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Technical writing offers a unique opportunity to turn one's passion into a fulfilling career.
                             
When purchasing electronic devices, be it mobile phones or air conditioners, you often receive accompanying leaflets known as "user manuals" or "catalogs." These user manuals are not limited to home appliances alone; they are also included with products like bicycles, cars, toys, computer software, and even certain medications. What sets these user manuals apart is their ability to provide clear instructions on product usage and troubleshooting for minor issues, all presented in straightforward English with the aid of illustrations.
In the case of computer programs such as Photoshop, user manuals are typically segmented into various sections and integrated into the software itself. What makes user manuals particularly noteworthy is their accessibility, designed to be comprehensible even to young children. Although the majority of user manuals are crafted in English, there has been a recent trend among companies to introduce user manuals in regional languages, including Malayalam.

WHAT IS TECHNICAL WRITING?
Ever wondered about the individuals behind the creation of user manuals? If you delve deeper into this inquiry, you'll discover the field of technical writing and its promising career prospects. Technical writers, a unique group of professionals, are the ones responsible for elucidating technical concepts to individuals, even those with minimal or no technical expertise.
The role of a technical writer extends beyond crafting user manuals. Technical writers are responsible for a wide range of documents, including project reports, instructional and installation guides, graphical presentations, and brochures. Every company relies on technical writers to bridge the gap between their products and the understanding of their customers. To achieve this, technical writers must possess a deep understanding of the technical intricacies of each product, including the functionality of its individual components. As a result, the involvement of a technical writer should commence from the product's manufacturing stage.
In many software companies, project teams also incorporate a technical writer. Throughout the various phases of program development, the technical writer diligently documents the specifics and usage guidelines. Consequently, by the time the program is fully constructed, the user manual is ready for authorization.
To become a technical writer, all you need to do is:
Undoubtedly, writing skills are a fundamental requirement for all writers. However, being a proficient technical writer demands more than just writing prowess. The role of a technical writer involves the ability to convey technical information in a manner that is comprehensible to the general public. Proficiency in written and spoken English is paramount, as it forms the foundation of effective communication.
Technical writers also need to possess strong research skills and a genuine interest in delving into the details. They often rely on a multitude of sources, including books and the internet, to gather comprehensive information about new products. Additionally, conducting interviews with engineers and other technicians who have been involved in various stages of product development is a common practice, necessitating some degree of travel.
Technical writers typically collaborate within a team of skilled professionals, including engineers. Therefore, having a basic understanding of technical concepts within the relevant field is essential to foster effective teamwork. Without this foundational knowledge, the collaborative process can prove challenging.
Proficiency in creating multimedia presentations can be a valuable asset for those aspiring to excel in the field of technical writing. In this context, user manuals are typically introduced to employees across different organizational levels through multimedia presentations. The release of the user manual hinges on their review and approval.
Simply completing the documentation of all product stages or technical information does not conclude the technical writer's responsibilities. The written content must be effectively presented to technicians at various organizational levels, and their endorsement must be secured. This necessitates strong presentation and communication skills.

What do you need to learn to become a technical writer?
To become a technical writer, you should undertake a technical writing course, which covers writing and editing technical content, proofreading, and error correction. As part of this course, you'll also receive instruction in software systems like Microsoft Word, Page Maker, Frame maker, Rob Help, and Front Page. However, it's not mandatory to have prior knowledge of these software programs before pursuing a career in technical writing. Many companies offer on-the-job training for these tools.
Many individuals who enter the field of technical writing hold post-graduate or diploma qualifications in journalism, English literature, science, IT, or related subjects. Those with experience in the IT sector can quickly establish themselves as technical writers. It's worth noting that only a limited number of universities and institutions in the country provide formal courses in technical writing.
Several private institutes in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Mumbai offer technical writing courses. Stella Maris College in Chennai provides a short-term technical writing course. Additionally, numerous universities and institutions abroad offer undergraduate and certificate programs in technical writing. Furthermore, online courses that facilitate becoming a technical writer are accessible on platforms such as Udemy, Coursera, and IIM Skills.
For those seeking distance learning options, the Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning, based in Pune, provides a diploma course in technical writing. This program is open to individuals who have completed a two-year degree course. The course fee is Rs 58,000. More details can be found on the following website: https://www.scdl.net/programs/pg-programs/distance-learning-pg-diploma-in-technical-writing.aspx
You can find additional information at this link: https://ect.co.in/technical-writing-course/
In our country, educational opportunities for studying technical writing or technical communication at the college and university levels are quite limited. However, Calicut University offers a Master's in Communication and Journalism (MCJ) program, which is a notable exception. This program, conducted at the Department of Mass Communication on the Calicut University campus, includes a significant focus on technical writing as one of its optional subjects.
Graduates of the MCJ program at Calicut University have found success in the field of technical writing, with many of them securing positions in multinational companies based in Bangalore and Chennai. Some have even achieved high earning potential, with monthly incomes reaching significant amounts.

Where can you find job opportunities in technical writing?
You don't need to be an expert in the subject matter to excel in this field. If you possess writing aptitude and a basic IT background, you can thrive as a technical writer.
Due to the limited availability of institutes offering technical writing courses, there is currently a high demand for professionals in this field. Moreover, the rise in outsourcing activities from abroad allows technical writing tasks to be performed for foreign companies from the comfort of one's home. Major IT companies like Infosys, TCS, Sun Microsystems, and Infotech frequently hire a substantial number of technical writers. Starting as a junior technical writer, you can gradually advance to roles such as technical editor, technical proposal writer, business analyst technical writer, and senior technical writer.
Furthermore, technical writers find employment opportunities in advertising agencies, software development firms, and media organizations. Entry-level salaries offered by these companies typically hover around Rs 2 lakh annually. Experienced technical writers with four years in the field can earn annual salaries ranging from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 12 lakh. For those who prefer to work independently, freelancing offers ample opportunities, with freelance technical writers earning over Rs 1,000 per hour.

Article By: Mujeebulla K.M
CIGI Career Team