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John Collins is a senior product localization manager at Atlassian after transitioning through a couple other roles with the company. Most recently he was senior content architect on the Content Platform, and before that he was a senior content designer. Long ago, Collins was an award-winning community journalist, but he made the move to the software industry about two decades ago and has extensive experience with technical writing, UX writing, content strategy, content design, and localization.
Based in Austin, Texas, Collins has spoken internationally, yet he’s still learning and exploring language and semantics and how to bridge between that and technology.
Connect with him to learn more.
Listen to the Podcast Here, or Find it Wherever You Get Your Podcasts:
Here are Three Things We Cover:
- Career Transition from Journalism to Tech: John Collins talks about his early career in journalism, working as a sports editor and a managing editor for small weekly community newspapers. He shares how the skills he developed in journalism, such as writing, reporting, and layout, planted the seeds for his eventual pivot to a tech career. His transition was significantly influenced by the need for a better work-life balance, especially after the birth of his child. A technical writing course he’d taken in college also played a role in guiding him toward a tech career.
- Breaking into the Tech Industry: The episode covers strategies and advice for breaking into the tech industry, especially for those coming from non-traditional backgrounds. John emphasizes that roles in tech aren’t limited to software engineering or development; there are many non-traditional paths that can lead to a career in tech. For instance, people can leverage volunteer work in nonprofits or contribute to open source projects as a way to gain relevant experience. They also discussed the importance of referrals and effectively pitching oneself to potential employers.
- Key Skills for Success in Tech: John highlights the importance of soft skills, like communication and the ability to have difficult conversations, which are crucial for career success in tech. He also discusses the ongoing debate between being a generalist versus a specialist. Generalists have a broad set of skills, while specialists have deep expertise in one area. Both paths have their merits and can lead to successful careers, depending on personal interests and career goals. Books like “Designing Your Life,” “Range,” and “Niche Down” are recommended for further reading on this topic.
Here are Three Actionable Takeaways From This Episode
- Explore Volunteer Opportunities: Identify local nonprofits or open-source projects that need technical help, such as website management or database administration. Volunteer your skills to gain experience and build your portfolio.
- Develop Soft Skills: Focus on improving your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities by taking on group projects or enrolling in soft skill workshops.
- Understand Agile Methodologies: Take introductory courses or read books on Agile, Scrum, and sprints. Familiarize yourself with software development practices and participate in related team activities.