Technical Writing on the Verge

by Ashley Love, UNT Student

If you ask someone whether they know about any good technical writing classes, they might look at you with a blank stare. In my experience, the field of technical communication is not one that is well known by students. Fortunately, in the year that I have worked for the Technical Writing Lab, I have been exposed to some great people and an even better career opportunity. Right now, I am a Public Relations major who is working on a minor in Spanish and—yes, oh yes—a Technical Writing certificate. I am almost half-way done with my certification and I feel that I have learned so much. Technical writing entails so much more than just manuals. That may be the basis, but it is the interesting stuff that I believe makes people want to learn more about the vast field of making things readable.

I have always loved design. I use to think it was something that you were born with. I have learned that with the right teachers and some constructive criticism, design gets better with time and practice. Design gives you so many creative outlets, and I believe it is interesting and different with each person.

The nicest thing about technical writing is the fact that this is the group that takes into consideration all the different people in our world and tries to make a universal language so everyone can understand. Being able to direct someone in doing something correctly is a difficult thing—especially if it is a 35-year-old man who is trying to assemble a little girl’s Barbie convertible.

I know that being exposed to such an up-and-coming profession gives me a certain edge in my field. I think of things in terms of my audience and the way they might be changed rather than just thinking it sounds good to me. Technical writing is a good subject for everyone to know a little something about. Without it, little girls around the world would be devastated due to their broken dream cars.