Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to frequently asked questions. Have questions? Please submit questions using the feedback page.

Contents

1. What is technical writing?
2. How do I join the STC?
3. What are the benefits of joining the STC?
4. Do I need a degree or certificate?
5. What qualifications do employers want?
6. How do I get training/certificates in technical writing?
7. What about affordable online training?
8. How do I get into this field without any experience?
9. How do I find a job as a technical writer?

What is technical writing?

Technical writers translate complex technical information into terms that users can understand. Examples of technical writing include training and user manuals, white papers, scientific reports, web development, online help, grant proposals, business plans, education and distance learning material, product information and product instructions. Technical writing is one of the fastest growing fields in the IT industry and is likely to continue growing.

How do I join the STC?

Visit the STC’s membership page to find full information and to download a membership form. You can get membership information and brochures by attending a local STC chapter meeting. (There are STC chapters in each state.) For information about the next meetings of NJSTC, including directions, check out our website's meetings page.

What are the benefits of joining the STC?

Networking is a very important benefit of being an STC member. At local chapter meetings you will interact with professionals and potential employers in the field. Most meetings include a strong component of professional education as well, with an expert speaker discussing some topic important to technical communication. Other benefits include: Discounts on STC's Annual Conference Group rate insurance Intercom and Technical Communication (STC's monthly magazine and quarterly journal, respectively) Mailings from the local chapter—meeting announcements and newsletters Special Interest Groups Visit the STC membership web page for more information about the benefits of joining STC.

Do I need a degree or certificate?

Having a degree or certificate is always a plus; however, experience carries much weight in this field. If you are a professional with a writing background or several years of work experience, you may want to supplement your experience with a course or certificate in technical writing. However, if you feel you need more in-depth preparation, you may want to consider a bachelor or master’s degree; degrees are also available online.

What qualifications do employers want?

The ability to write well is important. You must be able to convey technical information clearly and succinctly. Technical ability is also important. You must be comfortable learning new software and publishing tools quickly. Employers also look for candidates who are familiar with one or more help-authoring tools. For example, a company that wants to create printed manuals will often specify that the applicant should know FrameMaker, although some ask for Word instead. Most online help jobs seem to use RoboHelp. Web-page creation is often done with FrontPage or Dreamweaver, although familiarity with HTML remains very useful. You do not need to know all these tools, but you should know at least one.

How do I get training/certificates in technical writing?

NJIT offers both a Master’s in Professional and Technical Communication and a certificate in Professional and Technical Communication. They have satellite locations all over New Jersey and many of their courses can be taken online. There are many other colleges, universities and commercial organizations that offer classes both on-site and online. Some programs emphasize the technical aspect of technical writing and some emphasis the writing aspect. Compensate for your weak areas. Here is a partial list of sites that offer technical writing certificates online. Humber College Northeastern Carleton University California State University, Hayward Brooklyn College's Continuing Education Program offers online courses in FrameMaker, RoboHELP, Dreamweaver, etc., although students must make their own arrangements for online access. The STC’s education page lists a number of additional technical-writing courses and programs.

What about affordable online training?

You can get a three-course Technical Writing Certificate for about $700 at http://www.techwriter-certification.com. Coastal Carolina University validates these courses as being accredited and charges an additional $15.00 transcript and certificate processing fee. This same group also offers a variety of instructor-led workshop courses (mostly in the $200 to $270 range), in various levels of technical writing, programming languages, and webmastering. According to spokesperson Dr. John Reid, "We are working on RoboHelp and FrameMaker and will have workshops and tutorials set up for sales by early May." Obviously, the certificate you get for taking three six-week courses online is not the same as a graduate certification that requires a year or more of study. On the other hand, this quick entree to the field is just what a lot of people are looking for. Additional online certificate courses suggested by chapter members: eHelp offers two types of certifications: User Certification and Instructor Certification World Wide Learn offers online technical writing and training programs, including certifications.

How do I get into this field without any experience?

Information: Read everything you can on technical writing. The web has a wealth of information available. As you read you will begin to identify areas of interest and strength; this takes time. You can then focus on these areas and find your niche. It is neither possible nor practical to be an expert in everything. Education: Take a course, certificate or degree in technical writing. There are many online courses available. Also take technical/software courses that line up with your interests. Credentials: Organize your resume to emphasize skills and experiences related to the career you want. Create a portfolio. If you have any writing samples, dust them off and spruce them up. Having samples available, when asked, is the best way to get your foot in the door. If you don’t have a sample, find a poorly written manual and rewrite it, or design one of your own from scratch.

How do I find a job as a technical writer?

Network with friends who work in the field, and with your local chapter of the Society for Technical Communication. The New Jersey STC Job Bank database lists many local job openings. Contact technical recruiting agencies in your area, especially those that specialize in recruiting writers. The web is also an excellent place to search for IT related jobs; sites that post IT jobs usually post technical writing jobs also.

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