Dear Ryan,
You were asking about the major I am graduating in, and I
hope to share with you some interesting information. Sure, the degree might be
tied to English, however, the field of Technical and Professional Communication
(Tech Comm) is quite vast. I used to be under the believe that Tech Comm was
just memos and informational documents. I have since learned there is much more
depth to the field.
Knowledge of document design, coding languages (such as
HTML, Java), and video/photo editing software are just a few areas that will be
used for clients. Speaking of, the ability to understand the needs of the
clients and their intended audience is crucial. To do this, there will need to
be research in to the backgrounds of both, to deliver successful projects.
An example of a project for a Tech Comm position may be
as follows: You are hired to design and print a brochure of the clients’
products. After obtaining the vital background information (what the product
is, who the product is for, deadlines etc.), the document will need to be drafted
in a program such as Adobe InDesign. Using InDesign will usually require the
use of photo-editing software like Adobe Photoshop, to provide proper images
for the document.
An interesting topic of discussion surrounding Tech Comm
is the paradigm shift in the role and tasks of someone like myself in the
field. As our society becomes further embedded with technology, many fields of
study are requiring knowledge of coding languages, or more advanced computer
software in the least. For Tech Comm, along with the example of the brochure, a
client may need a website published that is simple enough not to require a
standalone team of coders, but effective to capture and retain customers
-whether that is for products or information. There is also the scenario where
a technical document, such as an instruction manual or other reference
material, is needed. Here, the knowledge and understanding of what the product
is and how the audience will use it is another key to being a successful Tech
Comm worker.
All in all, I myself was surprised by the degree of
technical knowledge needed for someone in the Tech Comm field. No longer am I
dreading graduating with an English degree (for a variety of reasons), rather,
I am excited for the possibilities that are open to me and anyone else looking
in the same direction. One of those possibilities is a technical writer for
companies such as Microsoft, which are hiring technical writers for artificial
intelligence!
P.S.
Here are some websites for more info:
https://www.stc.org/about-stc/defining-technical-communication/
https://hrdevelopmentinfo.com/top-professional-communication/
P.S.
Here are some websites for more info:
https://www.stc.org/about-stc/defining-technical-communication/
https://hrdevelopmentinfo.com/top-professional-communication/
Best Regards,
Cory
