Technical Writing Careers in IT

What is Technical Writing & Why is it Important to the IT Industry? 

One of the Least Valued But Most Needed Professional Roles in the IT Industry is Technical Writers. Technical Writers provide documentation that is used by Users (Customers), Software Developers, and IT Business Stakeholders. All software programs, mobile applications, web applications, cloud computing applications, and IT support require a great deal of documentation: User Manuals, Installation Instructions, API Documentation, Help Files, Frequently Asked Questions, Release Notes, and Troubleshooting Instructions.
Without proper documentation, even the best Systems may be difficult for end-users to access, causing frustration to end-users. The importance of technical writing lies in its ability to provide a bridge between technical teams and users. Developers and Engineers work to build new solutions; Technical Writers work to communicate how to use those solutions. The continual evolution of Technology necessitates that the use of clear communication continues to grow. If you love to write, explain concepts, organize information, and learn about new technologies, being a Technical Writer is for you. The role of Technical Writer also demonstrates that Communication is equal to coding in the world of Technology.

What does a Technical Writer do in an Information Technology company?

Within IT companies, Technical Writers produce, update, and maintain anything from User Guides to Technical Reference Manuals that help users and/or teams understand their technology better daily. Technical Writers typically work closely with Software Developers, Testers, Product Managers, and Support Teams to create and publish several different types of documents for a variety of products. Through attending team meetings to gain information about product features, learning about those products from other people, and consulting with SME's (Subject Matter Experts) for relevant technical information, Technical Writers gather information about how a product works. This information is then used to write documents that are accurate, understandable, and helpful to end-users. Examples of this type of documentation include user guides for software applications, step-by-step installation guides, online help, knowledge base articles, API documentation aimed at developers, and internal process documentation created for supporting teams. 

In an agile IT environment, technical writers are always modifying previously published documentation as the associated product develops. Additionally, technical writers ensure that published documentation adheres to company standards and is accessible to audiences outside of the immediate technical user base. Additionally, technical writers work in conjunction with UX and product teams in order to improve in-app content and onboarding experience for end users. The role of technical writers requires a great deal of attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and an ability to quickly grasp complex technical concepts. Technical writers do not code; however, they do need to understand the workings of technology well enough to produce accurate documentation.

Skills Needed For a Successful Career In Technical Writing Within the IT Industry

To achieve success as a Technical Writer working within the IT industry, you need to acquire the following skills: Writing ability, Technical Knowledge, and good Communication Skills. Strong grammar, sentence structure, and use of vocabulary are key components of good writing; however, writing clearly is what sets technical writers apart and makes them successful. Beyond being capable of writing clearly, Technical Writers must have a good grasp of technology; although Technical Writers do not necessarily need to become technical experts, they do need to have an understanding of basic IT terms (Software Development, Databases, APIs, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, etc). 

Career Paths, Job Titles, and Advancement Opportunities in Technical Writing

Technical writing provides many career paths and opportunities for employment in various sectors of the Information Technology industry. Originally, many of the people starting their careers in Technical Writing were Junior Technical Writers or Documentation Associates creating simple user guides and other forms of support documentation. Experience leads to advancement as a Technical Writer, Senior Technical Writer, or Documentation Specialist responsible for the creation of more complex documentation for bigger products, as well as overseeing the entire documentation process. 

In addition to the traditional roles, there are Technical Writers who specialize in creating API documentation that work directly with Software Developers and Software Engineers. There are also Technical Writers who focus on User Experience (UX) writing, creating in-app content, onboarding processes, and instructional materials for users. Employment opportunities as a Technical Writer can be found in a variety of organizations, including Software Companies, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Cloud Service Providers, cybersecurity, Fin Tech, and IT Consulting. Many Technical Writers choose to work as Freelancers or remotely with companies all over the world. The demand for Technical Writers will continue to increase due to the increasing complexity, as well as the increased need for user-friendly documentation resulting from Emerging Technology, and with the presence of Technology in most aspects of our lives, Technical Writing can be considered to be an extremely stable and future-proof career choice for the IT industry.

A Technical writing career in Information Technology is feasible for those just starting out in this field

People interested in becoming technical writers can do so successfully regardless of their experience with IT. The key is developing a foundation of writing skills and practicing good writing, including a clear, concise, organized style and structure. To build a strong foundation of writing skills, it is important to have some familiarity with basic information technology concepts, such as software, web technology, and cloud computing. By reading and reviewing examples of technical documents from many different fields, you will be able to recognize what companies consider the best practices for technical writing within their respective industries. The creation of a collection of examples of your work as you develop your technical writing skills. You may also wish to consider taking an online course or certification program that focuses on technical writing, as these can provide you with valuable training and educational resources as well as an industry-recognized credential.

 Learning how to use documentation programs as well as early HTML and Markdown provides beginning writers with a competitive advantage when applying for jobs in technical writing. Effective communication with technical professionals is an important aspect of being a successful writer; therefore, technical writers should attempt to form relationships with technical professionals and ask appropriate questions. In terms of being successful as a technical writer, consistency and a willingness to learn will serve as the keys to success. Working as a technical writer involves a lifetime of advancements; technology is developing at a rate much faster than previously available technology. Technical writers who enjoy writing, explaining, and working with technology will find the technical writing profession a rewarding and respected career in IT. Technical writers do not need programming skills to be successful; they need to be able to convey the technical aspects of technology as simply as possible.