How to Get a Job in Technical Editing
Technical writers put technical information into a format and language that's easy to understand. Instructions for putting together furniture, operating electronics, using computers and programming appliances are all examples of technical writing. A technical editor's job is to review these writings, often intended for owner's manuals and website help pages, for accuracy and clarity. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, technical writers and editors held almost 50,000 jobs in 2008, with average salaries in the $60,000 to $70,000 range.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Bachelor's degree in communications field
- Double major in subject of interest
- University clubs or organizations
- Internship
- Magazines in subject of interest
- Master's degree
- Job search engines
- Sample book
Instructions
-
-
1
Enroll in an undergraduate program in technical writing or editing. If you plan to wait until graduate school to focus on technical editing, choose a major in communications, journalism or English.
-
2
Double-major in a high-tech communications field, such as electronic publishing, graphics, Web design or multimedia. If you already know what subject matter you want to specialize in, such as engineering, health care, construction or software development, choose that field as your second major or as a minor.
-
-
3
Find clubs through your university in which you can get experience writing or editing a newspaper or designing a website. Getting involved in a science or engineering group could also enhance your resume.
-
4
Find an internship that allows you to write or edit. Search internship openings at technology-oriented companies such as software publishers, computer system designers, technical consulting services, or architectural and engineering services. If you can't find a technical internship, look for internships with publishing companies, marketing departments or graphic design companies.
-
5
Join organizations for technical writers and editors, such as the Society for Technical Communication. Subscribe to magazines, newsletters and trade publications related to technical writing. These include Intercom, a magazine with tips for making technical communications more effective, and Technical Editors' Eyrie, a newsletter with tips and techniques for electronic editors.
-
6
Consider going for a master's degree in technical writing or editing at a technical school or a university that offers technical concentrations. For most technical positions, a master's degree or years of experience is necessary, and if you haven't had direct technical writing or editing experience, improving your educational background will help.
-
7
Create a sample book to show prospective employers. The book should include a cover page, a title page, a table of contents, an introduction about you and the subjects you chose, and two how-to, step-action procedures. Choose procedures in the subject you are applying for or subjects that you are familiar with. For example, you could write an article on how to create a website in HTML format, how to create a vegetable garden or how to fix a flat tire.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Try applying for technical writing positions first. After gaining experience as a technical writer, you can work your way up to a position as a technical editor.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit reading instruction manual image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
