Technical Writing
Introduction
Technical writers have been around for a long time. In some ways, you can even look upon the illuminated manuscripts from medieval times as early technical writing! I mean, they do instruct the faithful in the mysteries of establishing the Kingdom of Heaven on earth or failing that, how to find enough salvation to convince St. Peter let you past the "Pearly Gates."
However, the job title of technical writer has only existed since the late '70s or early '80s. Until then, the programmers who coded the software or the engineers who designed the products wrote most of the documentation.
As technology has become more complex and abundant, the need for people who can understand and explain the operation of software, hardware or other equipment has grown explosively also. Today, the employment outlook for technical writers continues to be excellent in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan and in other countries experiencing industrial and technological growth.
If you are a writer and have an interest in technology, you may want to take a look at this rapidly expanding field. The reverse is also true. A technical background and a flair for writing are still good attributes for those seeking to gain entry to technical communication. Hey, there is even a shortage of good technical writers!
One of the attractions of this exciting field is that you can actually make a good living as a writer while you exercise and hone your talents in preparation to writing your literary masterpiece or million-dollar bestseller. Technical writing—like journalism and advertising or marketing copy writing keeps you writing. After all, a writer must somehow write!
Becoming a Technical Writer is a course about how to become a technical writer. It is not a course designed to teach you how to write like a technical communicator. You should take college courses in technical writing or study books on this type of writing if you wish to learn more about the mechanics of style and syntax used in technical writing. Some staffing agencies also offer classes in writing development for aspiring technical communicators.
While not a course in the "nuts and bolts" of writing, you will take a look at some documents produced by technical writers which are compared to the original engineering specifications. You also have a hands-on writing exercise where you rewrite the engineering specifications, "techspeak," into coherent, standard English.
Some time is also spent studying what technical writers actually do on the job and how they do those jobs. This wealth of helpful, practical information will help you to decide if tech writing is the field for you.The course also gives advice on how to build up a "portfolio" of writing samples even if you have never worked as a tech writer. You will find out the skills and knowledge that managers are looking for from aspiring technical writers. Tips on writing a resume and handling an interview are also part of the course.
After taking the course, you will have acquired greater understanding of the field of technical writing, awareness of the skills and aptitudes required to work as a technical writer, and if you are suited to the occupation.
Lessons
Click here to see course syllabus
