Technical Communication as a Profession

As technology becomes more and more a part of our lives, there is a growing demand for individuals who can understand scientific and technical information and communicate that information to others. By performing this function, technical communicators help both those who create ideas and those who use them. Technical communication is now one the fastest growing professions, and this growth has created a variety of career options. Technical communicators are writers, editors, artists, managers, educators, and video specialists employed in every industry, from automobiles to computers to finance.

Career Opportunities

Technical communicators work with a variety of media. Whether they use words, illustrations, photographs, video, or computer-based multimedia the objective is the same: to convey scientific and technical information precisely, accurately, and clearly. The availability of new text processing, electronic publishing, and multimedia software; scanners; modems; and e-mail demands that today's technical communicators be not only computer literate, but actually proficient in an array of programs and applications.

To obtain employment as a technical communicator, you must convince a prospective employer that you have an aptitude for technology and that you can communicate technical information in a manner that various audiences can easily understand. Skilled writers, editors, and artists who understand science and technology, or who wish to develop knowledge in this area, can find abundant opportunities and continued satisfaction in the technical communication profession.

Education

An increasing number of colleges and universities are offering two-year, four-year, and graduate degrees in technical communication. Though such a degree is not necessary to obtain a job in technical communication, some post-high school education is highly recommended for those interested in a career in technical communication. Courses in computer science, natural and social sciences, math, statistics, and engineering may be required to prepare for a career in technical communication. You can major in technical communication or you can major in a subject area of your choice while taking courses in technical writing, English, composition, illustration, and graphic design.

For prospective visual communicators, a sample of required courses includes perspective drawing, schematics, layout and design, desktop publishing, and computer graphics.

Regardless of your major, try to do at least one internship or cooperative education assignment. These experiences help prepare you for the real world, teach valuable skills that cannot be learned in the classroom, and give you an advantage over other entry-level candidates who have no experience.

Membership in STC

Another way to gain valuable experience is to join the Society for Technical Communication (STC) and become active in your local chapter. The Society has several publications and programs which can help you, as well as extensive educational opportunities for you to explore. In addition, networking with professionals and working with chapter employment committees may help you find a position after graduation.

STC also helps train new generations of technical communicators and fosters growth in the profession by awarding scholarships to outstanding full-time undergraduate and graduate students.

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