There is no formal education in the field of technical communication. Degree
(preferably post graduation) or diploma holders preferably in Journalism and
mass communication, English literature, science or IT with good language skills
can become a technical writer. Having computer literacy and knowledge of software
applications will help candidates in this profession, especially in the IT
sector. There are very few Indian universities/ institutes that offer certificate
courses in technical writing as a mainstream. University-level courses
in Technical Communication is offered by the Dept. of Mass Communication,
Calicut University in Kerala as an optional paper in their Master of Communication
and Journalism (MCJ) course and a short-term program is offered by Stella
Maris College, Chennai.
But there are several foreign institutions which offer degree programs, certifications,
and theory in the field. Besides these, many online courses are there which
help one to become a technical writer.
Technical-writing courses are writing-intensive. A course
in Technical Writing teaches candidates the clear, concise and understandable
way of writing, editing and proof reading a technical subject matter which
is appropriate for a specific audience. It helps in developing skills needed
to produce a technical report, using special format items like headings, lists,
simple techniques for putting graphics into reports and special notices wherever
needed. And such courses also help one to understand writing software tools
like Microsoft word, PageMaker, Frame Maker, Rob help and Front page etc.
But most technical writers learn on the job.
Personal skills
This is an interesting career for a creative writer, who can comprehend and
communicate highly technical subjects in a way that even a non-specialist
could understand. A very good skill in writing and speaking English language
is a must for becoming a technical writer. He or she should have good research
and communication skill because they have to gather information about the
product using many medias like Internet, books etc. Some time they may have
to interview people who are experts in the field to make a good write-up.
Design skill, especially for multimedia presentations, is also a plus for
this profession. Writers who think differently and have innovative ideas of
presentation can excel in the job. A technical writer should familiar with
the specified subject area apart from technically skilled or trained.
