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How to Break Into Technical Writing

October 19th, 2010 · 28 Comments

©iStock.com/ matspersson0

So, you want to be a technical writer, but you’re not quite sure where to start?

Technical Writing (more properly known as technical communication) is the process of making complex information easier to understand by using various forms of media such as online help systems, user manuals, training guides, and other means.

There are both permanent and contract technical communications positions available. They tend to be attractive to writers because the projects are large (often taking months to complete) and they pay well.

Since I’ve worked in this field for over twenty years, I am often asked for advice on how to get started from those who wish to get started in technical writing.

3 Steps to Get Started as a Technical Communicator

Twenty years ago when I started as a technical communicator having a degree, a proven aptitude for writing, and a desire to work as a technical communicator was enough to get started in the field. In today’s more competitive environment, I would advise those who are interested to obtain more specific qualifications.

To anyone wanting to work in technical communications today I would recommend the following three steps:

  1. Pursue a technical communications degree
  2. Join the Society for Technical Communication
  3. Take seminars and other continuing education courses

I’ll address each of these steps separately.

Getting a Technical Communications Degree

Back when I started as a technical writer very few colleges offered a degree program in technical communications. In addition, the economy was booming. Companies who needed technical communicators had a tough time finding folks with the necessary communication skills to convey complex technical information to lay people. They were more than willing to hire good communicators and train them inhouse.

Alas, times have changed. Many colleges and universities now offer a technical communications degree. There are also quite a few graduate programs in technical communications. If you’re applying for a technical communications job today, these are the folks that you’ll be competing with for a job. If you have no technical communications experience, odds are that you won’t be selected for the position. Remember, many colleges and universities also have job placement programs in place for their alumni.

Joining the Society for Technical Communication

For most of my technical communication career, I have been a member of the Society for Technical Communication. There are many benefits to joining the professional society. Some of these benefits include:

  • Networking with fellow technical communicators and potential employers
  • Continuing education seminars and conferences
  • Access to the STC Job bank, which contains frequently updated job listings
  • Career advice
  • Discounted access to salary database
  • Ability to specialize in a particular technical communications field through the special interest groups (SIGs)
  • Discounts on insurance programs
  • Discounted pricing on certificate courses

Yes, the membership can be a bit pricey (although there are discounts for student members), but as one potential employer once told me, “your STC membership shows me that you’re serious about the field.”

Taking Seminars and Continuing Education Courses

As a technical communicator, you will find yourself constantly updating and revising your skills. There are a number of seminars and courses to help you do this. Some seminars are available directly through the STC, while others may be offered through your local college or through a professional training organization.

In general, technical communicators need to stay current in three areas:

  • Technical communication trends
  • Usage of tools
  • Writing and communication skills

Technical writers may also be asked to step into other aspects of the project such as usability, testing, or project management.

What About Other Writing Experience?

Can you move directly into technical writing if you have other writing experience, such as marketing communications or journalism?

The answer to that question used to be “yes,” but more and more often I’m convinced that today’s answer is “not without additional training.” The marketplace (for all jobs) is much more competitive than it used to be. For current writers who wish to move into technical writing I’d recommend following one or more of the steps above.

Of course, if you already have technical communications experience you can lean somewhat on your work background, portfolio, and references. However, I would strongly suggest that you consider joining the STC and/or taking continuing education courses.

More Information

There is quite a bit about technical communications online. Here are some additional posts that you may find useful:

What Would You Add?

Did this post answer your questions about technical communications? Are you a technical communicator who would provide different advice?

Leave your answers in the comments.

Tags: Writing Tips

28 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Twitter Trackbacks for How to Break Into Technical Writing : WritingThoughts [writingthoughts.com] on Topsy.com // Oct 19, 2010 at

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  • 2 Ivan Walsh // Oct 20, 2010 at

    Hi Laura,

    Those are all good points. If I was starting out again… I’d suggest that TWs specialize in a specific area rather than being a generalist.

    For example, TWs with knowledge of medical devices or biotechnology can do very well. Energy is also another lucrative area.

    Regards,

    Ivan

  • 3 Laura Spencer // Oct 20, 2010 at

    Good suggestion Ivan!

  • 4 Jael Strong // Oct 20, 2010 at

    This is an excellent blog, very informative. Out of curiosity, is there a field of technical writing that is particularly booming in today’s market?

  • 5 Laura Spencer // Oct 20, 2010 at

    Great question Jael!

    I think Ivan kind of anticipated it in his comment. The fields that he mentioned are all very strong right now.

  • 6 cmdweb // Oct 20, 2010 at

    As a former technical writer still involved with an organisation of some 200 tech authors and illustrators, I know that you can break into tech writing from a number of different angles. In the aerospace industry, the method that’s proved most successful for us is to find people with the product and engineering knowledge as Ivan has alluded to, who also have the literacy skills to be effective tech authors.
    I’d estimate that of our 200-strong workforce, there will be less than 5 people with formal tech writing qualifications, but all have engineering or trade credentials.
    There’s so much more to tech writing though. We expect our guys to be expert, or at least proficient, in the use of SGML and SGML editing apps as well as Common Source Databases, specific industry standards (e.g. ATA, S1000D) and Simplified Technical English.

