Benefits of becoming a Technical Writer...........

Different ways to get into technical writing

1. By Accident - One may be in any field but still can start her career in technical writing by accident. Technical writing suits people who enjoy communicate and learning new stuff. If you like/love technology, you're half-way there, if not, chose another field.

2. Out of Manufacturing - As the US has began to lose its manufacturing jobs to China, India, and Eastern Europe, technical writing be be a great career option. Moving into technical writing is an exit route.

3. Career Choice - New technical writers (especially in India and China) have decided on Tech Comms as a career and taken the appropriate degrees, such as English, Communication and, in some cases, Journalism.

4. Career Change - Technical Writing (tech comms) is a very hot field in India, offering an attractive career for university graduates. Think Silicon Valley, late 90s and you get the idea.

One last thing

India has an advantage as its education system values/priorities maths, while most all young Indians speak English. So, it's a terrific combination. China, in contrast, lacks these language skills. So, the focus there is on development. India is going to get stronger and stronger, especially if the government fast-tracks infrastructure development. US technical writers will lose their jobs to India. I can guarantee it. It's a done deal.

But...

There are tremendous opportunities for those who have the gumption to move there and help develop this industry. India lacks experienced writers, projects managers and team leads. If you have these skills...