Alemoh Rapheal Baja
Exploring Technical writing as a career in Tech

Exploring Technical writing as a career in Tech

Getting started in technical writing career in Tech

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Alemoh Rapheal Baja
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7 min read

Table of contents

Technical writing is an amazing career in Tech that has a lot of opportunities to be explored. It is becoming more interesting and easy with the availability of resources to get started. To make the most of it, this article examines technical writing as a career option in the technology industry.

We'll begin by defining the following words for easy understanding:

  • Writing - is the art of putting down thoughts together in a written format to convey a message or keep a record of knowledge. The method of writing could be analog (using a pen, pencil, or piece of paper) or digital (using an electronic device).

  • Technical - something that leans toward or adopts a mechanical, methodical, specialist, or scientific approach. For example, a technical school focuses more on science and technological subjects

  • Technical Writing - is the act of constructively and imaginatively putting ideas or research results on a technical, scientific, or specialized issue together to convey knowledge or record experiences related to a subject.

    Writing and publishing content regarding technology and its tools, such as programming, product documentation, coding lessons, software engineering, artificial intelligence, blockchain, deep learning, technical guides, API documentation etc., falls under the definition of technical writing in Tech. The act of communicating technical information through written or visual mediums is known as technical writing.

  • Career - is the concentration of learning in a particular field of study to develop abilities and skills to succeed or secure opportunities.

  • Tech - is short for technology which simply means the use of digital tools in creating, managing, distributing, and validating communication from one point to the other.

Why explore technical writing as a career in Tech?

  • It's a key part of every digital product in the market.

  • Technical writing aids in proper communication with a target audience.

  • Monetary rewards / bring about earnings.

  • An opportunity to display skills in a subject matter or topic.

  • Visibility for easy networking with companies, job offers etc.

  • It can be used as a tool to keep track of guides on integration and use of digital tools, implementation or solving technical challenges.

  • promotes the organization of ideas or solutions.

  • Aids proper documentation of technical tools.

  • An avenue to learn and share knowledge about digital tools.

Types of Technical Writing

  • User | how-to guides: a manual that helps end-users use a product, service, or system by accompanying it to them. It is often referred to as an instruction manual, user manual, or product manual, intended to help people use a particular technological tool or system.

  • API documentation: is a set of guidelines outlining how programmers and targeted end-users should integrate, and use an API and its services to achieve a certain goal. It contains technical content that thoroughly explains the API. It includes guidelines for efficiently utilizing and integrating the API, with a focus on any security limitations.

  • Product documentation: offers instructions on how to utilize a product as well as information about the product itself. The information consists of the product's specifications, instructions, logic, disclaimers, and details on all its characteristics.

  • White paper: a promotional piece of information created to highlight the benefits of a service, product, or solution that it already offers or plans to offer. It can be used to provide pertinent information about a particular issue or subject. For instance, industry trend assessments, statistics sharing, process explanations, potential solutions and many more.

  • Technical marketing communications: technical content that helps the potential customer comprehend and become interested in the product/tool, the writer must convey their expertise in more approachable and simple terms.

How to get into Technical writing or become a technical writer?

  • Enroll for paid or free courses on technical writing. For example Technical Writing Courses from Google.

  • Research on the area of focus.

  • Constructively select or ask for a recommendation for a technical writing mentor.

  • Read resources about Technical writing and the tools required (websites, Youtube videos, tools, Chatgpt, Grammerly).

  • Review published articles on blogging platforms like freecodecamp, Medium, Dev.to, Hashnode etc.

  • Review technical documentation, API documentation tools, writing styles and guidelines.

  • Apply for technical writing Internships.

  • Network with other technical writers.

  • Join Bootcamps and tech communities.

  • Technical writing Toolbox resources

  • Start by writing on a topic you know.

  • Contribute to open-source tools, projects/documentation.

Levels in Technical Writing

  • Intern Technical writer

  • Junior Technical Writer

  • Technical writer

  • Senior Technical writer

  • Technical Content Lead / Lead Technical writer

What are the types of Technical writers?

  • Personal blogger on technical topics

  • Freelance writer

  • Ghostwriter

  • Technical writer

  • Technical author

  • Product Documentation writer

  • API Documentation writer

Responsibilities of a Technical writer

  • Basic understanding of a product, topic or subject matter.

  • Research, analyze and interpret findings on a technical topic.

  • Writing to a target audience about a tool or product.

  • Create simplified guides or documentation.

  • Aid communication of technical contents.

Tips on how to write excellent articles

This link contains the most recommended tips for writing quality articles.

Where can I find jobs for Technical writing?

Examples of Technical Writing

Tools to use to craft a technical writer resume

Some important questions to answer before diving into Technical writing

  • Self-assessment? Are you willing and ready to be committed to the demands of becoming a technical writer?

  • Have you reviewed different forms of technical writing?

  • Do you have a mentor?

  • Do you have a specific area to start with or focus on?

  • Are you interested in Technical writing?

  • Have you done any research to have a clue of the demands of your expectations or goals in Technical writing?

  • Are you willing to volunteer to get hands-on skills in Technical writing?

  • Are you able to create time to network with technical writers or tech communities?

Recommended resources and articles for a technical writer

Conclusion

Technical writing is a tech career worth exploring with good offers. It's another part of Tech where little or no coding skills are required. Technical writing is a path that enhances certain skills such as good vocabulary, organization of knowledge, planning, research proficiency, continuous learning etc

Just like there are many ways into a market so is it with Technical writing. There are no particular laid-down strict procedures to follow to become a technical writer however, with this article one can easily get on board and dive deep into Technical writing. Looking forward to the amazing stuff from your end in Technical writing.

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