Technical writing or Technical communication is all about communicating an
idea to particular readers in an easily understandable way. The field is gaining
more importance in this current period of fast technological advancement.
Companies need the help of a Technical writer or Technical communication professional,
in order to translate or explain the technical usage of their products in
simple language so that even a common man who could not understand the technical
words and language could figure out the advantages or the operation of their
products or services. In short, Technical writers specialise in writing technology
for non-technical persons.
A technical writer writes reports that any technically oriented professional
/ expert/specialist do as part of their regular job. They write ‘how to use’
manuals, project reports, online help files, instruction and installation
guides, make graphical presentations and brochures for products of various
industries like IT, consumer products, medical , journals etc. A technical
writer, who works with an engineer writes engineering and designing information
for common people. Usually he or she has to help an user to understand a product
and how to use it. For that, one should know the product and understand its
technology well although he or she is not an expert in that. A technical writer
develops an expertise in a particular technical area for which one is working
for, and whatever he writes or says about the field, is termed as technical
communication.
A technical writer should have an interest in science and
technology. And he should also have researching skill as he has to collect
information through books, internet and some times he needs to interview people
who are the technological experts in the field. The technical writer should also
possess good command over English and should know how to present a matter in an
easily understandable manner. A technical writer can find work in various firms
such as advertising agencies, IT companies, Newspapers and magazines etc
If you have good command over English language and
confidence that you can understand the technology and simplify the technical
language to a user friendly one, then you can choose technical writing as
your career. TWIN (Technical Writers of India) and Society for Technical Communication
(STC), India are two online services that help Indian technical writers.
Eligibility : 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... Click
here for more information
Job Prospectus and Career Options : Though there are no formal
institutions in India to teach technical writing as a mainstream course, the
job opportunities are rising in India. Today with the increase in outsourcing
the field has seen an explosive rise in the global market as well... Click
here for more Information
Remuneration : A junior technical writer can earn between Rs. 5000
and Rs.12000 per month depending on the company he works for, and the nature
of work.. Click
here for more information
Institutes : Some of the institutes in India like Documentation
Research and Training Center (DRTC) Bangalore, offers
technical writing as supporting course... Click
here for more information
