Top Paid Careers
One of the top paid careers for English majors is technical writing. This might not have been what you had in mind when you took your degree, but if you are looking for a lucrative career, it may be the one for you.
What does a Technical Writer Do?
Technical writers create user manuals, leaflets and brochures for ordinary mortals to read and this is currently one of the top paid careers for graduates with a degree in English.
A technical writer’s job is explaining computer software and hardware, household and garden electrical items, all the latest gizmos and gadgets and so on in layman’s language and in a user friendly way, which makes even the most complex information easy to follow.
The work can include a variety of tasks in addition to the actual writing, such as liaising with photographers and illustrators, or with people testing the written instructions.
What skills do you need to be a Technical Writer?
You need to understand jargon and be able to express complicated instructions in a way which the average person can understand.
A good understanding of the products or the ability to grasp this information quickly is an important skill if you are going to write user manuals.
Probably the greatest demand for technical writers is in information technology and so having a good understanding of software the ability to learn how it use it quickly is a big asset. You may also be required to use specialist software to set your work out.
Another important skill is the ability to work to deadlines and it is vital that you pay great attention to detail. It can also be useful to have some design skills and the ability to use a number of different computer program
Many companies provide training on the job. However, to increase your chances of getting work in this field, you could think about taking a class in technical writing. You can do this at a local college or you can do it online, which will enable you to study in your spare time. This is particularly useful if you have a full time job.
A high level of English and good communication skills are essential and although many technical writers have a degree in English, others come from a science or computing background.
Many different companies employ technical writers, although the biggest demand is in the IT industry. It is also possible to become self employed, although it is a good idea to get some experience first, as this will enable you to create a portfolio to show to potential clients.
If you enjoy learning new things, writing and doing detailed work, have plenty of patience and are looking for one of the top paid careers, technical writing could be the right career choice for you.