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Get high on writing

Meenakshi Ravi
Feb. 23 2006

It is a field that calls for deep understanding of technology and the ability to translate this technology into a language that is comprehensible to the layperson. Technical writing is integral to many industries, especially the Hi-tech sector, sciences, engineering and telecom. The possibilities of technical writing are immense. It can range from writing user manuals, installation and maintenance manuals, to online help sections among others.

With the booming IT sector, there are several new opportunities for technical writers. The U.S. Dept. of Labor’s “Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2002-03 Edition, Writers and Editors”, can be of use to those considering technical writing as a profession. Available at the website http://www.klariti.com/business-writing/Career-Outlook-Technical-Writer.shtml, this document states that, ‘many technical writers migrate into this profession from jobs as programmers, lab technicians, research scientists, or engineers’. The demand for technical writers, especially those with expertise in areas such as economics, biotechnology and medicine the article says, is expected to increase due to the continuing expansion in these areas.

The same is true even in India. There is immense demand for technical writers as is stated in the article ‘Careers in Technical Writing’ by Chandra Prasad at http://www.vault.com/nr/newsmain.jsp?nr_page=3&ch_id=409&article_id=1704393&cat_id=1831.This article is extremely informative and gives a brief outline of the nature of job, the qualifications needed and the career options available.

According to Mumbai-based technical writer, Gurudutt Kamath , at http://www.expressitpeople.com/20040105/careers1.shtml, hundreds of opportunities for technical writing are opening up, and every month, he says, several top recruiters ask him to recommend technical writers with experience. About the growth path for technical writers, he says, it starts from junior technical writer to senior technical writer, and finally documentation manager.

Regarding education for technical writers, Dr. Kiran Thakur, Professor and Head Department of Communication and Journalism, Pune, says that to cater to the demand for technical writers, several communication schools in the USA and UK offer full-time courses at undergraduate, graduate and Masters levels. Also, there are scholars carrying out studies for PhD degree. In India however, there are not many Universities offering courses in the subject. However, he says that Society for Technical Communicators, India, and Technical Writers of India have been active and have tried to introduce courses for training people in the subject. Dr. Thakur says that institutions and private enterprises like Technowrites, Pune, Documentation Research and Training Center (DRTC), IISc Proficience Continuing Education Program, TechnoPoint (all in Bangalore), S.A.International Limited, Chennai, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi and TASC Consulting Private Limited, Mumbai, have been offering courses, and trying to cope up with the demand for technical writers.

Details of a 160 hour certificate course for technical writers in Chennai have been given by Gurudutt Kamath at http://www.expressitpeople.com/20030915/careers1.shtml. Several courses are available abroad, but these often prove to be too expensive for Indian students. The Technical Writers of India (TWIN) mailing list has been instrumental in building a network of technical writers and the discussions on their mailing lists are very informative for budding writers. (http://www.tc-forum.org/topicspe/sa01tech.htm)

If you are good in English, love technology and think that you write well, technical writing may be a good career choice for you

Source: http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/feb232006/dheducation1040552006222.asp

Permeo Honored for Excellence in Technical Writing by STC Houston; Annual Competition Recognizes Remote Access and Information Security Leader with Two Awards

February 21, 2006

Permeo Technologies, the leading provider of on demand information security solutions, today announced its Senior Information Developer, Michael A. Torok, was selected as the winner of two technical writing awards by the Society for Technical Communication (STC) Houston. STC members honored Torok's technical publications for merit, excellence and distinguished communications.
Torok's Permeo Base5 Evaluation Guide received the competition's Award of Excellence and the Permeo Base5 Administrator Guide was given an Award of Merit. More than 110 entries were submitted to STC by individuals and teams representing a variety of companies and industries in the greater Houston area. STC's annual competition accepts entries from both members and non-members in three categories, including technical publications, technical art and online communication, each with specific sub-categories.

"As the world's largest professional association for technical communicators, we feel it's important to award individuals who stand out in terms of excellence in technical writing," said Cindy Pao, president at STC Houston. "Michael Torok was honored for his outstanding achievement in this area, receiving two awards for his Permeo Base5 product documentation."

"I am honored to be selected as a winner of this year's Technical Communication Competition," said Torok. "STC has created a valuable award program that recognizes individuals for their technical writing skills and highlights the importance of technical communication."

The award was given to Torok at STC Houston's annual awards banquet on February 3, 2006, at the Houston Club.

About Permeo

Permeo Technologies, a leading provider of on demand information security, provides a comprehensive remote access and information protection solution that safely extends corporate applications to mobile workers, business partners and customers. Our approach eliminates the risk of information leakage at the endpoint through a cost-effective, easy-to-use solution. Since 2001, Permeo has helped more than 250 of the world's largest companies secure their information and protect their assets beyond the borders of their enterprise. More information about Permeo can be found at www.permeo.com.

Source: http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20060221005108&newsLang=en