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FACTOIDS:
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• The Society for Technical Writers has roughly 25,000 members.
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• If all the technical manuals used for launching the first space shuttle were piled on top of each other, they would reach almost twice the height of Chicago's Sears Tower.
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• Schools with technical communication courses grew from 50 in 1986 to 160 by 1996.
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- Technical writers put scientific and technical information into easily understandable language.
- They prepare operating and maintenance manuals, catalogs, parts lists, assembly instructions, sales promotion materials and project proposals.
- Technical writers also plan and edit technical reports and oversee preparation of illustrations, photographs, diagrams and charts.
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- Technical writers must be able to express ideas clearly and logically and should love to write. They are also often times required to have technical proficiency.
- Creativity, curiosity, a broad range of knowledge, self-motivation and perseverance also are valuable.
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- A college degree generally is required for a position as a technical writer. Although some employers look for a broad liberal arts background, most prefer to hire people with degrees in communications, journalism or English.
- Technical writing requires a degree in, or some knowledge about, a specialized field — engineering, business, or one of the sciences, for example. In many cases, people with good writing skills can learn specialized knowledge on the job. Some transfer from jobs as technicians, scientists or engineers. Others begin as research assistants or trainees in a technical information department, develop technical communication skills and then assume writing duties.
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- Demand for technical writers is expected to increase because of the continuing expansion of scientific and technical information and the need to communicate it to others.
- In addition to job openings created by employment growth, many openings will occur as experienced workers transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
- Turnover is relatively high in this occupation; many freelancers leave because they cannot earn enough money.
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Sources: Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics;
UselessKnowledge.com; Entrepeneur.com
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