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Technical Writer

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Arts, Audio-Video Technology and Communications cluster Journalism and Broadcasting pathway.

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

Bachelor's degree

Employers generally prefer candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, or a related field. Technical writing jobs may require candidates to have knowledge of a technical field, such as engineering or computer and information technology.

Insider Info

Additional Information

If you're interested in technical writing, there are things you can do right now to prepare for this career. "It's not too soon to begin your career!" says technical writer Louinda Benson.

"Opportunities are out there -- to get an article published, compete in a local writing competition, network with your local chapter and talk to writers in all disciplines. Read, write and practice good listening skills!"

Don't forget about the "technology" in technical writing! Benson and other technical writers also recommend staying on top of science and math classes, as well as learning what you can on your own time about the industry.

That might mean spending some time in the computer lab. "It also helps to have a background in the technical field, so you can talk intelligently with [the engineers and programmers]," says technical writer Tracey Chiracosta.

Most technical writers approach this field from one of two angles -- either with a BA in English or journalism supplemented by some engineering and computer science courses, or with a BS supplemented by English and journalism courses.

There are two-year diploma programs for technical writers, but experts say a bachelor's degree is generally the minimum requirement for employment in this field. "Employers want to know you have the analytical capacity for the job. It seems they feel a degree is a good indicator of this," says technical writer Tom Lindsay.

Diane Proulx does marketing work for a Society for Technical Communication (STC) chapter. She agrees that technical writers should have a bachelor's degree. Proulx says that they should also have excellent language skills and basic knowledge of the following:

-style guide principles

-file management and version control systems

-markup languages (HTML, XML and so on)

-client-server technology

-user interfaces such as graphical user interfaces (GUIs), web interfaces, and command line interfaces (CLIs)

-databases, database management systems (DBMS) and relational database management systems (RDBMS)

-industry standard technical writing tools (desktop publishing tools, Acrobat, and so on)

Extra Requirements

Some associations, including the Society for Technical Communication, offer certification for technical writers. In addition, the American Medical Writers Association offers extensive continuing education programs and certificates in medical writing. These certificates are available to professionals in the medical and allied scientific communication fields. Although not mandatory, certification can demonstrate competence and professionalism, making candidates more attractive to employers. It can also increase a technical writer’s opportunities for advancement.

For additional information, visit these websites:

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

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