Send a note to Chris McKitterick, KU's technical-writing liaison and
instructor for all courses offered, if
you are interested in learning more about
technical writing or editing, or if you represent an organization interested
in working with well-trained interns.
These courses are designed for:
- Students expecting to write technical documents in their careers, especially those headed into the fields of science,
engineering, technology, and business. If you are earning a degree in
these fields, a solid TC background can really enhance your resume,
because many scientists, engineers, and businesspeople have little
experience with writing technical documents.
- Students interested in a TC career.
Full-time technical communicators work in the exciting worlds of science,
research, business, and industry, alongside experts in their fields. Experienced
technical writers with a strong portfolio of sample writing are always in
high demand, and they can earn as much as many engineers
and scientists. So if you're interested in science, high-tech, and
engineering breakthroughs but aren't interested in becoming a scientist or
engineer, TC might be for you! Check out the
STC's site
to learn more about this fulfilling career, and take a look at the
WinWriters' survey page to learn about what technical communicators earn
and think about their jobs.
-
Area professionals who need to increase their technical-communication
skills, increase their value to their organizations, or seek a means to move
either vertically or laterally in their workplaces. Most businesses require
employees to continually enhance their value to the company through personal
and career development. This includes learning new skills so employees
become more versatile. According to the University of Maryland - Baltimore
County, "Businesses complain that many of their employees, though college
graduates, cannot communicate effectively in writing. They are willing to
pay for this skill, so if you can write, you're ahead of the field. People
who can write are simply more effective at what they do than those who
can't."
Technical writing is a core business skill in high demand, yet few tech writers become
famous. They work hard, constantly need to learn new things, and
collaborate with all kinds of smart and difficult people. But they can also earn
a very good living and work at the forefront of technological and scientific change. If this
sounds exciting rather than harrowing, check out KU's technical-writing
program! It could lay
the foundation for wonderful things.
Chris McKitterick's email address: cmckit@ku.edu
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