tell me about field/education of TECHNICAL WRITING?

Question

Technical writing....how do I there from here?
I'm graduating in Dec. with a BA in Communications w/ a concentration in Journalism. Recently I've been looking at tech. writing field mainly cuz they make LOADS of money and journalism doesn't....anway what are some ways I could break into the career from here? what is the field like?

Answer 1

I started as a freelancer for computer magazines during my studies. After university I was offered a well-paid trainee ship in a big US-based publishing company. I've been working in this field now for 8 years and It was always fun because the stuff I write about is my hobby anyway. I couldn't imagine writing articles on things that I have no interest in. Technical writing, too, is a process of creativity and sometimes it needs time to find the right words.

If you're a person with a deeper interest in how technology work, have a scientific mind and a seasoned style of writing, then you should have an easy start and a fulfilling career.

If you're considering technical writing/tech journalism because classic journalism doesn't pay enough, then you should start with an internship first to see if it's really what you want to do.

Answer 2

I know several technical writers. The jobs are relatively good. You probably need to get a post graduate degree focussed on technical writing, but I would think it could be a college course. Then the key is to get a bit of work experience. You will have a huge advantage if you are familiar with a technical area. For example, if you kind of understand networking or hardware there is big demand in high tech for good technical writers.