  • 7 Laura Spencer // Oct 20, 2010 at

    Good input cmdweb!

    Back when I started out most of the technical writers had their degree in another discipline, just as you describe. Many of those folk are still technical writers today. However, for someone starting out today in this economy with NO real experience, I still think getting the qualifications is important.

    For someone who already has technical writing experience it may not be as important to get the specific qualifications. (I wouldn’t exactly call that person “breaking into the field,” though.)

    Of course, the more you know the easier it will be to get a tech writing job. If you understand the tools that are required that’s definitely a plus. I also think Ivan also made a very important point about specialization.

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  • 9 Claire Wagner // Oct 26, 2010 at

    Just for fun, I want to share that I started in technical writing in 1982 when there were no formal education or degree programs, at least on the West Coast. I got a chance to take a junior tech writing position from a woman who was sympathetic about my lack of experience because she came from academia. My co-workers were ex-teachers, a former Xerox technician, a former professor of Latin who lost his job to budget cuts, and others. The only thing we had in common was that we could write. I’m still very thankful for the on-the-job training.

  • 10 sockraina // Oct 27, 2010 at

    This is an excellent blog, very informative. Out of curiosity, is there a field of technical writing that is particularly booming in today’s market?

  • 11 Laura Spencer // Oct 27, 2010 at

    Thanks for the feedback Claire and sockraina!

    Claire,

    I really do think that on the job training is the best kind, but I’m afraid that it’s not as available in the corporate world as it once was. From what I’ve seen, a lot of companies aren’t willing to spend the time it takes to train a writer inhouse.

  • 12 Margie Chey // Oct 31, 2010 at

    I love your weblog.! extremely good colours & topic. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz reply back as I’m looking to create my personal blog and would like to know where you got this from. thanks

  • 13 Laura Spencer // Nov 2, 2010 at

    Margie,

    I used a premium theme from Solostream.

  • 14 Lon Tetzloff // Nov 7, 2010 at

    I think your post was secretly a solid start to a potential series of articles about this topic. Most people pretend to comprehend what they are talking about when it comes to this stuff and really, hardly anyone actually get it. You seem to really dominate it though, so I think you ought to start writing more. Thanks!

  • 15 Laura Spencer // Nov 9, 2010 at

    Thank you Lon! 🙂 Maybe I will write some additional posts on the topic sometime.

  • 16 Copywriting // Nov 16, 2010 at

    As a technical copywriter you have to follow these 3 steps.
    You should have a technical degree as you have to write on various technical topic,you should have some knowledge about it.Good writing and communication skills are needed.
    You can get better knowledge by joining different seminars. I am also a freelance copywriter having 2 year experience in this field.
    I am available for editing, consulting, business writing, technical writing, copy writing, and web content writing.

    Thanks for sharing this useful post with us.

  • 17 Laura Spencer // Nov 20, 2010 at

    Thanks for your comment! 🙂

  • 18 Naresh // Nov 25, 2010 at

    Hi Laura! One of my friend who is really interested in technical communicator. I would like to suggests this blog, which will helps him better for reference. Thanks for sharing

    Regards
    Naresh

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  • 20 Boris M // Nov 20, 2011 at

    Like a few other people who commented on this blog, I too have experience in a different field (high school English teacher), and I have seven years experience as a freelance journalist. I am taking an intro to tech writing course at my local community college. I plan to join the STC and take a few more tech writing courses that will give students an opportunity to create writing samples, so I can start a tech writing portfolio. What programs would you recommend that matches what I am looking for (preferably on-line)? And what specific area of tech writing should I focus on considering I live in the Maryland/D.C. region of the country?

  • 21 Laura Spencer // Nov 22, 2011 at

    Hi Boris,

    Your local STC chapter can probably help you find local resources better than I can. They are also invaluable for making connections and many chapters have a job bank and offer training seminars. Also, many colleges do offer online courses (and if you’re taking the course online you may not need to limit yourself to a local college). Best wishes as you pursue this new direction!

  • 22 Utpal // Jul 19, 2012 at

    Hi Laura,

    I am transitioning myself from QA Analyst to Tech Writer and in my company we also have to write the papers for Grant. Is there a training or resources available for grant writing?

    Thanks

  • 23 Rahul // Aug 19, 2012 at

    Hi,

    I have also tried to touch this issue.
    http://informationdevelopers.blogspot.com/2012/06/technical-writingsome-question-is.html

  • 24 Laura Spencer // Aug 27, 2012 at

    Best wishes to you in your writing career Rahul. 🙂

  • 25 David // Jun 24, 2013 at

    Laura, is a background in software development an asset when breaking into technical writing? I’d think it shows experience dealing with “technical things” but doesn’t demonstrate writing ability. I’m not sure if the former carries much weight. I have a degree in Computer Science with a minor in English, and I often feel like I got them backwards. 🙂

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