If you are new to the technical writing profession then the following skills might help you decide if you could be a potential technical writer:

You are strong in communication
You are interested in understanding how businesses run
You like to write
You are a good listener
You have an enquiring mind (like to find out how things work)
You have practical experience in using a computer
You like interacting with people
You are self-motivated
You like to simplify information
You can adapt to new situations
You can make decisions on your own and back them up
You are a hard worker and willing to learn

Yes. People from various walks of life have chosen technical writing as a career option. For example, whether you are from the hotel industry, human resources, or a BPO, you can become a technical writer. Refer to the answer on skills required to become a technical writer.

Yes. Technical writers compile information for both the technical and the common user. Your technical background will help you learn the required technology faster and describe the product to the customer better. For example, if you are a software engineer and have strong written communication skills then producing API (Application Program Interface) documentation would be just the right kind of documentation area for you. Refer to the answer on skills required to become a technical writer.

Technical documents are created by technical writers. A good technical writer is someone who has a good knowledge of English, is comfortable working with computers, can understand a subject/solution/product and describe the information in a simple way for the right readers. A working knowledge of particular software such as Adobe FrameMaker, Adobe RoboHelp, XML etc. are necessary for creating technical documents along with a sense of graphic design

Yes. We have scheduled programs for the convenience of those who are currently employed and need to continue with their employment. You can attend the weekend batch for the TWB Associate Certification program.

Yes. Customer Support executives talk to customers. Technical writers prepare content for customers. Both these professions communicate information and instructions to the customer. Furthermore, customer support executives have a great deal of knowledge on the product they support.

Traditionally a Technical Writer’s career path goes through the following stages:

1. Trainee
2. Junior Technical Writer (1-2 years of experience)
3. Senior Technical Writer (2-3 years of experience)
4. Team Leader (5 years of experience)
5. Project Lead (7-8 years of experience)
6. Program Manager (10 years of experience)
7. Knowledge Manager / Manager Documentation / Manager Publications
8. Director Documentation / KM / Publications

Many technical writers migrate into this profession from jobs as programmers, lab technicians, research scientists, or engineers. Others begin as trainees in an IT department, develop their writing and grammar skills, and then move into fulltime technical writing positions. Technical writers also explore technical editing, training, quality management and process certifications as career moves.

According to the Society of Technical Communication (STC) India 2005 Salary Survey of Technical Communicators the median salary for technical communication professionals in India is Rs.3,74,761 per annum. The median salary for technical communicators with less than two years of experience is. Rs. 2,12,825 per annum. The median figure for those with two-three years of experience is slightly higher at Rs. 2,39,536. The three-four years of experience group earns a median salary of Rs. 3,42,194. The figure goes up to Rs. 4,16,584 for the four-seven years experience group. The median figure for those with seven to ten years of experience is Rs. 6,27,750 per year, while for those with over ten years of experience the figure is Rs. 7,56,273. Technical Writers based in Pune and Bangalore earn the highest salaries, followed by Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Chennai in that order. According to the STC’s Survey Indian salaries for Technical Communicators are rising at a rate of almost 22% per year in many cities.

A Technical Writer’s salary depends on experience, expertise, designation and geographical location. Today in India, technical writing as a profession is witnessing a boom owing to the IT/ITES industry growth, which has stayed in double digits in the last decade or so and is expected to stay on the same path for years to come. It is also being aided by industrial and economic growth across the board and increase in globalization of Indian businesses and organizations. Technical Writing is also fueled by the need for consistent, quality information adhering to the global benchmark for corporations.