Individuals who are considering a field of writing in which to pursue a career, might consider finding out what a technical writer does. Technical writers handle a multitude of various tasks in all different industries and workplace environments in order to support processes and operations.
Technical Writing in the Workplace
Technical writers often choose to focus on one particular industry or type of writing as they pursue an education and a career in the field. Common industries in which this category of professional writer are utilized include health care and medicine, engineering, science, manufacturing, government operations, education, electronics, and computers.
Within these various industries, the responsibilities a technical writer undertakes vary greatly. Essentially, the technical writer is responsible for taking information from the technical side of an area or industry and publishing it in a format and style that is easily understood and followed. The writing projects that might be completed include employee handbooks and operations manuals, instructions for employees or clients, proposals, grants, sales letters, and all other types of internal and external communications.
Most technical writers work in an office environment with a team of other writers or technical personnel, such as engineers, nurses, computer scientists, or chemists. There are also available options for telecommuting and freelance or by-project assignments.
Skills for Professional Technical Writers
Technical writers need a variety of different skill sets in order to effectively manage and publish documents for any type of corporation. The first set are directly related to writing. These professionals must have an aptitude for adapting to various writing styles, tone, and levels of knowledge, making strong writing skills the top requirement. Proofreading and editing are also essential.
Additional communication skills are also a must. Most writing assignments in this field will require collaboration with other team members, and often developing presentations are a requirement. Therefore, effective verbal and interpersonal skills are helpful for technical writers to possess.
An aptitude for the technical industry a writer is part of, is also helpful. Many technical writing majors will minor in a specific area or discipline in order to gain the knowledge that is required to understand the material and create a document. Examples of common minors for a technical writer include business, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and biology.
Related Resource: Technical Consultant
Education and Certifications
There are a number of options for technical writers to complete an education. Most often, a Bachelor’s degree technical writing or a related field, such as English or communications, is required. Technical writing majors will complete courses such as professional writing, business communications, writing in the sciences, document design, grammar and usage, and linguistics in addition to any minor coursework that is required or desired. Most programs also require completion of a project course gain practical experience.
In addition to a Bachelor’s degree, many technical writers are able to gain skills and build a resume with professional certifications. For additional information on available certifications to build necessary skills in technical writing, visit the Society for Technical Communication website.
Many options are available for individuals interested in finding a rewarding, satisfying career in writing. One place to start is to decide if becoming a technical writer is right for you.
Follow