I’ve always said the coolest part about being a writer in the technology field is that you are a “Jack of all Trades.” You have to be in order to keep up with the Developers, Project Managers, and Business Analysts. This is what makes us so valuable, and keeps the phone ringing when we have our resumes out there.

We have touched all kind of documents, even ones that really had nothing to do with IT or proposals. This is why we always have to keep learning because technology is ever changing so we have to keep up. Here are some things that will help you remain on top of your game.

Do You Know How to Read (Better Yet, Write) Code?

Before I embarked on my journey as a Technical Writer, I was majoring in Computer Science. I was also working part-time as a System Administrator. I loved writing code. The only problem was when I got pregnant with my son, while I was still in school, I really had to take a step back and think if this was the right field for me. In school, Computer Science majors have to dedicate 24 hours a week (even more than that) outside of school to learn programming languages. With a baby, there was no way I could do that. I luckily was able to transfer over to my second greatest passion, and I found a field that I was able to combine both. I know how to read and understand code. This is useful when developers are talking to me cause I can quickly pick up the logic of what they are trying to do.

Got HTML?

I’ve been obsessed with the Internet since the first time I got on. I quickly began creating (ugly) web sites all over the place. I bought tons of books on HTML, and I took online courses to learn CSS and XML. Everything is heading to the Web, even help materials. It’s easier when you know HTML to quickly create an online help system that will be beneficial to your users. You can even create a Wiki site because you can quickly Learn HTML, and better yet, learn CSS as well.

Shipley Process

Companies and government agencies love processes. You have CMMI, IPO-9001, Six Sigma, SDLC, etc. etc. etc. Proposal Writers, there is the Shipley Proposal lifecycle that you should be learning as well. It is best practices for business development and winning proposals. Yes, I have bought the book and are reading it. I just checked their site, and they even have an iPhone and iPad apps to aid you in the proposal writing process (where is Android? Hmmm…).

Photowhat?

Photoshop is a complicated application to learn. However, it is one that you should learn the basics of because you will be asked to manipulate images that you will be using for your documentation. Graphic designers are pretty busy, so you don’t want to harass them to do minor tasks that you can do yourself. Learn Photoshop and Illustrator. It will also give you some bragging rights.

Over-Analyzing Isn’t a Bad Thing

I love researching! If you want to be a great Writer in general, then you have to get out there and learn how to research. Not much else to say that about.

What other skills do you think Technical Writers need to learn?

Written by: Shevonne on May 12, 2011.
Last revised by: Shevonne on June 1, 2011.

Tags: shipley proposal process, Technical writer, writer analyst, writer database, writer developer, writer html