A Tech Writing Minors

Major Benefits

Why have an Enphasis in Tech Writing?

TheTiebreaker

Sometimes, having the right minor can serve as a

sort of tiebreaker between you and an otherwise
equally qualified competitor for the same job,
according to Doug Pitchford, a human resources
professional with Nidec-Shimpo America Corp.
in Itasca, Illinois.
If the applicants are similar in degree and experience levels, then the person with a minor in
business or marketing would have an edge over,
say, someone with a minor in history or music,
Pitchford says. More than likely in the interview
process, the person with a minor in business or
marketing will be better prepared to answer the
questions than the other candidate would be.

A technical writing degree will qualify you to

work in this ever increasing profession. If you
have a firm understanding of technological
and scientific subjects, have excellent communications skills and have multimedia experience, then a career as a technical writer may
just be the niche for you to fill.

The career choices for communications

professionals are incredibly diverse- every
business, sector and industry needs effective
communication to succeed.
Over $1 billion is spent annually on employee
and membership communications, and even
more goes toward external communications.

Most programs offer at least one internship,

which is where valuable ad experiential
learning takes place; its also an opportunity
to build up your technical writing portfolio.
Such hands-on training could also lead to a
future career with that employer.

How to Choose the best minor for you?

Employers suggest you select your minor for a
specific future company or industry you would
want to go into.
For example, someone with a bachelors degree
in computer information systems and a minor in
finance or accounting or business is great for our
company since those are the fields our clientele
are in, says Denny Voyles, a recruiter for the
Orlando office of London Bridge Group.
You can also choose a minor that seems a natural
complement to your major but at the same time
doesnt have too much overlap, says Voyles. For
example, pairing your advertising major with a
writing minor or your fashion design major with
a marketing minor.

Most technical writers work for technological

and scientific industries, including computer,
software, engineering, pharmaceutical and other
related manufacturers or companies. Other
careers include being employed as a technical
columnist or expert for a print or online publication or being the lead communications officer
for a university lab or hospital.

Technical writers may work for one sole

employer or as a freelancer. As more new
forms of multimedia develop, the demand for
technical writers will continuously increase.
According to the BLS, the number of technical writer jobs is expected to increase by 18%
over the next five to six years.

As of 2008, the median salary for technical

writers was around $61,000 with the potential
of making up to $100,000, according to the
BLS.
Specifically, technical writers working for
computer and software companies made
between $64,000 and $71,000; those who
worked for scientific and technical consulting firms made around $63,000; and those
for engineering and architectural firms made
around $60,000 on average.

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Tech Writing Minor
According to Tarleton State University

Tarleton not right for you?

Thats ok there are 64 schools within 200 miles of the 76402 zip code
with instructional programs in at least one of the following areas:
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Technical and Scientic Communication.

Improve Your
Major

If you choose the Technical Writing Minor, you will take

English 1113, 1123, and one sophomore literature course to
satisfy your core course requirements (9 hours).
You must also take English 3093: Technical Writing . Notice
that you probably have to take twelve hours anyway to meet
your degree program requirements.
You must then complete six hours of advanced English
chosen from the options below (6 hours).
Additionally, you get hands-on experience generating letters, memos, instructions, proposals, and reports in weekly
writing workshops your instructors conduct in computer
classrooms. This course begins you on the path to integrating your writing skills with computer technologies.
Your Choices
To complete the 18 hour requirement (9 core requirement
hours, English 309 and 6 advanced hours), you can choose
from the following courses:
English 310: Advanced Technical Writing and Editing
English 312: Graphics and Technical Writing
English 412: Technical Writing with Computer Applications (Desktop Publishing)
English 420: Writing for Electronic Mediums

Tarleton State Univeristys

guide to help you better
youre education!