Technical and Scientific Writing: A Growing Field for English Graduates
According to Julie DeGalatan and Stephen Lambert (1994), many writers work in areas of technology and science: computer software firms, aircraft manufacturers, chemical producers, pharmaceutical companies, and other electronic and scientific producers. Industries needing and hiring technical writers include the following:
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Natural resources and energy
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Construction and related industries
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Industrial materials and components
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Production and manufacturing equipment
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Information and communication
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Transportation and travel
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Health care
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Financial services
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Business and professional services
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Public administration
(DeGalatan and Lambert 217).
Moreover, the development of hypermedia and the World Wide Web has created opportunities for people who can organize and present information. "Hypermedia publishing throughout the World Wide Web is increasing in popularity, in part because of the short lag time between authoring and dissemination," writes Bergon (121). Aside from computerized textual programs, there are also individuals working in high tech space programs and medical professions.
To get a sense of the wide variety of opportunities available to technical writers, look at the Society for Technical Communication Web site. Be sure to look at the help wanted ads maintained there. Also, you might want to look at two excerpts from writers explaining what they do. One writer is a member of a technical information team; another is an editor for a department of surgery in a teaching hospital.
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