Learn how to develop, write and present information in a technical setting
Many experts believe we are living in a golden age of technology. Ongoing advances in health care, agriculture, resource preservation, transportation, education and other critical sectors of the world economy create massive buildups of information. Making sense of that information requires detail-oriented people who can think, teach and write. Add technological savvy, solid soft skills and a strong desire to learn and you have a technical writer.
Also known as technical communicators, technical writers make a great living in an occupation with an excellent employment outlook. According to ISEEK, technical writers in the seven-county metro area earn a median wage of more than $31/hour, or around $65,000 a year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job outlook for technical writers in the U.S. between 2012 and 2022 is expected to grow 15 percent, or faster than average.
Inver Hills Community College offers a 3-credit course called Introduction to Technical Writing that teaches you the core skills of technical writing. You will learn to develop, write and present information in technical settings, using graphics to enhance visual appearance and usability. You’ll work on a variety of assignments, including writing and revising technical reports and articles, procedures, and mechanism descriptions while exploring options for using technology to convey information efficiently and appropriately. Your instructor will focus on audience analysis and effective design as well as clear, concise and accurate expression.
ENG 1145: Introduction to Technical Writing
- ENG 0099: Introduction to Academic Writing (minimum grade: 1.67 GPA equivalent); OR
- ENG 0099: English Essentials (minimum grade: 1.67 GPA equivalent); OR
- EAP 0099: Academic Writing (minimum grade: 1.67 GPA equivalent)
MnTC Goals: Goal 02: Critical Thinking
ENG 1145 Course Outline
What will you do as a technical writer?
- Prepare instruction manuals, journal articles and supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily
- Develop, gather and disseminate technical information among customers, designers and manufacturers
- Research new technologies
- Review details of technical drawings or specifications
- Confer with clients to determine needs
- Compile technical information or documentation
To learn more about Introduction to Technical Writing at Inver Hills, contact: