Technical Communication is on the Rise
Technical communication is a key skill that encapsulates being able to effectively communicate technical information to audiences that may not otherwise understand the raw data. Today’s employers in a range of industries are looking for people at every level that are able to effectively communicate complex ideas. Between 2019 and 2022, job postings that included technical communication skills as a requirement for employment rose 24.9%, which is a substantial increase considering that there was only a 29.4% increase in total job postings. Let's dive into more information about this skill that can boost your resume and your career prospects.
What is Technical Communication?
Technical communication refers to communications that are about technical subjects such as engineering, science, technology, education, and more. This may be writing manuals for software or technical processes, or it may be about presenting information to your coworkers, employees, or employers. Since technical information can be very specific, it’s important to make sure that the wording and delivery methods are exact so that the correct information is being conveyed.
What Industries Use Technical Communication?
There are many industries that require employees with technical communication skills, whether that means that their main role is centered around technical writing or if it’s a useful skill to boost their overall ability to perform in a role. Some of the top industries that are looking for employees with technical communication skills include ones that you might initially think of such as manufacturing, scientific services, technical services, finance, and insurance. However, industries that you might not initially think need employees with technical communication skills that have job postings mentioning it as a required or preferred skill include educational services, health care and social assistance, public administration, and transportation and warehousing. Though all of these industries may need to use those skills in different ways, the overall ability to effectively communicate technical information can be applied to roles in all of these industries and more.
What Jobs Use Technical Communication?
The more obvious answer to the question of what jobs use technical communication skills would be roles such as technical writers, maintenance technicians and workers, service technicians, and mechanics in a variety of specializations. But did you know that technical communication is a commonly listed skill for roles such as deli and bakery associates, pharmacy technicians, and cake decorators? These roles require that the employees are able to communicate exactly what their customers need, whether that’s the correct dosage information and instructions for a patient to safely take their medication or a recipe with precise language so that employees are properly following the instructions and making food the correct way. Technical communication is not just about writing instruction manuals for computers or equipment repairs – it’s about making sure that information is being clearly communicated regardless of the intended use of that information.
Get the Technical Communication Skills You Need
Gaining technical communication skills is a great way to learn how to improve your ability to perform your job in a multitude of industries and fields. So whether you’re looking for your first job on a meaningful career path, want to switch industries, or you want to qualify for your next promotion, learning technical communication skills can help. If you don’t know where to start, RIT Certified’s Technical Communication Essentials course is the perfect first step to get hands-on experiential based training as well as the perfect tool to learn more about how technical communication skills can be used to further your career.