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 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.

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.

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.

TWIN and STC are two Indian online services that help technical writer or a person who wishes to become a technical writer. They provide job posts, blogs, forums and polls that would help to be a good technical writer.

You can contact:
Society for Technical Communication, India
Address: STC India Chapter,
C/o Balakrishna and Co
No.97/3-2, 13th Cross, 8th Main, Wilson Garden,
Bangalore 560 030.
Website:www.stc-india.org
Technical writers of India
Website:www.twin-india.org

All the best
CareerAge Counselor