How Can You Get Into the Technical Writing Field?

If you have a knack for understanding technical subjects and a flair for writing you might want to explore how you can become a technical writer.  Technical writers prepare how-to guides, journal articles, instruction manuals  and other supporting documents to communicate technical information more easily.

Technical writers are employed by a large range of firms including the education sector, the medical industry, the defense industry, the aerospace industry, the heavy machinery industry, the software industry, the Springbok casino and others in the gaming industry, the automobile manufacturing industry, the consumer electronics industry and others.

Minimum requirements for technical writers include an Associate’s degree or certificate in technical writing but if you are focused on working as a technical writer it’s suggested that you complete a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in order to give you an edge in the job market.

Technical Writers

Companies rely on technical writers to develop written materials — such as user guides – that are easy to read to explain their technical products and services.  Technical writers need to be able to understand the technical concepts of the product or service and then translate that information into materials that are suitable to various audiences. Brainstorming, outlining and producing professional documentation free of errors for a range of users and knowledge levels.

Preparing for a career as a technical writer can be a good career path. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that in the next 10 years, the employment of technical writers will grow 12 percent, faster than the general average.

If you are interested in a career as a technical writer you need to learn how to create documents that clearly communicate complex information using research and evaluation, design documents that include images, charts, lists, headings and infographics to increase readability, communicate technical concepts such as engineering processes, computer applications, medical procedures and environmental and economic regulations and analyze target audiences so that you can plan the content presentation and define the project requirements.

Preparation

To prepare to become a technical writer, you should work towards a degree in a field such as scientific writing, journalism or technical communications. Consider developing your expertise in specialized fields like medicine, data/computer science or engineering through additional coursework and training.

Certification

While course studies in the above-mentioned fields are useful for people pursuing careers as technical writers, there are no degree programs that are specifically for technical writers. For that reason, it’s highly suggested that you do a certification program that gives you the specific skills that a technical writer needs.

Employers will feel more comfortable hiring someone with a certification from a recognized technical communication academy because they can rely on the certification to attest to your credentials as someone who is trained in the specific discipline of technical writing.

Technical writing schools provide students with all the various levels of technical writing expertise including foundation and practice in the art of technical writing. Some programs are run by specific sectors such as the American Medical Writer’s Association (AMWA) which offers training and education programs for writers specializing in medical writing.

Portfolio

Build your portfolio by taking on small independent projects. There are a number of social media groups for freelance writers where members pass on job opportunities as well as Internet sites where employers look for people to do small projects for them.

These small jobs generally don’t pay well but they do allow you to build a portfolio so when you go into a job interview, you’ll be able to show samples of your work. You can also add work to your portfolio that you create for a friend or acquaintance – even if you volunteer your time, your product is invaluable for your portfolio.

Keep copies of all of your work and if it is published on the Internet or in a pamphlet, archive the link or keep a copy of the printed material. When you apply for jobs you can show potential employers your work and demonstrate your written and technical skills.

Network

Network on social media or through professional associations for technical writers. If you’re able to attend networking events you can meet professionals in medical, scientific and IT fields who may prove invaluable as you build your reputation. Sometimes you can learn about open-source projects to which you can contribute work which will help you spread the word about your work.

Stay Up-to-Date

Demonstrate your familiarity with updated industry knowledge by staying up to date on industry trends and developments. Read up on new software and technology, scientific research or medical advances. Research is a basic part of technical writing. You can find resources through professional networks and industry materials.

You might also want to familiarize yourself with coding to make yourself more marketable. And it’s suggested that you focus your efforts on one niche which will help you gain recognition in that specific industry.