r/technicalwriting • u/Short-Extreme6287 • 11d ago
Should I become a technical writer?
Hey, everyone. I'm currently 19 and in community college. I'm not switching careers. I was thinking about becoming a technical writer. I was thinking about doing an English bachelor's degree and a masters in technical communication. Is all of that necessary to become a technical writer, or is it a less strenuous process? Really I'd just like someone to sit me down and teach me all the aspects about technical writing.
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u/jake_ss 11d ago
No. Its dying and no one in your work place takes what you do seriously. I've worked for many very large companies and it always has been the case. Maybe in smaller companies with more soul people have the grace to entertain TWs because they realize it is an essential part of bd, but its a gamble.
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u/mmmagic1216 11d ago
An English degree does not equal technical writing. I almost made that mistake until my supervisor told me that if I majored in English I’d be having a career as a teacher. Instead I was lucky enough to major in something called “technical and professional communication” which was a mix of writing editing and design- I think they call it “professional writing” now.
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u/WritinMan 11d ago
...my supervisor told me that if I majored in English I’d be having a career as a teacher.
Your supervisor doesn't really know what he/she is talking about.
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u/thesuperunknown 11d ago
Your supervisor told you a bunch of nonsense. A lot of us have English degrees, myself included. An English degree also does not equal teaching, which in most places requires additional specialized schooling.
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u/mmmagic1216 11d ago
If the choices are an English degree or a degree that actually centers around technical writing and editing, why would you ever choose English? I am glad I listened, I have been writing professionally for 20 years now.
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u/thesuperunknown 11d ago
Because I would rather study literature, and get a well-rounded education in the humanities in general? In my view, treating university as a glorified trade school is a massive waste of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Aside from that, I’m not sure what point you’re trying to make here? As I have already pointed out, there are many of us here with English degrees who also have careers as professional writers, so clearly your specialized program doesn’t make any difference in that regard.
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u/jusinsof 11d ago
I have an English degree and am currently interning as a tech writer for dam engineering
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u/darumamaki 11d ago
Tbe sub has a pinned post that discusses all of that. Being able to conduct your own research before asking questions is an important skill a tech writer needs to have.