Technical Writing

Lesson 3: Preparing to Become a Technical Writer

How Important are Degrees?

While you still may be able to find a technical writing job without a degree if you have a strong technical background and writing skill, there is no doubt that most employers desire that aspiring writers have some kind of college credential.

You do not necessarily need to have a degree in technical communications. I know colleagues who have become technical writers who majored in art therapy or philosophy or business as well as those who came from the more traditional writing majors of English and journalism. Any liberal arts degree is helpful from the standpoint of writing. If you know something about grammar and composition, you can usually master the succinct, active-voice style of technical writing.

Coming from a programming or other technical background with a flair for writing is extremely helpful in making the transition to technical writing. Indeed, prior to the computer revolution, most tech writers were scientific or technical types who could understand the needs of the intended audience and communicate accurately and clearly without relying too much on the jargon of their technical field of expertise.

At a minimum however, a prospective technical writer should take one or more tech-writing courses. Courses in desktop publishing and/or web design and development are invaluable also.

There are also many books available on technical writing. The course author, who was an English major with experience in journalism and technology, took this route prior to entering the field. He found that it was a credible way to learn the mechanics of technical writing.

If you are still in university, you may want to take a few technical writing courses whether you are a liberal arts or engineering student if you are considering the field after you graduate.

Lately, more and more entry level jobs are now requiring a degree or certificate in technical writing. (Certificate programs require fewer classes than degree programs.) I know several people who have attended the local technical college to take courses or earn a certificate in technical writing after graduating from a two or four-year college.

It is important to understand if you do not have a technical background but are a good writer that you should gain computer literacy through college courses or practical experience. If you are interested in a particular industry, you should take seminars or study that field formally or informally.

There is no one answer to the question of the necessity of degrees. Most employers do want you to have a two or four-year degree, be computer literate, and be able to write well.

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