You need a love for communicating, writing, learning and teaching to succeed
in a technical writing program.
Technical writing programs are offered at many levels, from certificates
to master's degrees. Certificate programs are great for people with technical
experience who want to improve their writing, or people with writing skills
who want to adapt them to technology. But if you're young and lacking in related
experience, you may want to go for a full degree.
In the U.S., technical writing programs are typically offered by a school's
department of communications, journalism, English or computer science.
These programs offer students the option of a bachelor's or master's degree
with a specialization in technical writing.
Many technical writing programs cross over into several departments. At
Texas Tech University in Lubbock, students take math, history, the sciences,
engineering, business and the humanities.
"Our dean referred to our degree as 'technical humanities,'" explains Carolyn
Rude, director of technical communication at Texas Tech.
Graduates can expect to be very marketable in the technical writing field.
They will possess problem-solving skills, computer skills, web publishing,
business management and economics skills.
The University of Minnesota at Madison provides its students with laptops,
computers and software. "Each student has a laptop, software and constant
access to LAN and WWW, and they use it to the fullest," says Traci Kelly.
She manages the scientific and technical communication program.
Most programs require students to get practical experience through an internship
or co-op program. Some internships also can become full-time jobs after
graduation.
High school students can get writing experience by writing for the school
or community newspaper or yearbook.
"School newspaper or yearbook, debate team and volunteer activities that
may require writing or website development would all be excellent," says Rude.
"A technology club or volunteer work helping organizations use technology
would also be terrific."
"Students will excel if they take literature, debate, any math, psychology
[and] all sciences. The good grammar skills that come from a student who
really wants to succeed are essential," says Kelly.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Writers
and Editors
Technical Literacy Project
Read up on a program designed to expose youth to technical writing
Writer's Resource Center
Articles, resources and agencies