Writing for Engineers | Olga Kostiouchina

Writing for Engineers

by Olga Kostiouchina

No doubt heavy industries are big here in BC. It’s good if you have an engineering degree and transition to technical writing. But what if you’re not so lucky? Can you still write for engineers?

Engineers' job duties often include a lot of writing. However, not every engineer can do this well, that where technical writers come in and take over.

What if you don’t have the engineering or other technical degree? Can you still break into engineering writing field?

The answer is yes! You have to have a strong technical aptitude and like going into the depths of how things work. You have to be able to grasp the technical and mechanical concepts and learn the terminology quickly.

To help you get a better understanding of all sorts of mechanics, you might want to take a few classes and learn at least the basics. For example, BCIT now offers a few engineering and technical programs on a part-time basis, which means you don’t have to sign up for the entire program;  taking a few courses in your areas of interest will help you get up to speed and start talking the same language engineers do. Try also learning the basics of AutoCAD  - many job ads for technical writers require the knowledge of this drafting software, but even if not – you’ll be much better off knowing how to manipulate the graphics for engineering.  

Of course it’s great to demonstrate your knowledge when applying for the job, but it can be trying to absorb and retain the highly technical information without putting it to regular use. So here’s  the caveat before you dive into all this learning -  if you find a job in the engineering company quickly – learn as you go.

What kind of documentation can you expect to write in the industrial company?

Engineers write such documents as:

·         Business correspondence (letters and memos)

·         Reports (design, laboratory, progress),

·         Proposals

·         Instructions

·         Specifications

·         Training materials

You can expect to author many of the similar documents, based on information you gather form interviewing engineers; you may also help develop presentations and create all kinds of graphics.

Pick up a book and find out what’s involved in writing as an engineer.

Further reading and resources:

http://www.amazon.com/Guide-Writing-as-Engineer/dp/0470417013/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1306785479&sr=1-1 – highly recommended by engineers, this volume provides guidance with many examples

http://www.writing.engr.psu.edu/index.html - useful educational resource on writing guidelines for engineering and scientific students

Copyright © 2011 || Olga Kostiouchina

Vancouver, British Columbia

Editor: Jacob De Camillis

Alistair Henry: BCIT Tech Writing Grad -- Where is he now?

|Tech Writing Grad Profile|

Alistair Henry

I graduated from BCIT's technical writing program in the spring of 2008 and immediately moved to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Upon arriving, I found a job with an IT recruitment firm where I was responsible for writing enticing job descriptions and formatting highly technical resumes. Having partnered with a Franchise Consultant for my major project prior to graduating, I continued working for him remotely. I wrote and assembled policy & procedure manuals and edited the work his other writers produced. I was also privileged enough to get a contract with an online radio station where I created how-to guides for their broadcasters.

I moved to the UK and in 2010 I decided to continue with my education. I was able to enter into a Master's program without having an undergraduate degree as I was given credit for my Associate's Certificate from BCIT. Now I am one year into my two year degree and find I have an advantage over my younger colleagues; writing essays, papers and critical commentaries comes easily to me.

I am in the process of migrating my career toward my passion; the subject of website usability. This was spawned by my technical writing experience as both require the ability to see through the eyes of the end user; to be an advocate. Next year I will graduate with an MSc in Creative Technologies with a specialization in usability & ergonomics. I am already doing some freelance website usability work for another university and for the National Health Service. I feel my technical writing education and experience played an integral role in sending me down the path I am currently on.

-- 

Alistair Henry

www.allstaryvr@blogspot.com