What can I do with a major in Technical Communications?
Technical Communication majors communicate and translate complex scientific and technical information into simple and straightforward material that is easy to understand. Technical writers write reports, proposals, instructions, manuals, booklets, speeches and many other types of publications. They usually work in the engineering, science, medical or business fields.
Related Occupations:
| Desktop Publisher |
Editor |
Educator |
| Engineer |
Graphic Artist |
Graphic Designer |
| Graphic Illustrator |
Instructional Designer |
Medical Illustrator |
| Project Manager |
Proofreader |
Publisher |
| Scientist |
Software Developer |
Technical Editor |
| Technical Illustrator |
Technical Indexer |
Web Designer |
| Journalist |
Author |
Web Developer |
| Technical Marketing |
Possible employers of Technical Communications majors:
| International Organizations |
Industrial Corporations |
| Publications Departments |
Federal/Local Government |
| Aviation Industry |
Colleges/Universities |
| Engineering Firms |
Hospitals |
| Pharmaceutical Companies |
Journals/Magazines |
| Technical Publications |
Technical Firms |
| Marketing Firms |
Consulting Firms |
| Research Firms |
Newspapers |
Skills important for Technical Communications majors:
- Ability to sort data
- Ability to write clearly and effectively
- Knowledge of basic formats, design and layout
- Knowledge of graphic and formatting rules
- Ability to condense and simplify technical data
- Possess general technical, scientific, or engineering knowledge
- Ability to think logically and analytically
- Ability to work well alone and as part of a team
- Ability to work with computers
Personal attributes important for Technical Communications majors:
- Organized
- Tactful
- Diplomatic
- Desire to write
- Desire to constantly learn and improve
- Patient
- Assertive
- Detail-oriented
Related activities for Technical Communications majors:
- Do an internship
- Work part time or volunteer at an industrial, research or technical firm
- Work at a high school or college communication, engineering, or science department
- Assist established writers
- Volunteer to create technical publications at work
- Join a professional association
Print Resources:
-
Adams Resume Almanac. Bob Adams, Inc., 1994.
-
Field, Shelly. 100 Best Careers for Writers & Artists. ARCO, 1998.
-
Goldberg, Jan. Real People Working in Communications. VGM Career Horizons, 1997.
-
Gould, Jay & Wayne Losano. Opportunities in Technical Communications. VGM Career Horizons, (latest edition).
Internet Resources:
Professional Associations
- American Business Communication Association
- American Medical Writer’s Association
- National Association of Science Writers
- Society for Technical Communication
This information was adapted from:
