1. Technical Writer

2. Who am I? Technical Writer and Instructional Designer Education
Project Leader – IT Documentation and Student Programs at Parker in Mayfield Heights OH
Marketing Services Coordinator at Direct Supply in Milwaukee WI
Education
MBA from CWRU
BA in Organizational Communications from UWGB
Professional Organizations
STC: NEO Chapter Administrative Board
ASTD and Toastmasters

3. Definitions
Technical writing is a broad field including any form of communication that exhibits one or more of the following characteristics: (1) communicating about technical or specialized topics, such as computer applications, medical procedures, or environmental regulations; (2) communicating through technology, such as print documentation, web pages, help files, or social media sites; or (3) providing instructions about how to do something, regardless of the task's technical nature.

4. Examples of Technical Writing

5. Name a time when you referenced something written by a technical writer?

6. How is technical writing different from other types of writing?
The information is organized, presented, and communicated in a specific format.
The writing is concise, clear, and accurate.
The writing takes into account the audience’s needs, biases, and prior understanding.
The writing presents information to help readers solve a problem or gain a better understanding of a situation.
The writing conveys technical, complex, or specialized information in a way that is easy for non-technical reader to understand.

7. Technical Writing vs. Academic Writing
There may be multiple outputs (training guide, quick referenced guide, online help, etc.)
There is usually one output (term paper).
Style and Format: Defined
Style and Format: Undefined or Varies
Referenced
Read
Goal: Express
Goal: Impress
If successful: The output is reused for the lifespan of the product, reduces the number of help desk calls, and increases usage/sales of product.
If successful: The paper receives a good grade, and may not be read again.

8. How to get into the field?
Pursue a degree
English, Communications, Technical Communications
Take classes to augment your degree
CS or MIS, Business, Engineering, Science
Seek writing opportunities on/off campus
Newspapers, Friends in a band who need promo material, Student organizational fliers
Pursue Internships
Corporate, nonprofit, campus
Journalism, marketing, etc.
Get involved with Professional Organizations
STC, ASTD, etc.
Network
Have a Portfolio