Persons in this occupation are required to perform the following activities: obtain information, interact with computers, document information, communicate with a variety of professionals, evaluate information, think creatively, establish and maintain interpersonal relationships, and prioritize work. The work context involves telephone conversations, electronic mail, face-to-face discussion, a high amount of sitting time, freedom to make decisions and therefore the importance of being accurate, an indoors environment where the work can become repetitive.
Considerable preparation is needed for entry into this occupation, with a minimum of two to four years of experience recommended, on the basis of a four-year bachelor's degree. Technical writing is both an artistic and investigative occupation, in which the work styles are both adaptable and flexible, but also...
Initiative is also needed, and high level of tolerance for stress situations. The occupation growth is higher than average, at 21-35%, with a projected need of 26,000 additional employees (2004-2014).
The skill categories listed include basic skills, complex problem solving skills, resource management skills, social skills, systems skills, and technical skills. The technical writer needs a high level of basic, complex problem solving, social, systems and technical skills in performing the job requirements of the occupation. Basic skills are acquired during college or university study, whereas skill sets such as complex problem solving, social, systems and technical skills are accumulated during work experience and on-the-job training. When performed well, the job entails a high level of satisfaction and achievement.
