Are Technical Writers Needed in an Evolving Digital World?
Employment of technical writers is projected to grow at a rate of 11 percent from 2018 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. The demands of today's digital landscape require technical writers to develop and maintain documentation, make complex technical concepts accessible to a wide audience, and support product development with user guides, manuals, and other deliverables. So, while the need for technical writers will not disappear, the profession itself is undergoing significant changes and specializations.
The Persistent Need for Technical Writers
Technical writers are essential to documenting how to do things, describing technical concepts, developing materials related to technology or business processes, authoring reference material, and providing troubleshooting assistance. These tasks are fundamental to ensuring that users and businesses can effectively utilize technology. As technology continues to advance, the need for accurate, clear, and comprehensive documentation remains constant.
Evolution of the Technical Writing Profession
However, the profession is evolving and requiring a broader skill set. Technical writers must not only understand the technical aspects they are writing about but also be proficient in using advanced authoring tools, designing user-friendly information, and managing projects. They need to be able to deliver content across multiple formats including print, web, video, and more.
The audiences for technical writers are diverse, ranging from everyday consumers to technology experts, business leaders, scientists, and business users. This diversity requires technical writers to create a wide variety of deliverables such as user manuals, online help, job aids, installation guides, reference guides, code documentation, training guides, and more.
Challenges and Opportunities
One of the challenges technical writers face is the constant pressure to reduce documentation costs. Companies achieve this by reusing content, finding lower-cost resources, and downsizing during economic downturns. This means that technical writers often face the risk of layoffs. However, this risk is not unique to the technical writing profession; it affects all employees in technology companies.
The key to survival lies in continuously growing and becoming as valuable as possible. Adding diverse skills, staying informed about market trends, and finding opportunities in thriving industries can help technical writers thrive. As the profession diversifies, technical writers have the opportunity to transition into roles such as business analysts, information architects, user experience designers, project managers, IT managers, functional managers, instructional designers, and organizational change management leads.
A Promising Profession with Endless Possibilities for Growth
Technical writing is a rewarding and challenging profession, offering endless opportunities for growth. By embracing the evolving needs of the digital world and adapting their skills, technical writers can become invaluable assets in almost any industry. The transition from traditional documentation to a more versatile skill set not only enhances the profession but also opens up a universe of career possibilities.