Career Option:
Technical Writing |
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Description
• Write user documentation and context-sensitive help systems.
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Produce instructional content for websites and other electronic formats.
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Create and deliver training materials and class lectures to customers.
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Plan, manage, and budget the production of training materials and user
documentation.
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Make training information and documentation understandable and easy-to-use.
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Wages
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Skills
• Good communication skills
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Able to multi-task
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Ability to see both the big picture and the details
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Able to work in teams
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Enjoy researching information and presenting ideas
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Persistence
•
Creative |
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About the Job:
Technical Writers are responsible for planning, creating,
maintaining, and delivering user documentation, training materials,
on-line help systems, and marketing materials. They write user documentation,
instructions, and training materials for customers. |
Illinois Job Codes
| 27-3041.00 |
Editors |
| 27-3042.00 |
Technical
Writers |
| 43-9031.00 |
Desktop
Publishers |
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Sample Career Path
"I’ve always loved English, creative writing, and the sciences
and, like many people, thought that having good writing skills were all
you needed to be a technical communicator. I have found, though, that
the greater your knowledge in areas of technology, the more success you’ll
have." -- Linda
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Job Advantages
Technical Writers often work in teams
to create products that are easy-to-use. They often work on multiple
projects at the same time and must be both creative and precise.
Job Disadvantages
Technical Writers have tight deadlines and must
be able to work well under pressure.
Transferable Skills
Many people enter Technical Writing
with liberal arts backgrounds (English, Communications,
etc.). With some technical
training,
and individual can transfer these skills into other
IT career areas.
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Typical Work Day
"I work closely not only with the software developers, but I
also spend a good part of my day working on my own projects. Typically,
I will
have several
projects that all have very strict deadlines. My job requires a
great deal of independent reading and writing and is well suited for
free-lance,
flexible careers." -- Linda
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Education
| • Illinois Universities |
| • Community Colleges |
o Black Hawk College
o Carl Sandburg College
o City Colleges of Chicago
o College of DuPage
o College of Lake County
o Danville Area Community College
o Joliet Junior College
o Moraine Valley Community College
o Oakton Community College
o Richland Community College
o Spoon River College
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Editors 
