Specialization Options for Technical Writers: Introduction
by Olga Kostiouchina
As a new graduate of the technical writing program you’re probably aware that there are many specialization venues open for someone like you. If you haven’t already decided where you want to use your new skills, read the articles in this new series, they may help you figure out where your passion lies.
We will discuss how and where you can get additional training if you lack some of the essential specific knowledge and how to enhance your portfolio with pieces that will help you get the job in the area you want to specialize in.
We will cover the following main areas of specialization, but keep your mind open to find your own unique niche even beyond these fields:
Instructional Design
Medical Writing
Writing for Engineers/Science
Writing for IT
Business Writing
Writing for the Web
Marketing Communication or MARCOM
It’s obvious that almost all of these fields overlap so you may find yourself specializing in one and at the same time acquiring the skills and work experience in the other, making yourself more marketable and versatile.
There are many more directions you can choose as a technical writer, it’s just a matter of starting to think out of the box and pursuing your true calling in this profession.
Stay tuned for the next article about Instructional Design.
Other areas I have encountered on the job are hardware and software tools development documentation, API and SDK writing, and government grant and tax credit application writing, for programs like SR&ED and IRAP. These areas demand a specialized writing style, and in some cases, subversive interview tactics in order to gather the necessary information.
ReplyDeleteopenid, thanks for your input! Interesting comment about subversive interview tactics. Would you care to spin a short article about it for our blog?
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