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Technical Communicator

Technical communicators develop and write documents, such as computer software user manuals, business policies, procedures and reports, and content for intranets and the Internet, and present it so users can easily understand it.

 

Tasks & duties

Technical communicators may do some or all of the following:

  • meet with the representatives of an organisation to discuss the project
  • gather information about what is to be written
  • identify the audience for the required documentation, their roles and the information they need
  • estimate the length and cost of the project
  • interview the staff who will use the documents
  • design the layout and structure of the documents
  • create language and style guides
  • create the content of the documents
  • design and draw business, scientific or technical diagrams
  • edit the work of other writers for consistency and clarity
  • prepare indexes to help readers find the information they need
  • work with computer software development teams to help ensure software is easy to understand and use
  • keep track of and record the hours they work to charge their time back to clients

 

Specialisations

Technical communicators may specialise in fields such as science, computing and engineering.

 

Skills & knowledge

Technical communicators need to have:

  • the ability to analyse, interpret and simplify technical information, and clearly communicate this information to their target audience
  • good writing skills
  • knowledge of the area they are writing about
  • the ability to edit, design and lay out technical documentation
  • good communication skills
  • excellent listening skills
  • time management, planning and project management skills
  • computer skills such as word processing, graphic design and web publishing skills
  • good negotiating skills if they work on a freelance basis

 

Entry requirements

To become a technical communicator you need to have a tertiary qualification, such as an English degree or a diploma in journalism, and an excellent background knowledge of the area you will be specialising in. Tertiary qualifications in technical writing are also available.

 

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is needed to enter further training. Useful subjects include English, computing and graphics.

 

Training on the job

Technical communicators may undertake web-based courses in technical communication, or courses such as information mapping (how to structure and present documents) or computing to develop their skills.

 

Useful experience

It is useful for technical communicators to have experience in the field they are writing about such as computing or engineering. Experience in writing or publishing is also important.

 

Related courses

Written Communication

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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