new approach.

During the ritualistic consultation with my unemployment counselor, I was convinced to try technical writing. Reluctantly, I called Richard Kersch, the Boulder branch manager for Southeastern Computer Consultants Inc., a private consulting firm contracted by Lockheed Martin Mission Systems in Boulder.

Kersch told me I needed experience…