Technical Writing : Eligibility
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. There are very few Indian universities/ institutes that
offer certificate courses in technical writing as a mainstream. University-level
courses in Technical Communication is offered by the Dept. of Mass Communication,
Calicut University in Kerala as an optional paper in their Master of Communication
and Journalism (MCJ) course and a short-term program is offered by Stella
Maris College, Chennai.
But there are several foreign institutions which offer degree programs,
certifications, and theory in the field. Besides these, many online courses
are there which help one to become a technical writer.
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.
Personal skills
This is an interesting career for a creative writer, who can comprehend
and communicate highly technical subjects in a way that even a non-specialist
could understand. A very good skill in writing and speaking English language
is a must for becoming a technical writer. He or she should have good
research and communication skill because they have to gather information
about the product using many medias like Internet, books etc. Some time
they may have to interview people who are experts in the field to make
a good write-up. Design skill, especially for multimedia presentations,
is also a plus for this profession. Writers who think differently and
have innovative ideas of presentation can excel in the job. A technical
writer should familiar with the specified subject area apart from technically
skilled or trained.
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